Rider: 85kg intermediate-advanced
Style: Freeriding, Surf
Weather: 20-30 knots
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 9/10
Disclosure: I don't work at a shop and am not sponsored
I have recently purchased a Lithium 9 to replace my 2009 Switchblade 10.
After a couple of session, one overpowered and one underpowered, I have found the kite exceeds my expectations.
With generous depower I was able to ride it well in 30+ knots. The kite doesn't give you an surprises. The power comes on smoothly and the kite turns as well as a 9m kite should.
In lower wind conditions, downloop turns and kite loops are smooth and predictable.
It also parks and rides well downwind while wave riding.
One small addition - this kite has elastic securing cord loops to hold the velcro and plugs secure for the air dump valve and inflation valve on the bladder.
The 9m kite shares the same bar as the 12m kite, so if you have one of each you effectively have a spare bar.
Overall, I rate this as a great kite for beginners through to advanced riders.
I have put a bit more info here: kitesurfing-handbook.peterskiteboarding.com/reviews/2013-airush-lithium-9m
Yes a kite that doesn't get enough mention. Really excellent kite for the freeride cruiser who likes wave riding and boosting. The really good guys even unhook on them...(that doesn't include me 
). A kite more people should demo. I just found the bar pressure too much for my wimpy arms. But loved everything else. Refined like all all airush kites.
Eppo, have you tried the "light bar pressure" settings on - attachment points on leading edge and tips? I just swapped mine but not tried it out.
Do these settings slow down the turning, or have any other effects on the kite?
72 Kg intermediate
Freeride, Surf
Good review.
Peterc I too replaced my 2009 Switchblade 12 and a 2011 8 m with a 12 m and 9 m 2013 Lithium. Being my first full season kiting, I wasn't sure what to expect but it was love at first demo. My progression took off since I switched to the Lithiums. For someone new to the sport, it has that perfect power progression and it's so well behaved. The depower is quicker too.
I agree with Eppo about the bar pressure. Even with my short but stout arms, it's higher than my 09 Switchblade (which was actually too light - lack of feel) but it's manageable on the lighter settings. I hear the 2011 and 12's have higher bar pressure. Really - ouch!
The 12 m Lithium has more oomph and turns much quicker than the 12 SB. For that matter the 12 Lithium is quicker to turn than even my 8 m Switchblade. The 9 m Lithium is my favorite, but this is also a function of the 15-25 knot conditions that I love to ride in.
I have a 7 m Cabrinha Vector that I use when the winds up and it's nice and all, but when I get back on the Lithium, it feels like coming home again. It just feels right. I have the same reaction after riding my friend's 013 Rebel.
Yes I haven't been on the 2013 and the only change they made was to put the other light bar pressure attachment point on the leading edge. Which says something I suppose. So be interested to hear what the difference is between the 2012 and 2013 in regards to that for sure. greatest quality of the lithuim i felt was its forward turning ability, smooth consistent pull through the turn. Nice. 
Peterc I changed the settings on both my kites.
First I changed the setting on the leading edge from medium to light. This did lighten up the bar pressure a bit, but not dramatically. I didn't notice any other changes other than the depower stroke being a little longer.
The second time out on the 12 meter I moved the steering lines to the light setting keeping the light setting on the leading edge. I noticed the kite steered even quicker. This is nice and I never heard anyone saying their 12 meter moves too fast. I did notice a small difference in bar pressure reduction but the depower stroke was definitely longer. Have "t-rex" length arms it began to remind me of being on my Cabrinha Switchblades, although not as extreme.
I moved the leading edge back to the medium setting and kept the steering lines on light. Now, it's fast turning 12 meter kite with manageable bar pressure.
On the 9 meter I changed the leading edge setting to light and kept the wingtip settings on medium. The 9 turns quick enough and I didn't want to experience the longer depower stroke I had when I changed it on the 12 m.
I'd like to hear about your impressions with your settings.
Eppo, I keep reading that the 2013's have lighter bar pressure than the 012's. As I expressed before, that would seem like a lot of bar pressure. While I find the 013 manageable and I can live with it, I wouldn't mind if it were a bit lighter. The Cabrinha Vectors are also high as was my 011 Cab Switchblade. The 2009 SB's was really light. I couldn't feel where the kite was at times. The 011 and 013 North Rebels I tried had a med-light pressure and just right.
Loving my 2013 12m lithium here although only had it out 3 times so far!
Good info guys, as a complete newbie I haven't felt comfortable changing these settings yet. (nothing to compare to really)
Other than the pressure settings, I noticed there is extra white markings on the steering to change where the knot sits. What are these meant to change?
Finn, per advice of another Lithium owner, he would tie the knot one setting down and liked in light winds or when it was gusty. It's also suppose to help stabilize the kite in gusty-high winds when the kite is overhead I tied a knot at the white mark one below the factory setting and didn't care for it. The kite wasn't as responsive. I read that tying the knot on the steering line one or two down allows the kite to "breathe". I don't know exactly what they mean. Perhaps Eppo knows something about this.
I may play with the settings as time goes on, but for now I'm leaving well enough alone. I remember the first time I demoed the Lithium and everything was on it's factory settings and I had a blast. My suggestion is leave things as they are until your a further along, and even then you may prefer it as is. It's as they say a great plug and play kite. You made a good choice.
Yes, the factory settings are good. I don't find their is a lot of bar pressure.
I have added a knot on each wingtip line below the factory knot and have used these a couple of times. I did not notice a lot of difference, but as per Windtzu, Airush says this setting will reduce backstall in light winds and assist relaunching. It basically reduces the ability to oversheet the kite.
Windtzu, thanks for the info on different settings. I am going to try light on wingtips and light on the leading edge on both my Lithium 12 and 9 and will report back on findings.
I have a sore elbow (overuse) so am seeking to reduce bar pressure as much as possible for a while.
Had a great session in the surf with the Lithium 9 in around 23 knots - it parks and rides well when on a wave. I was slightly overpowered in my Lithium 12. The smaller kite does the "S pattern" better when getting set to ride a wave too.
The "light bar pressure" bridle and steering line settings don't seem to affect the kite handling in any negative way so I will stay them now.
Here is a photo from the session
More photos and info here: www.peterskiteboarding.com/2013/03/kitesurfing-sandy-point-surf-morning.html
have been raving about this kite since I frist demod and then purchased last year. I too came off a switchblade and have found the lirhium has allowed me to progress, nice and predictable in the aair and has some serious boosting. the 12pulls like a truck but still manages to be quick enough to loop even for a noob. all in all its a fantastic kite that more people should try.
the bar pressure can be full on at times (try unhooking on the beach and you will realllllly feel it) but this seems to give a lot of feel to the rider.
pretty looking kite also.im on the orange and blue, 8/12 combo. see you out there!
