Forums > Kitesurfing General

looking for lightwind kite airush

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Created by elhucko > 9 months ago, 20 Jan 2014
elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
20 Jan 2014 10:25PM
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Hey guys, need a bit of help. I'm looking for a lightwind kite. I'm 95kgs, have a 6m, 10m and 12m. Thought about getting a 17m.
Can anybody tell me something about airush kites in that size?
Lithium? And I heard that the vxr 17m must be pretty nice as well. Have no chance to test them, but I wanna stay with airush.
So if u fly those kites or have any other airush kites that work in lightwind conditions, please help (-:
I'm riding on a twintip, but also looking to get a surfboard. Not really sure what kind of board to get and what size for me? No experience in surfing, but kiting for 3 years now. Thanks for your help guys

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
21 Jan 2014 9:17AM
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Can anybody tell me the difference between a vxr v2 in 17m and a lithium in 17m?

kitebt
NSW, 325 posts
21 Jan 2014 9:49AM
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If you want really light wind kite look at the Lithium Zero - its the 19m strut less kite. I am 110kg and was out kiting in 7knots on it and was pretty powered. Only problem is you are not going to get the best top end range on it and you are likely to overpowered in 10 knots on it.

The best light wind kite that offers the best wind range is the Ozone Zephyr. At 110kg I can get up and riding in about 12 knots on a surfboard and I am powered enough at 15 knots to jump on my normal twin tip. I can hold the kite to around 21 - 22 knots so the top end is amazing on the kite and allowed me to drop my 14m kite from my quiver so I know go straight from my Zephyr to an 11m Switchblade once the wind hits around 22 knots and can hold that up to around 31 - 32 knots.

I hope this helps.

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
21 Jan 2014 10:30AM
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Thanks kitebt,
Yes, I'm thinking of getting a 17m or 18m one. But heard that the no strut kites are not ideal for heavy riders, cause the kite is gonna deform?
And as u said, its a light wind, but not a great wind range. So 17m is the go for me.
Just thinking about the vxr v2 or lithium, can you tell me what the difference is?

JayP
QLD, 249 posts
21 Jan 2014 9:32AM
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i am 110kgs and have spent a fair amount of time on the big airush kites. but i don't ride a twin tip in light winds. i use a sector 60. to be honest a board like the sector should be your first option over a big (huge) kite. they are cheaper and really open up your light wind options with your existing kites.

the lithium zero has buckets of low end. have a read through the thread on it in the reviews. lots of info on it there.

before the zero i had the 17m VXR the 1st gen version. it was a powerful kite too. significantly better upwind and top end control. but it was much slower on the turn, as you would expect being a very hi aspect race kite. relaunch was harder too.

the 2014 14m lithium was the most fun kite of them all in light winds on the sector. had the ideal combo of grunt and agility had me having fun in 10/12 knots on the sector.

from the UK kite forum the new 14m varialX has been reworked and sounds like an amazing kite for twin tip rider in light winds. worth a demo if you can.

Loftywinds
QLD, 2060 posts
21 Jan 2014 9:49AM
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Select to expand quote
kitebt said..

The best light wind kite that offers the best wind range is the Ozone Zephyr. At 110kg ...



Hi KiteBT. I am looking at buying this one as well. So you ditched the 14 entirely and manage to not be overpowered in above 15-17knots? I am impressed. But then again I am 80kg, so maybe I would be overpowered?

I have a 14mt Cab switchblade and want to sell it for the Zephyr.

Did you lend the kite to anyone that weighs less than you, by any chance? I am just worried that if I sell everything I have for this one kite and I am too overpowered in 15 to 22 knots, then I may have to repurchase a 12mt or 14mt kite again.

Cheers

Peterc150
VIC, 710 posts
21 Jan 2014 10:59AM
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Here is the post about the Lithium Zero in the Reviews section

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Review/2014-Airush-Lithium-Zero-18m-kite-no-struts/

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
21 Jan 2014 11:08AM
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Select to expand quote
JayP said...
i am 110kgs and have spent a fair amount of time on the big airush kites. but i don't ride a twin tip in light winds. i use a sector 60. to be honest a board like the sector should be your first option over a big (huge) kite. they are cheaper and really open up your light wind options with your existing kites.

the lithium zero has buckets of low end. have a read through the thread on it in the reviews. lots of info on it there.

before the zero i had the 17m VXR the 1st gen version. it was a powerful kite too. significantly better upwind and top end control. but it was much slower on the turn, as you would expect being a very hi aspect race kite. relaunch was harder too.

the 2014 14m lithium was the most fun kite of them all in light winds on the sector. had the ideal combo of grunt and agility had me having fun in 10/12 knots on the sector.

from the UK kite forum the new 14m varialX has been reworked and sounds like an amazing kite for twin tip rider in light winds. worth a demo if you can.


