I just got hold of a new 6m wave kite and gave it a test run today. I am comparing it to the 2013 model and I didnt pay retail for it.
Firstly in the air it looks a little more boxy than the 2013, other than that it is hard to tell the difference. The bar is a different colour, but the graphics are very similar on the kite.
It does fly slightly different to last years, but it in degrees, nothing major.
It does fly slightly slower around the wind window, it isnt quite as zippy as last years. I think for me it made it feel slightly smoother. Dont get me wrong, it is still a fast flying kite. You can get to where you want it with ease, if your getting a big pull, sheet out and the power is gone so you can line up a section. If you want some extra speed, sheet in, dive the kite and your flying along.
I use it as soon as sand is starting to blow on the beach, thats about 18kts. (70kg)
I've had my 7/9/12 Waves out a few times each now, so thought I'd offer my first impressions.
The build quality of these kites is first rate & from all the reinforcing they look as though they could handle a beating If you dropped one in the surf. The bar has soft bar ends so should be more forgiving if it comes in contact with your surfboard, also a nice feature I found was the double depower rope with the safety line running in between - this set up to me seems smoother & with less friction than the single rope setups I've used previously.
Have not had the 9 or 7 out in solid conditions yet but in their lower end they have flown nicely balanced straight out of the bag.
Had the 12m out yesterday on a d-winder riding a north Nugget 5'0, I'm 75kg wind was mostly around 12-16 knots and could hold my ground with little effort. The 12 turns quick enough but it's more of a park'n'ride kite compared to the 7/9 kites, they all drift nicely and have that on-off switch.
Pros, build quality - performance
Cons, has pulleys - no high volume inflation system
So far very happy with my new quiver
