Fuel 08' set up...

Hi Mike,

I had an '08 9m. Flew it with the 5th line. I flew mostly on the middle setting (freeride). I found the surf setting had no power so only used it when it was really nuking or on a surfboard when I wanted more depower.

If I was going to be a bit underpowered, I used the wake (rear) setting. This has less depower and slower to turn.

So:
Wake: most power, least depower, slower turning, heavier bar
Freeride: medium power, good depower, good turning, good bar pressure
Surf: least power, best depower, faster turning, least bar pressure

If you are unhooking and there is plenty of wind I'd use the freestyle setting. If all your lines are even, use the same knots front and back. If I am going to be overpowered I'll shorten the front lines 1 knot to get more depower, or if I am underpowered I'll sometimes lengthen the front 1 knot but this means you need more trim to unhook so you don't stall the kite.

I only ever reverse launched the '08 9m off the beach and found it not too good - never did it on the water. I have reverse launched the '09 9m on beach and water and it is easier. If I ever ditched the 5th I'd relaunch old school - pull the bar in over my head and then swim towards the kite to get it on its back, then usual relaunch.

Hope this helps,
James