JB would a 10.5 helix have as much bottom end as a 12 torch.?
I cant find the wind ranges on the Naish website so any advice would be helpful.
Hi Danza,
Naish don't give wind range charts because there is way to many variables when determining a wind range of a kite (i.e. what board/size you ride, weather your an efficient rider or not, how heavy you are, experience, etc...). But from experience I would say that a light rider with good skill would be able to get going as early on a 10.5 Helix as on a 12m Torch. But a Heavier rider wouldn't be able to get enough usable power in light winds. You could probably get going but not really have fun. If your a 12m Torch guy, and thinking of the Helix, take into account that the Helix has more bottom end and more top end! I have put a nice sheet comparing the range up on our website http://www.windgenuity.com.au/kiteboard/naish/2009/09kites.html this should help when comparing the kites. There is also detailed kite descriptions if you click on the desired kite.
I hope this helps,
Kind regards,
JB
Hi Stormrider, thanks for the chat. I made new bridles out of 3mm dyneema, cost me about $8 and half an hour on the sewing machine. If its possible the cult is even smoother at the bar now and these bridles will last a while. Not sure why you wouldn't manufacture the bridles that run through the pulleys in bigger diam line like flexi and others do. Anyway probably get a helix now and replace the bridles as soon as it shows up.
Hey MM,
For 2009 Naish have a single length replaceable line for the Helix (one size fits all) which is cheap, and is the only line that runs through pulley. As for the CUlt, for 09, you can now buy just the line that goes through the pulley, it is also much cheaper than previous years.
JB
Got to demo the new torch , helix , cult and of course the rebels all great kites.
Favourite of the day was the helix, what a big improvement on last years.
This kite is like they say it is somewhere between the torch and the cult.
Its super quick in the turns flys extremely fast if you want it to, and this thing trucks up wind the angles of tack you can do with this kite is mind blowing.
Build quality is great , the jumps are big and floaty and it has the c kite feel.
The bar pressure is light and the kite is super smooth, I can understand some people flying the kite and not liking the light bar pressure , but once you get used to it , its nice especially in the waves as you can ride one handed and easily sheet in and out.
The fifth line works really well , no more getting to the beach when you self land and taking the safety off and trying to reattach it to the flagging ring just pull the safety and down she comes, I would have to say the new system is as safe as the original fifth line set up now.Also it good to see the kites come with 4 mtr extensions , what a difference the extensions make in the flat water.But the standard 20 mtr lines for waves are the go.
Thanks JB for all the demo,s cant wait to try the kites in the waves down at Shoalhaven Heads for the long weekend demo.
Sorry I forgot to mention Aden for doing all the hard yards on the beach setting up and launching.
Wind conditions were 20 to 25 knots NW.
Kites sizes 12 and 9 mtr kites
Intermediate level
Luckly I left before the southerly hit.
Hello,
I flew the 2009 Helix, 12m yesterday in 20 knots in alva. Most powerful 12m kite i have ever flown.
I had it depowered half way and i was still fully lit.
Turning speed is very good for a 12m. I love how good the Helix responds. Very predictable turning.
Massive hangtime, seems like you are never coming down with bar pulled in while boosting.
Unhooking is very easy with this kite. Never stalls and drops out of the sky.
Very good kite to learn riding unhooked.
I am not a fan of 12m kites anymore but this one is sweet!
Has anybody flown a 10m, how does it compare to 12m?
hang high
how are naish's valves staying on these days? I demo'd the 08 kites and whilst I liked them I dindn't go with naish becasue I had so many problems with my shockwave inflate valves peeling off the bladders. Do they still use the same method of attatchment? has anyone else had problems with valves on the 08 kites?
ruffryder61 I just got the 10.5 and really tested it out in the waves today, the kite is awesome , I used to have a 12 as my biggest kite but now its a 10.5 and I'm ordering the seven soon.Its super quick the way you can turn these kites in the waves, the way they pivot and turn and you still have power in the turns is nice as most hybrids and sle kites lack this.
Also the lines got extremely slack coming down the face of the wave , I forgot about the kite completely while riding the wave and I thought she was in the drink for sure , but the helix floated back so nicely I regained tension and kept going , the shape of the kite and geo tech give you this luxury in the waves because the kite maintains its shape all the time , it does not matter if your powered up or fully depowered.
The kite is powerful and fast but extremely well behaved , the power delivery is so smooth, but is has the excitement a C kite gives you.I got to test out the bottom end and weighing about 83kg wet and riding a 132 thorn I was able to stay up wind comfortably when the wind hit about 18 knots so I'm super impressed.As the day went on the wind peaked at 26 knots and I still had plenty to go in the top end.
Also with the 4 mtr extensions while riding my twin tip gave me additional bottom end and when we started the downwinder took them off and had the standard 20 mtr lines , awesome best of both worlds.
JB maybe you can answer this , the helix is lowest aspect ratio out of the Naish range , why is it then it flies so fast and generates so much lift when boosting.
I did also drop the kite and without doing anything it basically was out of the water before I knew it, so relaunch has definitely been improved.
Cant wait to hit the waves again.Top day had by all.
Can anyone tell me if the usable power from the new 09 Helix is similar to the 08 Helix for the same size?
I can ride my 12m 08 Helix from 15 knots with no problems, will I be able to ride the 09 Helix from the same?
My reason for asking is that projected area has decreased from 08 to 09 Helix, not by much but approximately 0.5m2.
Do I need to go up a size to 14m?
Thoughts from someone who has ridden both :)
Thanks
I have ridden both and was surprised that the 09 has lost no bottom end. Stick with the 12m
Hello Danza,
my mate will order a 10.5 Helix soon. I am very excited about the 10.5m Helix!
The Cult and Helix seem to work good in any kind of conditions, especially in our 15-20winds.
I rode the Cult 10.5m in 40knts on Lizard Island 10days ago. Fully depowered with massive hang glides. The Cult doesnt boost like the Vegas or Torch but floats very long. Hangtimes up to 5secs!
I am using a Cult for our school up here in Townsville, works very well and feels like it can take a lot of impact, which it already has. ))
Good looking Naish!!
Id be keen to try your 7m, Helix when i pass by your beautiful spots down there. I travelled the south-east coast last year, with kiting gear.)) Good times!
Stay Windblessed buddy!
One thing to all Helix owners I found out today that if the kite is not pumped hard enough the wing tips will touch and the kite will do all sorts of funny things.
The kite was at it top end with gusts reaching 32 to 33 knots on a 10.5, it happens when doing a jump and while landing the lines can go slack and then get loaded up again when a gusts hits.
I took it back in pumped it up harder and the problem was solved , I never experienced this with the cult but I guess with the Helix having more of a c shape and a simplified bridle the kite will have to be inflated some what more than the cult.
...if anyone gets a chance to ride the new helix 09',i would like your feedback,ive been riding a 12m for my last few sessions,blow away on all aspects of this kite,windrange is awesome,canopy stability,and the jumping is totally insane!...do yourselves a favour,go and have a try on one,its inspired me to ride more for sure
