my first wave kite when I had any semblance of skill was an Airush Vapor I and up until my latest kite was my favourite all time kite. I had a lot of fun on a 10m Flysurfer Pulse 2, Airush Flow, Airush Vapor II and a couple of other kites. As stamp said though conditions and styles account for the kite wether its a park and surf day or use the kite to move around the wave.

Right now I am really liking my Wainman Smoke - amazing bottom end for a 9m kite.

Try lots and you will soon find what suits you!

Confused now ??
you asked for the best 12 in the waves, however for the best perfomance your going to need a quiver end of story !
Def try rpms they go sick in the waves,you cannot beat being on the right size kite for the conditions period.Try b4 u buy !!

try a 9.5m-11.5m kahoona if you want grunt and drift. relaunches very well.

Hi Howea

I’m 92kg and would use a 7 on 15-20+knots (you use a 12), and a 9, from about 12-16+ knots. Are you riding a surfboard or a twinnie?

cross on is a really hard direction to ride, especially in anything over 2-3ft. i doubt you will find a kite that drifts down the line in those conditions, you will have to constantly work it, keep tension on the lines, and always have lots of speed.

if its cross on i move to another break where its cross shore or have a session on the twintip/skate

Well I think you guys have this topic covered very well, But what I did want to add was that we have a kite review in our up and coming mag that should hit the stores very soon!! It will cover all the 2011 models and some boards. So grab yourself a copy and see what’s coming out for the New Year. You crew can than tech out all you want about the kites till your blue in the face but for us, we will be on the water……..See ya out there.
P.S Rowdy the pre 2000 kites you forgot to add the C Quad what a top little relaunch kite that was…..hahahaha

stamp said...

i'm sure it will be the usual balanced and non-biased reviews we have come to expect from kite mags

I agree but I don't think its biased to any brand they just don't want to upset whatever brand gave them the kite.
It would seem that many don't understand how different design effect what

NJPornstar said...

I believe a black and yellow one.

Red ones are best

JohnT, your a legend, I can't believe your riding a 7m in 15-20knts and your around 92Kgs?

I reckon your right about the rocker, mines pretty flat though, the design is a "Flyer" by Al Merrick 6'1 x 19 x 21/2, so pretty wide and thick, does the trick

I wish I could fly a 7m in 20knts. I think my main problem is, (kite) surfing in winds that are predominantly cross-on (this time of year) and the shape of kite I'm riding.

This forum has sparked a great discussion on all aspects of what makes a good wave kite and has given me insight on how to progress in how I want to kite.

The Best kahoona's looks great as do the OS's, Griffin Agro, 2011 Slingshot Bandit and S/S Rally, RPM, Wainman Smoke , they all seem like great wave kites. Which one though? 'That is the question'.

I'll demo them all if you let me, then I can tell you how they fair.

I'm sure this disscussion can go-on-and on (and so it should), lets all find the best wave kite out there

I'll post a reply when I find a 'the' one.

Cheers guys, thanks for all your input.

^^^^ surfing the last week you say???
I heard kitehard had been doing it hard there for the last few months.
The light 3 strut kites do seem to drift and turn very well.
If your really serious about testing them all howie fly over for the Exmouth Expo and have a holiday while your here testing all day every day. Oct 2 to 8

Mate that photo's great, makes you want to get out there now and crank round that section in front of you.
Love to be at the Exmouth expo in October, umm very tempting never been to WA.
Whats the go with that? any advise on the Expo?

I'll check out the Catalyst.

Thanks again.

The one that rides best in the waves for YOU.

I'll vouch for NJPornstar, love my 7m OS.

Its an addiction.

Cheers
Rich

I've been using the argo 10 as my main wave kite for the last year and its great,I love the park and ride nature of the kite and how you can run at it and it drifts back without stalling,like the guys say though everyones different so try as much as you can ,have been also testing the new 10.5 Griffin Chimera the past few weeks and its also a great surf kite,no pulleys and direct rear, so you can switch it on and off like a light,i'd definately try and get a ride on one if i was you.

I too fly the 9m argo ,and i find it great in the waves, but each to there own /