Air rush litium X Viral or rebel

[SonnyRider]

Try and get a demo on a 9m Wave as well, especially as you are on a surfboard

I think the 6 Lithium & a 9 wave would have you covered for a good range

[Westozzy]

Yep sonny rider is right, for weigh reasons I mentioned before. Plus the wave is a real wave kite, the lithuim is not.

[Dj A-Ron]

HI

Sorry, not tried the 9 or 10 Lithiums

I've had demo a 12 & 14 back to back and found the 12 was the better of the two. You could wang it around to generate power in the low end. I didn't have the wind for a top end test.
The 14 had more bottom end and had so much power. It is on the list to replace my zephyr

Hmmm.... I feel quit the opposite about the 12 & 14. I actually like the 14 better. For me it doesn't have enough power to be my light wind kite here in Michigan. I would be lost without a 17m kite in my quiver. However, when the wind picks up to a nice 18-20mph or so I am super excited to switch to the 14m Lithium! I can pull off way more tricks with that kite.

I had my 12m out on Kauai in. 25-32mph or so wind with 135x41 TT and didn't really feel way overpowered or anything. I'd guess that would be the top end of the 12m Lithium

[SonnyRider]

WOW!
You need 18 - 20 to get the best from the 14 Lith? You obviously weigh a bit

I found once it was in those winds it became hard work, the pull was relentless. But that is what a delta style kite does, give oodles of power.
The 14 was recommended to me to demo, because many people use it with a 9m as their quiver, they are heavy people, so need the bigger kite. But the delta style kite does not match my technique anymore
A delta style kite lets you get away with not being light on your feet, you can just dig in and have that monstrous power.

I prefer something that needs to be flown and encourages you being light on your feet making yourself more efficient. Sure you still need to edge, but it's easier to kill off the power.
I very rarely use the depower straps. Even when overpowered I prefer to not use them. I either hang on, or come in and choose the correct size kite

And that's the thing, the way we are all so different and our styles \ technique is so different than each other.

Just because kite 'A' is good for me, doesn't mean it is for you. You might like kite 'E'

Having a demo of of the kites you're interested in should help you find what it is you are looking for

One more important thing bigger people need a completely different kite over smaller people.
Over the years I have got better and I am much more efficient so I am more keen to fly smaller kites. This has given me the technique to improve my kite & board skills. Where I can use the same size as lighter people or the people on a SB when I'm on a TT
My first year I lived on a Zephyr, using it in 25mph winds. Now I hate using it in anything higher than 20

So, putting it back on topic. Denise should try a 9 Lithium or 9 Wave. Yes, the Wave is a Wave kite, a damn fine Wave kite at that. But it is also an outstanding freeride kite capable of working with a surfboard or a TT

My GF was using the 9 Wave yesterday in 14 - 23mph winds. I was on the 12m Wave. Both on TT

[sarc]

Hi guys just reading these posts I wonder of you have flown a Rebel before? If not do yourself a favor and try it out... although nothing wrong with Airush for sure.

[UKSurf]

My own experience of the VarialX is it is a great allround kite that will really boost. Only thing I can really compare it to is the RPM, although I definitely prefer the feel and performance of the VarialX. Not a big fan of the depower system on the Air rush bar is the only negative comment I have about it. Probably doesnt have the low end of the Rebel and likes to be powered up like other Open-C type kites (RPM, C4 etc) - but wouldnt say it has bad low end and goes upwind well in lighter winds and is comfortable to fly when over powered.

[Westozzy]

Hi guys just reading these posts I wonder of you have flown a Rebel before? If not do yourself a favor and try it out... although nothing wrong with Airush for sure.

Yep, owned the 2012. Flew the 2014...wow talk about smoothness, up and through the air. I was really impressed with this kite. Thinking of getting one to run alongside my dices for some old school stuff I was that impressed. Even with all it's aspect it was so predictable through the air with so much feedback during the glide phase.

But for waves ...only if you must. Swapped out for a SB I the same session and both my bro and I quickly found its limits. Unless of course you are pro ride like on those clips who could bloody well ride any kite in the waves.

The new Varial x also is a great kite but not for waves really, again it finds it's limits quickly.

Sonny rider is spot on with his last post, unless you are a heavy guy you'd better be very sure of getting a bigger lithium. How much does the author of the post weigh, he's a fly weight. Way too much pull in the waves in my opinion at 75kg and the guys 64!! That doesn't mean it's a crap wing it's awesome actually, bit to doesn't suite light riders unless in the very Small sizes when this impact becomes less obvious.

Honestly this guy needs to seriously consider the wave on a SB. Drive that thing as hard and as fast as you want and it just pops into place and never takes you off your line. It's really a sweet kite hey.

[windtzu]

Hi Denise, I'm a little closer to your weight at 72 kg / 158 lbs, so perhaps this will help. I have a 2013 Lithium 12 & 9 meter, and an 013 6 meter Varial X.

The 12 is my go to light wind kite with a kite surfboard in as low as 10 or so plus knots through the upper teens (ideal max for me) and low twenties (if I have to - flat water small twin).

My 9 meter Lithium is a relationship of love, and then sometimes overwhelm. The nine is one of my favorites in its range. At my weight - 16 up to low 20's (let's say 22 knots). If the needle ticks to let's say 22-24...While it's a very controllable and of course well mannered, it's a beast in terms of power. Like Westozzy says, the Lithium is like putting a diesel in a scooter. If I had the body mass to match, I could squeeze more range out it's upper end. But I don't, so it's having me consider something that will better close the gap between it and my 6 meter Varial (btw, love this kite in 26 plus up to and beyond crazy wind - 40 kn).

I don't know if the 8 m Lithium shares the same grunty nature like the 9 or the 12 m and therefore limitations in terms of top end.

So per others recommendations, I'm looking at the 9 meter Airush Wave (it's suppose to have a better upper range vs the Lithium) or perhaps squeezing in an 8 meter Varial between the 9 m Lithium (so hard to let go of this kite - it's my "binky") and the 6 Varial.

All said, I don't think you can go wrong with the Lithium either. It's just more of a grunty sort of wing and personal preference.