Rider: Weight 80kg, Level - intermediateStyle: Freeriding, Surf, Freestyle, loops
Weather: 15-30 knots
Looking at getting a couple of new kites probaly a 12m and 10m.
If anyone demoed both of these kites (2011 C4 or RPM) and can compare it would be appreciated:)
Boosting
Looping
Turning speed
Bottom end
etc
Hi Bobby, there was a C4/rpm thread a while ago, but it seemed not many people have ridden both. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Review/RPM-vs-C4-any-suggestions/?SearchTerms=c4,rpm
I have C4s but only logged a couple of sessions before taking a break for surgery. The C4s are smooth, responsive, stable and clearly the construction is industry-leading.
I've not ridden the rpms so can't comment on performance details. Seems there were some durability/functionality issues with the bar/trim-line/cleat.
Clearly they're both performance kites. You'd have to demo yourself as to what suits your style.
Be aware that if you're coming of bows then they may take some getting used to before you appreciate their strengths.
Have ridden both but ive ridden the rpm more and will say im byass to the rpm, c4 jumps bigger with less skill but rpm turns quicker with less imput (bar pressure )rpm relaunches easier in less wind ,and the knew one unhooks better with out depowering.But the c4 feels more like a c kite (Fule ,vegas,torch ) so depends what you like .
Have fun
George
Thanks guys,
How is the up wind ability compare RPM to C4 and Bottom end? I heard the 2010 RPM upwind wasn't that great?
Also Kitelooping?
Hi bobbyb,
I can't speak for the RPM, but the C4 is a looping machine. RPM is not a C and will not deliver as good a kiteloop as a proper "C" kite.
If kitelooping means a lot to you in your decision, it's a lay down mezzaire!
DM
The new RPM trucks up wind, last years wasnt bad but it wasnt as good upwind as this year. The RPM doesn't go up wind as much as say a raley or rebel but it goes upwind much better than most Cs.
Demoed a 12m C4 today in 18-22knots, 3-4 foot surf. riding a twin tip.
If you time it right these things boost like crazy! Heaps of float.
Had it on the medium bar pressure setting (middle one). Has anyone got some comments on the other setting which one is best etc???
If your into kiteloops I would lean towards the c4. Not as punchy as a classic c but totally controllable through the turn so you can make it as hard as you like. I also found unhooking sooo easy on it. Same as any kite I would put the rear lines as far back as you can.
The rpm I have only ridden the 6,8 &10 so not sure how the 12 goes since the bar on the 10 felt too small. I didn't feel comfortable unhooking and kiteloops are like other flat sle where it just wants to cheat and spin. The rpm is great hooked in on the upper end of it's windrange or in the surf it fly's backwards better and turns nice and fast.
From your description you sound like you want something with a big windrange(15 to 30?) but these two kites are not really aimed at that although I think the rpm might have a bit more windrange.
The 9m C4 is good for 15-30knots if you have a surfboard as well.
If where you live it's more 15-20 than 25-30 then you should look at a bigger one or something with more low end.
The boosting is phenomenal on the C4. Send it. BOOOOOOYAH!
Thanks for the comments looks like most of you guys like the C4 for boosting and looping.
Anyone know how the bottom end compares to the RPM?
Will be demoing a C4 as soon as its windy!!
Friend and I trialled many 12m kites over a couple of months at the end of the last summer season. We tried C4 & RPM back to back in lightish conditions - around 15-18 knots and wasn't particularly impressed with either for cruising around Botany Bay & doing basic jumps etc.
After trialing lots of different kites in this setting - he purchased a 12m Bandit IV. For him, it was in the end a close call between a Fuse & this.
