Just from experience, anyone have an idea which kite would give a better bottom end? I ride the shinn w18 speedball at 87kg, I already have the edge 9 and 11, and they have such a great low end, any feedback would be great, what would you pick, 2013 zephyr, or just edge 13 kite only to save on the $?
Cheers
Hey mate
I have 2013 edges (9, 11 & 13m) and also 2013 Zeph........weigh in at about 107kg, also ride Shinn boards, dundee, monk and W18 speedball 
My personal opinion would be the Zephyr over the 13m, too much overlap, the Zeph has a great top end too, so easily switch down from the Zeph to the 11m.
And I run a 13 edge and not a zep.....
Ultimately the zep has a better low end. But not by much 1-2 knots. But the 13 edge has a way better top end, maybe 5 knots?
For me I choose the 13 edge because my local is prone to starting 12-13 knots and then build past 20 some times up to 25. I can fly the 13 edge right through that range. Then zep would be too much 20+ In my opinion.
Getting the 13 edge will give you a sweeter kite selection in the mid range and not bad bottom end.
Getting the 17 zep will give you a better low end but your'l be overpowered or changing down kites sooner.
Lastly. The shin speedball is not a light wind board. Getting a dedicated light wind board will get you a better lower end than buying a bigger kite to drive the less efficient board. buying a light wind board will be the cheapest solution.
Ps I'm 82kg. I also miss my 11 edge!....
Are you kiting in current/swell?? The zephyr will give you more static grunt in those conditions. If on flat water there's not much in it...
Select to expand quoteste said..
Just from experience, anyone have an idea which kite would give a better bottom end? I ride the shinn w18 speedball at 87kg, I already have the edge 9 and 11, and they have such a great low end, any feedback would be great, what would you pick, 2013 zephyr, or just edge 13 kite only to save on the $?
Cheers
I would say that Zephyr is the call. Your high end on it is 19-20 knots and that's easily in the territory of your 11m. It's an easy jump between those sizes and it's worth it to have the extra low end (I would say and extra 3-4). As Plummet said though, your Speedball is not a lightwind board and a dedicated LW board can make a big difference. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Thanks for the advise, I have to say, the w18 is great in the low end I'm talking about, I know race boards are a lot better, but I'm really not that interested below 13 knots, looking for the 13 to 18 range, and still be freeride fun.
How does the zeph jump?i believe it has a bit more power and upwind ability?
13-18... go the zep then. Speed ball still ain't flash at the bottom end. A bigger squarer tipped TT will give you a couple of knots lower end without changing kites.
Have you Had a go on the speedy plums, I can tell you from experience, it has a great low end mate, I find it has the low end but more fun to carve and just feels smaller than a big door, would reach for the w18 for sure, just can't decide on the kite.
Select to expand quoteste said..
Thanks for the advise, I have to say, the w18 is great in the low end I'm talking about, I know race boards are a lot better, but I'm really not that interested below 13 knots, looking for the 13 to 18 range, and still be freeride fun.
How does the zeph jump?i believe it has a bit more power and upwind ability?
Hey mate, 96 kegs here with the Zeph and 11m edge, both are 2013 models. I'm into freeride, big boosts, looping and pimped out transitions also just venturing into board offs.
The Zeph is great for jumping, heaps of hangtime and everything happens a bit slower, which is awesome for practicing ur moves. It's not a boost machine like the edge, but it does jump well and like ur self I don't bother under 13 knts. The edge is only a fairly recent addition for me having had the Zeph for about 6 mths. I used to take the Zeph out to about 23 knts but now that I have the edge, I pack the Zephyr away at 18 knts 
I haven't got a dedicated light wind board as such, just an old strapless SB and a 138 twinnie so can't comment on ur boards
Hope this helps.......
Select to expand quoteste said..
Have you Had a go on the speedy plums, I can tell you from experience, it has a great low end mate, I find it has the low end but more fun to carve and just feels smaller than a big door, would reach for the w18 for sure, just can't decide on the kite.
Yep. Only a short go in 12-13 knots/13 edge (mines and old 2010 7 strut edge). It sure is a fun board. But on that day I had my coffin lid board out 145x45. On the speed ball I couldn't stay upwind but easily could on the coffin lid.
Personally I jump on my coffin lid sub 15 knots and enjoy finless sledging around in the waves. 16+ plus I'm on my mutant. If I had your set up I'd do the same thing. sub 15 door. 16+speedball.
How many more kots low end would the zeph give you gilly, than the 11?
Cheers for all the replies guys!
yo ste , take the blinkers off and look around, the 14 rpm, the wainmann big mama, rebel 14, these will give you a similar bottom end to a 13 edge but a lot more dynamic , the bigger you go with the edges the slower the redirection, which gives less height, I used to look for a kite thatd give me a ride in the lowest winds possible, now id prefer to have a powered ride and sit out the real light winds, the new zeph gets fun from 14 knts but gets a bit heavy around 20plus, something like an rpm 14 would still be fun in 20plus, worth a demo this option cheers mick
Well I have had some of my best boosting sessions on the 13 edge. unless the newer models are worse? surely they are better? 20 knots on a 13 edge boosting off a head high wave is a magical thing.
Select to expand quoteste said..
How many more kots low end would the zeph give you gilly, than the 11?
Cheers for all the replies guys!
Would have to agree with KP, around 3-4. Upwind ability is great, but not as good as the edge. I would also have to agree with cauncy that it does get a bit heavy but I think that has to be expected from big kites, just need to do some more gym work.......
I'm with u plummet, nothing like charging into the face of a wave and boosting to the moon 
