2011 Griffin Argo, 17m - beating lightwind limits

I light wind kite through the leaner months on botany bay in Sydney and have purchased or trialed many light wind kites. (and boards)

The problem with Sydney is that the wind is up and down - and if you are on a foil and you get it wet - it can be a long swim. Personally I have not found the foils to have any great advantage in light wind when trialed in Sydney - even the sacred 19m flysurfer.

For the last couple of years, I have not been able to find a kite that could out perform the Bandit Dos 14m. This light wind advantage was lost on subsequent Bandits, so I have been looking for a replacement. I puchased a Zephur - no good. (looks good for heavier riders and has amazing high end). Trialed numerous kites - Cabrinha, Ozone, Slingshot, and Core in 14 -17m.

I have just purchased a 18m North Dyno and it is the first kite to have more grunt than the Bandit Dos. I was out yesterday and was at times the only one out or keeping up wind on Botany Bay. With a light wind board, once you hit 8-10 knots, was able to plane. Certainly liked more towards 10 knots, but possible from 8. Under 8 - forget it. Slow turning as you would expect and they make a 16m, which would be interesting to try. Behaved alot like a big North Rebel and lines interchangable.

Light wind kiting is just as much about the board as it is about the kite. There are many light wind boards now and they are generally 146 x 44/46 & flat. If you are really keen the new one out from Nobil looks great which is the flying carpet - but is enormous at 161cm long. I actually suggest getting a light wind board is more important and cheaper as a first step before an additional kite.

Race boards. Yes, I have one - but trying them for the first time in super light wind is not a good idea. It is a very different technique and I think better with a quicker turning kite and one you are more used to, like a 12 or 13m. Certainly is a light wind option - but takes a lot of practice.

In summary - North Dyno is a good option, especially if you have any other North Kites. Look at your board as well as this will often make more difference. Avoid reviews where they are written by the resellers and those with vested interest, which this forum is full of. There is a lack of independant broad experience reviews available and where you can try before you buy.

First of all, I must say that for me, as a user, is really a pleasure that the designer could answer directly online in the forum to our questions or solve our doubts apporting latest and detailed information that is still not available anywhere. Thanks Chris!!

Otherway, other users information or impressions could be really useful. This is one of the reasons to ask for information in the forums. Thanks to all the people apporting his point of view!! Without them, the forum won't exist.

Personally, I think that the target of open forums is sharing information, not depending on the source. The importance that you give to the information is up to you, and in any case, the best option is always try before buy if you have the opportunity (if you don't feel comfortable with a kite doesn't mind that others say about it).

All my best,

Alex

Kite didn't arrive, bummer . cross shore 10 -14 kt conditions perfect for putting this kite through its paces and good surf too. arrgggghhhh ,sigh, pffft .Tomorrow hopefully

My argo 9m loves 14knts, just wish chris would answer the emails and send the proper line replacements . so my relationship with my kite can continue.

Anybody tested the first batch yet??? Too much wind there this days?. Thanks for your comments. Alex

Some info uploaded to the website:

http://www.griffinkites.com.au/about-the-kites/17m-light-wind-kite

(if you have ordered a 17m, check this page for updates and ideal settings)

The video was filmed in 8 to 11 knots at long reef, Rider was 88kg on a standard 137 twin tip. 60cm bar with 21m + 10m Extensions

That worked best for me BB 46, and the most inside turning setting. fastest turning, upwind and response

Disclaimer .i am a grifin agent .
I've had a few lightwind sessions on this kite now and I'll give my take on it.
First thing this is not a miracle kite for me at 102 kg as far as getting out in 10 kts and having fun . I ride on the ocean and our winds now are often on shore and it won't do it even on my magic red board decay scimitar which is essentially a flat rockered skim board and works very well in light winds. I haven't had a chance to try it in the really light stuff on flatwater.
It does give me a bit more bottom end and fun in the waves at 16 kts direct onshore with my cardboards mutant and i was able to keep going when it dropped a bit to 14 kts but waveriding was out .For a big mother the kite turns really well and kite loops down the line .It also handles higher winds with heaps of depower .Make sure its pumped up nice and hard for best results.getting it pumped right up is a bit of a mission but i do enjoy the kite and the ride in one or 2 kts less wind than the 13 .I am happy with my purchase .

Disclaimer I am a realitive newbie (1.2 years). Can plane and handle a kite in glass but hopless in surf.
I live on central coast and due to family committments (if I have to go to one more kids bday on a 20 knot day ) Anyway enough of my complaining...... Im 90 kgs....

Questions :
1. Would this kite give me more flat water time in sub 15 knots
2. Would you recommend a surfboard over a TT with this kite and which type I currently have a 138tt.
3. Could a newbie handle this kite? (I am kite confident).

I really just want to get more time on the water to learn to be a better / more confident kitesurfer and living near Toukley Canton beach has plenty of just sub 15knots with flatwater and space to not kill anybody.

Comments appreciated.

Yesterday I got my first ride in 7 knots average (6-8)!!!

I got a GPS track that I will attach when I can, but if there is somebody interested could look for it searching for catalaussie in garmin connect web (Argo 17m first trial in 7 knots).

Was alone when arrived to the beach and relaunched easily even using 40 m lines.

I'm 65-70 kg and used a "small" race board (North LTD 2010 - 174x48cm and not big volume).

I started in 7 knots average going well upwind, but the wind turned and went out to 5-6 knots. Eventhough I could arrive downwind with the kite still in the air.

More information later.

All my best,

Alex