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Rider: Weight,Level (beginner,intermediate,advanced)
Style: Freeriding, Surf, Wake, Freestyle
Weather: ?-? knots
Build Quality: ?/10
Satisfaction: ?/10
Disclosure: (e.g. work at a shop/team rider etc)
My Comments: F one bandit 5
I have a 12, it's low end is amazing , the kite moves faster than most 12s and the power delivery is smooth , much like the rpm but with a better low end. This is the question, how many knots to you gain on the low end from a 12-14. I have never seen a 14 here in oz and wonder if anyone has tried them back to back . Thinking about buying one for Bali light winds 10-15 knots etc this winter. Any info on a test of the 14 would be much appreciated .
By the way I have been a slingshot buyer for 10 years but the bandit has won me over I'm now converted from rpms to the bandit, they are superb in every way for wave riding . The rpm is still an incredible kite just really lacks power after the 10 m and above this is where the bandit rules. Low end , fast , light and agile .
Cheers for any feedback on the 14 m.
Cant say anything other than the 14 would be a waste of a kite for me.
I am 80kgs and I recently purchased the 12M and I was out on flat water with a surf board in 10-15Kts. More of a zen kite session than anything else but it still shocked me (and plenty of other kiters) that I managed to get up and stay upwind. Generally I am stoked with the kite and the hang time is awesome (it feels a little slow TBH but my biggest kite is usually a 10M).
I am guessing the difference will be that a 14 will get you up and running in <15Kts in the waves but it would be sloooooooow.
Stick to your 12M mate, if the wind is really that crappy that you will need the 14 I am guessing you wont be enjoying it much.
If your goin to bali take the biggest kite u can, even if it's windy it's gutless. I have a 12m b5 and really wanted the 14 but they didn't have one in first shipment. I have one ordered for a mate so will give a review in couple weeks when arrives. Will give couple more knots on bottom i'd say which is all it takes to make them light days fun, especially if your heading to bali would be a great asset to have and get a lot of use.
Thanks guys would love to know about the back to back test when you get chance. I agree re Bali, light but fun over there had a great trip with a 17 last year.
Mitch
Yo MC.
I have 12 & 10 B4's.
12 & 9 would be a better combo but I wont go into that.
I agree with Junglist, anything bigger than 12m is a waste.
Dont spend your hard earned money on a 14m which will get you going in 2 more knots but will be so much slower you wont enjoy this kite.
Unless you have alot of 13 to 15 knots days when the 12 wont get u goin,
dont do it !
Here in SA a 12m is the biggest kite needed.
It takes newbies a few years to realise this!
Appreciate the advice guys , I'm loving the 12 at the moment so don't won't to kill that memory , this kite is such a massive step forward, I'll be keeping it for some years to come, can't see what they would need to improve with a bandit 6.
