Just came off another epic backhand session using the F-1 Volt which is the surf version of the Bandit 4...I have been using the Revolt and Bandit dos's which are awsome and very similar to eachother.
I tried the 9m 3x now...Looking at it its very C/Delta shape withallot of cloth at the back with small tips.
This kite is smooth with consistent traction its not super snappy but its pivotal smoothness and consistent power make it the easisest surf kite I have flown linking turns effortlessly. It stays upwind from 15knots and doesnt seem to get to over powered easily.
One potential negative for some riders will be the bar pressure which is med-heavy having said that its not pinging your arms on off so after 2 hours my arms are pumped but not sore or tennis elbow sore.
Its a flyers kite but if you like park n ride this is sick to ride off. Its flying style is smooth all the way which for me is relief from flying my kite so much, as you turn the kite its like you are pivoting with it without the kite taking charge or you turning to fast for the kite..doing cutties makes me think this thing also turns corners. Truly this is bull**** how easy it makes surfing..my Dos's also are good for surfing but they are fast viscious and snappy making timing them crucial..this is different its like its standard turning speed matches surfing turns perfectly with depower, power, depower, etc ...ultimate control from a kite...this is the first kite I have considered having a wank over excuse me for the ladies reading although you may also get arroused also when you try this kite. And I am fussy when it comes to kites also.
Flys backwards to well..when I have self landed pulling in the center lines it floats above the sand till you nearly have pulled in front lines completely.
I guess what is really impressed me is being able to forget the kite to concentrate on my surfing turns.
Having said all this there will be riders who dont like this kite...it suits me its love at first kite.
Upwind 9/10
power 10/10 Ride 1-2 m smaller than average kite
relaunch 8.5
build quality 10/10 1 pump 3 struts
Unhooked -dont know yet, its stability tells me it could be epic.
Bar 8/10 Simple, no dongles dangles or tangles.
Rider:88kg
6,2 Colin Earle
Style: Surf
Weather: 15-20knots
Thanks to Loaded Barrel I look slimmer and kite better...you can check out his photos at www.loadedbarrel.com.au/ this is his shot so not for any other use unless you talk with him first.
Is the bar form the bandit4 interchangeable, as the volts were an entry level setup so you lost out on some of the B4 bling......
AndreC. You said the Volt is the preferred surf kite. Where did you hear/read this? I would have thought the Bandit would be the preferred kite for most users. It's my understanding the Volt is entry level and for budget conscious kiters. I have a few B4's and they do all the things you say the Volt does but with hardly any bar pressure. Sounds like a great kite though.
Dropped my kite in front of a 4footer and didnt release safety I got catapulted out of the water by the pull, I was sure it would have destroyed my kite...still in one piece...stoked. Neil at hold the line will be seeing less of this year by the looks of it.
Ive been ridding the 13 a fair bit,( all I had till now ) and I can say its pretty good on flat water too, its even good unhooked. Ive used my 13 in the surf a lot and if my 13 is good in the surf your 9 would have to be fun . Ill be riding one this week end wind providing
Have fun George
