Have only been kiting for a few months and to keep costs down a bit I initially purchased just one kite to use with a TT in typically around 18-25 knots. I went with a Wainman Smoke due to the durability, fairly broad wind range and possible use on the flat and in the surf (when I get more experience).

Am really loving the sport and the kite (currently using it in 18knots to 30knots) but am finding that there are often days around 12-17 knots where I can't get out so am thinking of biting the bullet and buying a bigger kite so I can cover a wind range of around 12-28 knots with the two kites.

Have read a variety of threads about the importance of boards not just kites in lighter winds but I'd prefer to go with another kite and was thinking of an around 12M or 13M depending on brand. I weigh 80kg and ride a 137/41 TT and ultimately aim to spend probably 70% time on the flat and the rest in the surf.

I suppose my intial thoughts are to go with a Wainman Boss (happy with the smoke, grunty, familiarity, surf pedigree etc) but I'd like to explore other options to make sure I'm not limiting myself. Have read various posts on Switchblades, Lithiums etc but the 13M Ozone Edge seems to have really good reviews on SB and elsewhere (nice boosting, stable but still good turning) and it seems like they will both cover a similar wind range.

So question is which one?? Other kites that will be better than those two?

CHEERS!!

Cheers Eppo.

Yeah have been really impressed by the versatility of the smoke. The ease of altering the settings for wind range/handling is bloody great so I suppose if the boss will be the same then you're right on being able to cover a truckload of perth conditions with those two.

Had a quick chat to someone the other day about the boss and they mentioned it stalled a fair bit.....couldn't go into detail so not sure if it was just when they tried to use it in conditions too light or oversheeting etc. I suppose any kite will do that in these circustances...certainly couldn't find much info online to support that / make me concerned.

Yep Coleman makes a lot of sense there. Yep the 11m has a huge wind range for sure, awesome size. Also he's right on the opposite style of kite thing. I have got on the wainmans a fair bit and they are such a great kite, that pack a lot of punch and for me free riding in the surf, the wainmans excel.

Hey nice post on K2H'S babble....

Yeh the 13m is still an awesome kite but the boss will allow you to maintain the same style you employ with the smoke.

yeh interesting combo coleman...

Agreed the 9m is indeed the sweetest. My bro and I are always licking our lips when the sand starts to really sting ya legs. Yeeeeehaaaa.

Still maintain the 10 would have the good qualities of both the 11 and 9!!

pedleym said...
these kites are apples and oranges
Boss Low aspect delta bucket type kite
sits back in the window giving nice consistant pull
loved my series 1 boss such a well behaved kite(Its like it knows where u want to go)
all the back stalling issue is is the light wind knot is too sheeted in
iv always just used the middle or the end knot. (my gen2 smoke do it more than the original)

the high aspect edge
this kite will hunt for the edge(no pun) of the window giving good upwind drive
they require some good flying skills to make the most of them they will get going in light winds with the right technique.
i hated my nitro(very simiar to they edge) when i first got it, as my flying skills where not that good and found i needed alot more wind to fly.but this kite took my flighing skils to a new level and could get going comftably in about 12 knots on a skim

id probably look at the boss get your kite skill up and see what direction you want to take from there wainmans are a very well made kite and will last a few seasons.
P.S the wainman bags **** over any other bag including the new ozone bag
just a pet hate of trying to be carful with the kite then having manhandle it into a bag.

Good points. Been ona nitro once...yes it is a very high aspect kite like the edge, but far more ...intense. The edge is more mellow and controllable than the nitro. The edge is far more easier to fly than what I personally thought it would be. My brother calls it effortless and I agree.

Yeh the wainmens have a crazy bottom end hey. My mate has been on his nine when we are on our 11m edge...(was consistent wind)...then again when he is on his boss (just like the other day) we are also on the 11m edge (but then again he can hold the boss in good winds as he is a very good rider). it has an enormous wind range if you learn to use it.

Think we all agree..the boss is the way to go, given all variables.

Already out - white edition & they look pimp

C4 is the better kite? Better kite for what? it's not a 'better kite' its a better kite for unhooked freestyle. The earlier models were great for free riding. Not anymore. There are better kites for this style now the wainmans one of them for sure.