Hi Bryan and all, I'm 88kg dry and have used the Pyro for over 30+ sessions, after using the Flow v1, BRM, Frigate and Ozone PR. Code foil riding, bay bumps and ocean swell, DW and surf.
In quick summary, I have found the Pyro the best balance of all of these. If you've used the above, you know the trade off, where as the Pyro for me doesn't have trade off, it's just has very enjoyable riding features.In regards, to what I called the A1, A2, lines but Brandon calls the A1 and B risers, this is a actually a design feature, not a flaw/negative IMO.
The extra lines give huge amounts of profile stability, which holds its shape and gives you better upwind. It's designed to stowed of the A1 lines, which is a very easy kill in all wind strengths. If you've even been over powered on a para and or dropping into a critical wave/section, not getting a full kill, like on the Frigate, with a big mushroom that catches wing and can re=open, it's a huge plus and I can safety feature in waves that I ride. I can't personally afford to have ribs re-open and pull me off balance. I'd personally take the extra lines all day, every day.
In regards to the line stiffness, I used the PR once and had SOOO many tangles on just one run, I gave it back to my friend and haven't used or wanted to use it again since. I totally get the softness on the hands, but no line coating means tangles on near every chance it gets. So again for me, as you say, I'll take redeploy rate all day. I agree with with knots on the hands if you grab the A1/2, but again, use the A1 and just take your time on the wing tip collection or I've seen many guys use a O ring type set up or even some tape to give their fingers a break, as yes wet hands and soft skin and high use can have a abrasive affect.
Your run upwind angles look great! I personally haven't found the Pyro slow at all and my VMG,, I find, is very good. I'd have to back to back with the PR, but to me it's comparable without all the line length and tangle trade offs. Relapse above actually pulled 25 knots on a 4m and a Code 500S, so the top end and upwind angles is definitely there for high VMG. Gunnar Biniasch ( kitechino) on insta actually helped design this and was a tester with Brandon, who explains all of the way better and more technical than I can below. Gunnar was a kite race foiler and designer of both kite and foils, so I feel like his influence into this with Bill the designer is why it took a while to come out, as he wouldn't let it out until it had all the features he valued, which I am on the same page with.
The 5m will be out soon, they've done some nice bridle tweaks to increase the bottom end, to make it maximise light winds, but not be 'heavy' like a frigate with it's canopy material.
I think something that's over looked for riders and it's beginners, is the Pyro want to 'self fly' fly and be stable. When I stack, I just hold my hand up 'lady of the lake' Excalibur style and there it is, still flying, sitting there waiting for me to get my act together haha. I think that's invaluable for light wind, beginners and even just walking out with your kit under your arm and para sitting stable above your head.Anyway, that's my two to four cents haha, it's very enjoyable exciting space and I've learnt all my skills on the Pyro and it's exceeding my expectations and skills, so can't see me changing it and why I'm happy to recommend it to beginners and advanced. Just looking forward to the 5m being at 88kg plus winter gear and not wanting to upsize my foil.
Enjoy the Hood Bryan, amazing place. Maybe track down Brandon and have a chat/demo with the 5m.Cheers