Thanks for that. Just did lots of research regarding a board. I have no chance to demo anything at all. Welcome to Tasmania (-:
Being in tasmania also means that the wind changes quickly and you might get some gusts. So I thought that I'm better up with a 17m vxr v2, cause more struts and more stable to pull a big guy and handle gusts compared to a big lithium? Or am I wrong? But as you said, the board is what its about, too.
And what about a sector?

Peterc150
VIC, 710 posts
21 Jan 2014 11:24AM
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Select to expand quote
elhucko said..


JayP said...
i am 110kgs and have spent a fair amount of time on the big airush kites. but i don't ride a twin tip in light winds. i use a sector 60. to be honest a board like the sector should be your first option over a big (huge) kite. they are cheaper and really open up your light wind options with your existing kites.

the lithium zero has buckets of low end. have a read through the thread on it in the reviews. lots of info on it there.

before the zero i had the 17m VXR the 1st gen version. it was a powerful kite too. significantly better upwind and top end control. but it was much slower on the turn, as you would expect being a very hi aspect race kite. relaunch was harder too.

the 2014 14m lithium was the most fun kite of them all in light winds on the sector. had the ideal combo of grunt and agility had me having fun in 10/12 knots on the sector.

from the UK kite forum the new 14m varialX has been reworked and sounds like an amazing kite for twin tip rider in light winds. worth a demo if you can.



Thanks for that. Just did lots of research regarding a board. I have no chance to demo anything at all. Welcome to Tasmania (-:
Being in tasmania also means that the wind changes quickly and you might get some gusts. So I thought that I'm better up with a 17m vxr v2, cause more struts and more stable to pull a big guy and handle gusts compared to a big lithium? Or am I wrong? But as you said, the board is what its about, too.
And what about a sector?


Airush Sector 60 is an incredible board. I can get going in 10 knots with my Lithium 12 kite. Fantastic upwind, and not as hard to ride as a raceboard. I would get one rather than buying a very big kite at nearly twice the price.

toppleover
QLD, 2067 posts
21 Jan 2014 11:30AM
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If your interested in getting a surfboard you could get a North Nugget and see how you go on the12m. As mentioned above, might be worth changing boards before getting another kite.

Sucks not being able to demo, you will have to choose wisely.

eppo
WA, 9686 posts
21 Jan 2014 9:35AM
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Being a heavier guy the 14m lithium would be something to consider as you are heavy enough to get it around the wind window. But you would need to couple it with an efficient board like a sector To maximise any gain.

VXR may be an option but the VX and the VXR are very efficient kites, better suited to lighter riders. You may find yourself pushing to the edge of the window a lot.

(Email a guy called Mike Birt in the UK, he also advocates the importance of weight and kite choice and understands these airush kites better than anyone I know).


Even a 14m lithium and a north nugget would be a good combination. Remember the sector is a cross over race type board, do your research here, I personally didn't like the feel at all. Or the 14m and a large cypher if you want your boards to be airush as well.




to the he 80kg guy 15 to 17 on the zephyr is where you are starting to really have some lit fun!!!

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
21 Jan 2014 1:46PM
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not being able to demo sucks a lot, i tell u that...
I have no background in the surf, so right now Im thinking about getting into the surf and use that board as a kind of light wind board as well.
So maybe a nugget woud suit me best? But once im into the surf, the nugget might be to small? So maybe a north whip? Something like that?

kitebt
NSW, 325 posts
21 Jan 2014 2:07PM
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Hey Lofty- by the sounds of things you have a 14m kite. I do think if you bought a 17m with good wind range - this being the "key pre-requisite". (Not all 17m kites are created equal). Then even if you can only hold the 17m to 18knots which I could imagine you could you should be able to jump straight onto a 12m from 18 on up to around 25+ which means you could ditch your 14m.

Add a surfboard or sector or light wind twin tip at 80kg and you should be getting out in about 11knots.

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
22 Jan 2014 12:24PM
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So a north nugget in bigger size is the go to start with?

jplmain
26 posts
22 Jan 2014 10:28AM
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Ditch the 14m plan, don't spend a grand on a fast big board (unless you like going fast and straight) just get the biggest 2013, 2014 lite wind kite. You will get more for your money with versatility to choose your style of kiting with what board you are familiar with.

kitebt
NSW, 325 posts
22 Jan 2014 4:08PM
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Select to expand quote
elhucko said..

