Forums > Kitesurfing Gear Reviews

10m bandit or 10m switchblade

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Created by 6053Frog > 9 months ago, 5 Apr 2009
6053Frog
QLD, 22 posts
5 Apr 2009 3:26PM
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Rider: Weight 82kg, Level intermediate,advanced
Style: Freeriding, Wake, Freestyle
Weather: 14-25 knot

My Comments:
i am currently looking at updating my kite gear, and would like to hear what people think of the 10m bandit and the switchblade 10m ,is the bandit a good choice over the switchblade?

I currently have a 11m waroo and 14m Best nemesis i realy like the nemesis, iam looking at updating my 11m waroo with a new 10m?

If any one out there can give any suggestions from what they have experienced would be much appricated.

RAL INN
SA, 2895 posts
6 Apr 2009 8:07AM
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My choice would be the 10m Bandit of course.
But it maybe better to think of the 10m bandit dos in comparison to a 12m SB.
and thus maybe look at the 9m banditdos as a comparison to the 10m SB.

In regards to replacing your current quiver, if you go for the 10m Dos then you may find the 14m nemi is never used again.

KiteNutt
QLD, 280 posts
7 Apr 2009 8:21AM
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RAL INN said...

My choice would be the 10m Bandit of course.
But it maybe better to think of the 10m bandit dos in comparison to a 12m SB.
and thus maybe look at the 9m banditdos as a comparison to the 10m SB.

In regards to replacing your current quiver, if you go for the 10m Dos then you may find the 14m nemi is never used again.


I'll second that, perfect for your weight. Anyone that disagrees hasn't ridden the 10m Dos.
I have a Dos 10 and 12..... And I ride with 3-5 SB3 12m riders every day.


Make sure you demo both before you buy. They're both excellent kites but you'll see the dos is built much better/stronger.

Have fun, Chris.

waxman
SA, 1390 posts
7 Apr 2009 9:48AM
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I agree with Ral Inn, the 12m switchblade and the 10m bandit dos would be a closer match in power range but the kites are 2 completely different things. The dos is a high performance machine that is super fast and powerfull for its size and can be intimidating for timid riders where as the cab is a bit smoother easy to ride with lots of depower but can take a bit of tecnique to get the most out of it. The cab is a easyer kite to unhook on as it doesnt seem to pull your arms as aggresively as the bandit and it is a lot less twitchy. The cab also loops better with a smooth consistent pull.

So if you want a easy to live with kite get the cab, but if you want a kite that will push you to your limits get the Dos.

If you really love your 14m nemi go for the 9m Bandit for the best range or you may never use it again. even the 9m has a super grunty bottom end you would find yourself grabing it from 15kts and having a ball.

Definatly try one of each to see what you like before you buy.

RAL INN
SA, 2895 posts
7 Apr 2009 11:39AM
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the world is a much nicer place when everybody agrees with me

airush geoff
974 posts
7 Apr 2009 10:24AM
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waxman said...

I agree with Ral Inn, the 12m switchblade and the 10m bandit dos would be a closer match in power range but the kites are 2 completely different things. The dos is a high performance machine that is super fast and powerfull for its size and can be intimidating for timid riders where as the cab is a bit smoother easy to ride with lots of depower but can take a bit of tecnique to get the most out of it. The cab is a easyer kite to unhook on as it doesnt seem to pull your arms as aggresively as the bandit and it is a lot less twitchy. The cab also loops better with a smooth consistent pull.

So if you want a easy to live with kite get the cab, but if you want a kite that will push you to your limits get the Dos.

If you really love your 14m nemi go for the 9m Bandit for the best range or you may never use it again. even the 9m has a super grunty bottom end you would find yourself grabing it from 15kts and having a ball.

Definatly try one of each to see what you like before you buy.



Waxy that is a well written unbiased and informed review- we need more of that on this site....well done, gold star for you.

waxman
SA, 1390 posts
7 Apr 2009 3:23PM
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must have forgoten to take my meds.

Saffer
VIC, 4501 posts
7 Apr 2009 4:03PM
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RAL INN said...

the world is a much nicer place when everybody agrees with me


Yeah, I also wish people would work as a team and do things my way...

Tribal Elder
WA, 85 posts
7 Apr 2009 2:23PM
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Hi Frog

If you're sold on the DOS, give me a call. I have a DOS 10m (latest model) I might be persuaded to part with.



Cheers, Hemi.

Tribal Elder
WA, 85 posts
7 Apr 2009 2:26PM
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Hi Frog

If you're persuaded to go for the Bandit, give me a call on 0411 051 845 or msg me here.

I have an as-new DOS 10m (blue & white) that I might be persuaded to part with.



Cheers
Hemi

6053Frog
QLD, 22 posts
7 Apr 2009 9:45PM
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thanks for the Advice i gather the bandit has a auto relaunch system? looking forward to trying A 10bandit.

waxman
SA, 1390 posts
7 Apr 2009 9:33PM
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The bandit does have a auto relaunch from when it is sitting on its leading edge, it will just roll on to one wingtip and then make its way to the edge of the window and sit there works best with kite depowered, all you need to do is just let go of the bar. but if its lying on its back flaping up and down a sharp pull when it lifts in the air should get it back in to the auto relaunch position, if its le down and facing you just pull one side line and it will spin around ready to launch. With a bit of practise you will have it sorted.

col303
WA, 150 posts
7 Apr 2009 8:39PM
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Hi you may want to also try a Core GT similar to the dos smoother to fly I was looking for 12 & 8 m combo I have mainly had Waroos & new Best kites have been reliable. I wanted more so I bought a 12 & 8 2009 Nemmis. How ever there is a gap that me & a couple of others who bought the same found. Yes they cross wind speeds but if you want sweet spot kiting this gaps to big. I was looking at Dos but there seems to be problems with the national distributer. So I went Best. But Some one said try the Core GT very similar to dos. I thought who the F*#k is Core. I found a place to try them out. They are a can't go wrong kite difffrent to nemmis but just as fast they dont race to the edge ofthe wind window like nemmis try. I bought a 9m to fill the gap I reckon they are very smooth in gusty winds good boost grunty and have more float time than Nemmis. Try one before you go dos.

samoht
QLD, 111 posts
8 Apr 2009 1:06AM
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I would be interested to hear more about the Core Kites. I have just had a look at their web site.
How does a guy get to try one. Who is the distributor here in Oz.

