Rider: 55kg ,Level , intermediate-advanced
Style: Freestyle
Weather: 12-18
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 10/10 
Disclosure: shop rider, and Airush team rider
Had a fly of the 2013 Airush razor 9m the other day, firstly shape doesnt seem to be that different to the 2012, though i have heard the struts might be slightly thiner tho havent confirmed.... Getting the kite out the bag it looks awesome! colours are bright and look good, bag is same as 2012 (solid and built to last, though not so good if kite is wet) with just different colours, I got to test the kite in gusty 12-18 knots, kite feels awesome unhooked without giving a power surge like some delta kites, and is asking to be loaded against and pop! When dropping the kite, it is simple to relaunch though only if you know how to 5th line relaunch. Kite is really nice when looping and just manages to catch you after a kiteloop as you swing under it. They have made a few changes to the Smart Bar aswell, first up they have this new splitter thing were the depower lines split into the front lines (5th line runs through) wich was great when untwisting your middle lines as it made it clear which way the lines were twisted. They have made the push pins to adjust the bar length bigger aswell which makes it easier on your fingers to adjust. the new bar ends are now soft, and imo great as cannot hook on your safety leash when unhooking though some fussy people might not like it, as it makes it a bit harder to wind up your lines.
They have lost the different option for the 5th line attatching to the kite, though the knot can now move, so you can customize it to your preference (i rode it strait out the bag - no changing adjustment and was fine).
So far i havent been able to compare to the 9m 2012 razor as i havent had the chance. Only thing i dont like about my 2012 7m razor is that when jumping big on nuking days, it tends to drop you unless you loop, compared to the varial X has amazing glide and seems to make almost any jumps soft.
Only dislike so far is that the push pin/adjustable bar pins tend to seize up after a few session even if washed after sessions unless you use the lubricant they provide.
This kite is has a very direct feel and C-kite characteristics so is not suitable for beginner.....
Heres a few pics of the kite and bar, pm me for any more info, or drop into Sunshine Coast Kitesurfing and take it out for demo!
i am keen to hear how the new construction in the team version affects the performance/handling?
Wow lot of C in that leading edge shape.
Hey 5 meter kid, on your VX, what line length do you use, what bar pressure settings, and do you use the factory setting on the back line pigtails or have put more knots in it? and why?
Appreciate it. Took the first 3 meter extensions off so I assume I'm on 21 meter at moment. Took of medium pressure to light, love the light feel and quick turn, loops fast and without any crazy pull, but it's so light I can't feel where it is in the window when I'm jumping big, didnt redirect it quite right Jesus it can boost if ya get it right. If I loop it no probs, but I don't want to loop it every time, sometimes just wanna go big and float down.
Cheers in advance.
Eppo
Oh okay the bar taken out of its bag is at 27m, so I took the first 3 meter extensions off so I assume I'm on 24m now. Prefer the shorter lines.
Yeh have put another knot further away from the kite but still have only had it on the factory knot so far.
The medium bat setting is far more direct, but a little heavy, prefer the looping characteristics on the light bar setting. But remember I've just come off rebels and Vegas's, thefore the light bar pressure in the air is taking some getting used to. Think I prefer the light bar pressure as you said.
Any tips on redirecting the kite. ? Also after a loop or roll I find when you spin the bar, the kite depowers so much. How do you spin the bar and keep your power up on this kite? Can't believe how good it is to loop and I thought the Vegas was good.