So a north nugget in bigger size is the go to start with?


If you are keen for surfboard and you like Airush I would recommend the Airush Chop Top. Equivalent to a Nugget in regards to performance and board category. I bought one for Xmas and love it

Kazan
QLD, 699 posts
22 Jan 2014 3:17PM
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Select to expand quote
kitebt said..

Hey Lofty- by the sounds of things you have a 14m kite. I do think if you bought a 17m with good wind range - this being the "key pre-requisite". (Not all 17m kites are created equal). Then even if you can only hold the 17m to 18knots which I could imagine you could you should be able to jump straight onto a 12m from 18 on up to around 25+ which means you could ditch your 14m.

Add a surfboard or sector or light wind twin tip at 80kg and you should be getting out in about 11knots.



Thanks for that BT. My sentiments are the same. Well here I come Ozone! Woohooo

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
22 Jan 2014 8:32PM
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Well, 7000aud for a 2014 nugget good nic,
Or 1200usd for a 2014 new airush 17 or 18m vxr v2
Or both? (-:

kitebt
NSW, 325 posts
23 Jan 2014 12:15AM
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I wouldn't pay $7000 for a board

Select to expand quote
elhucko said..

Well, 7000aud for a 2014 nugget good nic,
Or 1200usd for a 2014 new airush 17 or 18m vxr v2
Or both? (-:


A

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
23 Jan 2014 7:49AM
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7000aud just seems soooo much. 700aud I mean (-:
I'm just struggling if I should get a nugget first to get me going in those light wind days, and after that I can sort out if I need another lw kite.

bigtone667
NSW, 1543 posts
23 Jan 2014 9:02AM
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I have a sector 60 and Nugget. And the nugget is my go to board for almost everything ....... much smaller than the sector, still goes up wind exceptionally well, is a very light wind option,great jumping chop/small waves and is great in the surf.

I definitely recommend getting a nugget first before you buy a big kite, it will add a few knots to your bottom end.

swinginginthewind
WA, 281 posts
23 Jan 2014 8:51AM
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+1 for the Nugget

Been many days where I've gone out on my normal surfboard and struggled - switch to the Nugget and am blitzing upwind with the same kite up

They're also a fun board in small mushy waves

mwdnasa
WA, 47 posts
23 Jan 2014 11:13AM
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How does the Nugget compare to the Choptop ? Has anybody got experience on both of these?

Thanks!

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
23 Jan 2014 4:32PM
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Thanks guys. Nugget is ordered. On the way.

eppo
WA, 9686 posts
23 Jan 2014 1:44PM
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Good call...saves 50 percent of all sessions for a guy I ride with. Have fun.

eddiemorgs
QLD, 391 posts
23 Jan 2014 5:32PM
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Nugget has opened up a whole new world for me. Once you have it dialled in with your current kites you can think about whether you want to go bigger. Good choice

Sector didn't do it for me

I had the nugget for 12 months before buying a zephyr

jplmain
26 posts
24 Jan 2014 1:36PM
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I thought the problem was the kite not staying up in the air. Nugget is not going to keep your kite in the air or any other board. A lighter kite will keep it up in the air. Look for a one or two or no strut kite that is super light. My ozone 19 edge race kite will stay up in air were others fall.

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
24 Jan 2014 6:19PM
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If u say lightwind kite, what about a lithium zero no strut? Heard that they are not that great for larger guys?
Is that true?
And if I go for a larger kite, can anybody tell me the difference between a lithium zero or 17m and a vxr v2 in 18m?

jplmain
26 posts
24 Jan 2014 6:02PM
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Strutless or one strut may be the way to go but, will it go upwind well. I used to own airush One 12m. It would fly at 6 knots and stay up but will not pull much. You need grunt but also upwind ability or you will be walking. I am also 90k and have demoed many lightwind kites (8 to 17 knot range).
Your goal would be to demo as many kites as possible using a regular twin tip and find out which one will give as much upwind and fun at the same time. The Zero might be the one but first try some others first before buying, edge, dyno, fatlady, v3, etc. They are all different , some pull like a truck, some turn on dime but you may find yourself downwind walking.

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
24 Jan 2014 9:37PM
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Thanks for your help mate, but as I said, tasmania. I can't try them. No shops around. That's why I was thinking lithium big size or vxr v2 big size

jplmain
26 posts
25 Jan 2014 2:06AM
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I like the vxr v2 18m it sounds very much like my 19 edge which I choose as my best lightwind kite I've ever owned. Light wind is light so go big or go home.



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"looking for lightwind kite airush" started by elhucko