On another note "The Bandit or the Cabrina" they sound like fairly honest assessments and having had a bit of experience with both, I would choose the Cabrina if I was the lesser Kiter, and the Bandit if I wanted the lot. The Bandit is the "Edge", and the Cabrina is the sure and steady platform. Depending where you are neither is the wrong choice. They are both excellent kites.

samoht
QLD, 111 posts
8 Apr 2009 1:07AM
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I would be interested to hear more about the Core Kites. I have just had a look at their web site.
How does a guy get to try one. Who is the distributor here in Oz.

On another note "The Bandit or the Cabrina" they sound like fairly honest assessments and having had a bit of experience with both, I would choose the Cabrina if I was the lesser Kiter, and the Bandit if I wanted the lot. The Bandit is the "Edge", and the Cabrina is the sure and steady platform. Depending where you are neither is the wrong choice. They are both excellent kites.

8 Apr 2009 9:19AM
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samoht said...

I would be interested to hear more about the Core Kites. I have just had a look at their web site.
How does a guy get to try one. Who is the distributor here in Oz.

On another note "The Bandit or the Cabrina" they sound like fairly honest assessments and having had a bit of experience with both, I would choose the Cabrina if I was the lesser Kiter, and the Bandit if I wanted the lot. The Bandit is the "Edge", and the Cabrina is the sure and steady platform. Depending where you are neither is the wrong choice. They are both excellent kites.


There are a few dealers in Qld, Kitepower is one of them, located in Brisbane, I think there is another in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

bennie
ACT, 1258 posts
8 Apr 2009 1:05PM
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Select to expand quote
waxman said...
[
So if you want a easy to live with kite get the cab, but if you want a kite that will push you to your limits get the Dos.

I personally find that I can push my limits more on a kite which is predictable, user friendly and forgiving in nature. I am not having a go at the dos here, just a diffrent take on performance from a kite.

Also you should clarify between the SB3 and the IDS. The SB3 is way gruntier than the IDS but reacts slower to bar movement

matt camo
QLD, 95 posts
23 Apr 2009 9:27PM
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go 09 liquid force havoc or hifi really good handling re launch rides the same as a dos but is cheaper :D

cya at work kingy

kloph
QLD, 37 posts
30 Apr 2009 8:16PM
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fianlly rode the 10M dos...UNBELIEVABLE! There was NO wind- gusting to 9knots according to c-breeze. Big board (of coarse) crazyfly 145-45 and got upwind! Was VERY impressed, did have to work it a bit but seriously- 10M, 9knots gusts- crazy!

6053Frog
QLD, 22 posts
2 May 2009 6:46PM
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i have finally got my hands on a 10m dos more than impressed this kite is awsome everything you could want in one kite iam more than impressed iam glade that i purchased the 10m dos throughly reconmend it to anyone

matt camo
QLD, 95 posts
8 May 2009 7:50AM
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the dos has a really bad safety system

sckitesurf
QLD, 191 posts
8 May 2009 2:19PM
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Hi we have 1 10m bandit left black and blue so be quick

i also noticed metioning of core gt we have 1 10.5 left

katey
WA, 21 posts
13 May 2009 11:28AM
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If you want a Delta shaped kite with an awesome simple safety system check out the Best Kahoona. Choice Kitesurfing in Hami Hill has loads of them in stock and the prices are awesome. 7.5m is $1400 and 9.5m is $1550

bennie
ACT, 1258 posts
13 May 2009 4:09PM
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katey said...

If you want a Delta shaped kite with an awesome simple safety system check out the Best Kahoona. Choice Kitesurfing in Hami Hill has loads of them in stock and the prices are awesome. 7.5m is $1400 and 9.5m is $1550


Pimp

28 May 2009 2:48PM
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10mtr dos has been my choice kite this year as far as allrounders go. Fantastic safety system works reliably to flag the kite out. Plenty of grunt, turning speed is awesome and boost a plenty.

Demos still available in store, can't wait to see the 2010 model?

George

terryzarmzof
QLD, 336 posts
14 Jun 2009 11:39PM
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the 5th line breaks on the splice, weak point of the bandit

kenno
QLD, 293 posts
Site Sponsor
16 Jun 2009 8:29AM
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Another bonus is that the Core GT will remain to be a current kite through 2010.

www.corekites.com

It is a great allround kite and a must to demo.

tightlines
WA, 3502 posts
17 Jun 2009 6:15AM
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terryzarmzof said...

the 5th line breaks on the splice, weak point of the bandit


I had 7, 9, and 13 Bandits and broke several of 5th lines at the splice, so yes I agree it was a weak point, but the DOS's are larked not spliced where the mini 5th joins the front line and are much stronger.
I replaced the original Bandit front lines with the new stronger ones of the DOS and had no further trouble.



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"10m bandit or 10m switchblade" started by 6053Frog