Hey all.
I've been kiting very intermittently for the last 7 or 8 years (about twice per year, sad I know). I'm about 100kg. I have been using a 2008 north rebel 12m the whole time but have recently ordered 10m and 12m 2016 blade triggers with the intention of starting to take it more seriously and get good.
My question is, do the modern kites have any more power compared to the old kites of the same size? I could only ever use my old North in almost 20 knots but I'm hopping the new trigger will get me up and going in slightly lighter winds. Am I right in assuming this?
Cheers,
Grant
Hi Grant
Having ridden Triggers for a couple of seasons, I can tell you they're great kites, but a 12m won't get a 100kg rider going in sub-20 knot winds. I weigh 72kg and rode my 12m in 16-20 knots. Any more than that, I switched to a 9m.
The Trigger was designed with a slim leading edge and 3 slim struts, making it quite light and fast, but not as grunty as a 5-strut kite such as your Rebel. At 100kg I'd be sticking with Rebels or Cabrinha Switchblades, and for sub-20-knot conditions even going bigger than 12m (assuming you're on a twintip). Some heavier riders / 5-strut kite owners should be able to give you a better idea.
Good luck with your kiting!
I'm thinking that kites have gotten lighter and have wider wind ranges.
I don't think they have gotten more powerful in general terms. Your still using a 10m in the same winds.
Select to expand quotecauncy said..
It's 2017 numpty 
Which in kiting terms means its actually 2018
Select to expand quotetheDoctor said...
Yeah, but in w.a, it's more like 2005
Wind feels that way
I like being behind the times doc
I'd say some models have as much if not more
Just today's kites are more usable with the power, for sure things have changed but imho the major advances weren't between 08 and 2016 , it was before that, some kites have got softer over years and then return back to how we liked (2013 rebel ) as an example
I started in 2009 on a 2008 12m Cabrinha Switchblade.
I think around 2010-11 there was a step change in LEI design. You will notice better upwindability, wider wind range and better handling, but i doubt you will find much difference in power.
Just curious why not stick with the Rebel's?
I upgraded from my Switchbalde to 2011 Rebel's and still think the Rebel is one of the best allrounders out there.
What Sylk said was pretty good.
The power is about the same, but because the modern kites go upwind better and are more refined and stable you can get away with a smaller kite especially if you have a big board.
Basically I was just in the market for an upgrade. Found a good deal on a couple of 2016 triggers for a similar price that I'd spend on just one other kite. I read some good reviews, so thought I'd give it a crack!
Thanks mate. Already got the triggers , so too late now! I might have to invest in a fat lady or a 14m for lighter winds. Hopefully the triggers for alright despite the 3 strut design!
Cheers for the responses guys and girls. I can't wait to give the new kites a crack. Hopefully the better range and upwind ability of the modern kites will give me a bit better ride in those borderline conditions.
