!7 mt Trx Griffin update

Rider: 83 kilos, skilled rider
Style: Freeriding, Surf,
Weather: 9 to 20 knots
Build Quality: 8/10
Satisfaction: 9/10
Disclosure: ordinary dude, not a team rider

My Comments:
I first purchased the 2012 17 meter kite going into last winter knowing that I was headed to work in Thailand for a spell. I had demoed one four a couple of hours in 12 to 14 knots winds and was very impressed with the turning ability of this kite. When I did get my own kite however I was not that happiest lad. Kite would not relaunch, lowend was not that impressive, and I felt I was stuck with a dud. I needed a lightwind option and my time was running out.
I chatted with Chris several times about what I was happy and unhappy about, and really he was still experimenting with his bridle setup. The fact that the kite handled really well once it was flying was promising, but relaunch was almost impossible. I kite alone a lot, especially in winter. I could not even get it up in 10 knots on the beach yet could easily launch my 11.5 Argo in the same conditions.
There was a lot of back and forth going on and in truth, Chris did try hard to sort me out. However I left to work overseas with a kite that wasn't tuned. Somewhere along the line he worked out that the kite would get more lowend as a pulleyless kite, and also tuned the bridle to perform better. As I was overseas I didn't get the info that I wished I had. The winds are so mediocre in Thailand this kite was essential to my kite joy. (there was very little joy in Thailand). I ended up on a reef with no relaunch possibilities, cut and bruised and swearing off this kite.
So, I email Chris and he responded straight away. He was willing to send me an Argo as I thought this kite would not cut it and I didn't want to wait for several design changes before the kite performed as planned. At this stage I decided to leave Thailand and come home as living there didn't suit me. As soon as I arrived Chris sent me down another 17 trx to try out with the newest bridle on it. (my original kite was being shipped back at the time). I thought I would give it one more try before moving on. I am glad I did.
Hard to believe what a difference a tuned bridle can make. The kite relaunches easy now, the lowend power is there, and what is amazing is how well it handles even up to 20 knots. I never felt out of control on a surfboard (strapless) and though it is out of it's wind range, you can feel like you could never be caught out as things ramp up. Just get back to the beach and grab a smaller kite.
One the lowend I have been riding this from 9 knots on a surfboard and easily holding my ground, and moving upwind from 10 knots upward. We did a direct side by side comparison with a 17 Zephyr and the conclusions were this:

Trx, slightly more low end power, but the delivery of power VERY different. The Zeph pulls through the turn where the Trx pivots on the wingtip and generates power after the turn. Grabs apparent wind instantly. This is what I want in a kite, something that is smooth on jibes and hard carving, not pulling you off on the turns. The kite generates power differently than other kites I have flown, you get your speed after you sine the kite down and on the up sine. As you move the bar away on the up sine you really feel the kite take off. Took a bit to get used to but I really love the way it responds. This kite in glassy surf is really really fun. Combine that with an Alaia I just shaped and I can get out on even the most marginal days. (l like to kite every condition as I would rather be in the water than on the beach dreaming about 25 knots and 8 foot swell with perfect angles)
Now, here is where I imagine I will get a bunch of red thumbs, so I will put on my flame suit now.
The kite does turn like a 12 BWS, and I am not the only one saying this. It loops so easy. Can loop it down the line without any effort. Kite drifts really well, and to be able to kite a big kite like this in the surf and be able to play with it on the waves is really something. Would I rather be out on my 9 or 7 in the surf? Of course. But when the wind is light and there are waves around I want to ride, and this kite allows that.
And that wraps it up from me. I was going to stick with the Argo, proven surf kite that does everything, but now I am going to tool up with the TRx because of the way the kite drifts and loops. I know that Chris had to start all over again with a new factory, and that would have no doubt been a nite mare, but the upshot is that the quality has improved. I have seen the newer kites and wish I had waited a little longer than beta testing the bridle, but now that it is sorted I know that these kites are really something, especially in the surf.
Again, I have no affiliation with these kites, but I like to support local people and business when I can.

hey dafish, is the new kite he gave you still a 2012 kite with a new bridle or the new 2013 which is different? i am interested to know this as i have 2012 9m & 12m
cheers tony

I actually have the TRX 2012 with pulleyless bridle 2013 and 2013 bar.

Thanks for taking the time to share your story and review dafish.

I purchased a quiver of 2013 TRX kites and am really happy (9m, 12m & 17m). I felt nervous making this large acquisition on the back of a 30 minute demo of the now updated 14m v2 with pulley bridles.

I weigh 100kg and the 17m was purchased so commutes to the beach in disappointing 12m conditions were not wasted. I am a busy family man, so it I'm cashing in a leave card to go for a kite, I am only going to go if there is forecasted green arrows. Unfortunately that used to sometimes end in frustration...

The 17m has been great and serves its purpose beautifully. It pivot turns quickly without yanking and, as per dafish's observations, the power surge when underpowered comes not in the turning but the up and down strokes. The turning was what sold me on the TRX line of kites. It's a really fun kite to fly because:
- the loops are easy
- the kite loves "hunting" at the edges of the window, meaning:
1) that there is a larger window for it to play in
2) getting upwind is effortless (meaning more jumps and downwinding)
- bar pressure is lower than I have had before
- no pulleys results in more control, accurate flying and new confidence to push into new moves

I find that the kite prefers:
- the outer bridal connection point (there are 2)
- the outer back-line connection point (to increase the bar pressure as much as possible)
- long lines (I just use the extensions that come with the kite
- the depower set so that it gives a good stall when the bar is in (this helps to maximise the air time and control in hooked in jumps)

gotta go...

disclaimer: paid $3k for my 3 kite quiver, I have been kiting for 3 years and am an intermediate (no sponsorship deals with Chris)... I have progressed through North Vegas, SS Octane, Best Kahoona, Griffin Argo and now am solely Griffin TRX