Forums > Kitesurfing Gear Reviews

2014 Airush Lithium 14m

Reply
Created by elhucko > 9 months ago, 26 Feb 2014
elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
26 Feb 2014 11:11AM
Thumbs Up

Rider: 95kgs, intermediate
Style: Freeriding, Surf, Freestyle
Weather: 12-20 knots
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: All my kites are airush, bought them with my hard earned money. Im happy with the company, thats why I got a new one

My Comments:
I really like this kite. I have a 2011 Varial in 10m, a 2012 Lithium in 6m and just sold my 2010 Varial 12m and got the 14m to get more low end...
Lots of people say that a gap of 4m is a way too big, but i think it works well with those kites and the board selection I have.
Im riding a 135 xenon laluz and just bought a north nugget.

The 2014 Lithium 14m is a kind of kite, that pulls you. Its pretty much park and ride, but you can and sometimes need to work it as well.
Compared to the Varial you just park the kite and ride, which I think is fine cause I use it as a light wind kite.
It has massive power, its easy to edge and go upwind. The boost is massive...!!!!
I always heard that the Varial is the boost machine, but man, that 14m goes high and gets you down soft and smooth.

The Airush people told me that the 14m Lithium is well suited for bigger guys and it gets you easy through a turn and hod the power. Its all true.

Was out yesterday in some waves, straight onshore wind, wind was supposed to be around 13knots, so I started on the 14m Lithium. Had a great session, easy to go upwind, kites is very fast for a 14m. I guess faster than my older 12m Varial.
Felt overpowered later the day and changed to the 10m Varial.
At the beginning I couldnt get up going cause I wasnt used to work the kite soo much (-:
But got back into and onto it. Had a great day.
Easy to say that the Varial is more like a "play" kite, you need to work it all the time (as a heavier guy), which I like and dont mind.
But for the lighter wind days I think the Lithium is great. And if I cant get going on the twin tip i just change to the nugget and can go in light winds.

windtzu
93 posts
27 Feb 2014 1:11AM
Thumbs Up

I'm lighter than yourself at 72 kg and have same experience with the 2013 12 m Lithium. Right around 12 knots I can get going on my Airush Cypher 5'6 (not too dissimilar in size to the Nugget) ripping upwind without a hitch. Aside from the Lith's generous power, I'm impressed how nimble-quick it is for a 12 meter kite. Not bad. Way livelier than my Cabrinha Switchblade, and with more power.

I too have a smaller Varial 6 m, which is as you say definitely a "play" kite. I can park the Varial when it's well into it's power zone but unlike the Lith, it won't tolerate lulls without moving it again.

Last Sat. I had my 9 m Lithium out with the Cypher when everyone else was on 12 and 14 meters riding twins. It was blowing 15-19 mph (13 to 15 knots) with an occasional 20 plus gust. I was planing most of the time and one of the few to stay upwind. Sure the big flatter rocker surfboard made a difference, but the Lithium's power didn't hurt. I could have pumped up the 12 m Lithium and been really well powered, but I really didn't need it.

I just bought a 2013 9 meter Airush Wave to replace my 9 m Lithium - was looking for something that has a higher wind range to close the gap with the Varial 6 m. As you probably already know the Lith's achilles heel is it's upper wind range - too much oomph. But after my last two sessions on the 9 m Lith, I'm not so sure I'll be eager to sell it. At least I don't have to sell it right away. Maybe I'll keep both depending on my moods. The 9 is my most used kites.

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
27 Feb 2014 10:28PM
Thumbs Up

Yes, the Lithium has plenty of power. And the good thing is its windrange (especially the 14m).
Had the kite out when the wind was picking up a bit. Just standing on the beach, pulling the bar, and off I went with my 95kgs. Its pretty impressive.
And I really love that its soo fast. Doesn't feel like a big kite.
Thought about the wave as well, but the Lithium was better for me cause of its low wind range.
What do you think about the wave?

SonnyRider
92 posts
28 Feb 2014 6:57PM
Thumbs Up

I have a 2013 9m Wave & a 2014 12m Wave
The 9m is an absolute peach, massive range, when I'm flying it, it is directly attached to my brain

I've had a demo of a 2014 12m & 14m Lithiums. Both at the same time and for a few sessions (about 3 weeks)
The 12m was the better one of the two IMHO as you could work it for that little more low down and the top end was better than the 14, no schit sherlock ;)
The 14 was a complete power house, amazing bottom end, turned fast. Was a good kite, but the 12 was better due to being able to kill off the power easier so making it more usable IMHO
That said, I wouldn't mind a 14m Lithium in my quiver, or the 12

I would also like a 14m Varial X in my quiver. Another amazing kite with a massive range. Doesn't have the bottom end like the Lithiums tho' But another awesome kite. Had on demo for a couple weeks

I'm not so keen on the pull and go delta style of kite. I know some are, but they aren't really for me. I prefer the Varial X and wave kites as they respond well to working it and the more you get it working, the better that are. They get better and better as the wind picks up

But Lithiums make good light wind machines for sure

I weigh in at 97kgs and the GF is 60kgs. She flys Varial X, 6, 8 & 10
I would like to change my 14m Catalyst for a 14m Varial X and my Zephyr for a 14m Lithium. Or maybe a 15 VXR (yet to demo)

<edit> (I had the 9m wave on demo for about 2 months. I bought as I didn't want to give it back)

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
28 Feb 2014 10:30PM
Thumbs Up

I havent had a chance to demo the kites and had to trust other people. But for me the 14m Lithium works well. Really nice low wind range.
I like that a lot.
I usually prefer to work the kites more, but as a low wind option I think its a great kite. And the boost is just amazing.

Would love to demo the waves as well.



Subscribe
Reply

Forums > Kitesurfing Gear Reviews


"2014 Airush Lithium 14m" started by elhucko