I'm looking to get a 13.5 or 14 but don't get a chance to demo many kites. I'm looking at an Ion 3, 09 Helix or 09 Cult. Any feedback on the following would be appreciated.
Which of these kites, in equivalent sizes,
1.) Turns fastest.
2.) Has the best bottom end and
3.) Has the least bar pressure.
I've got a 12m 08 kite and am looking for something with more grunt for 15 to 20 knots but still turns fast. Thanks.
The Ion3 and the Naish's are quite different animals. ( I have flown the Ion3's a lot)
I have not actually flown the naishs but watching them it appears that the turn center of the kite is actually within the kite span making them appear to turn fast. The Ion3 turn center is outside the kite span making it turn effectively slower (but with more power as all the kite is moving forward rather than just some of the kite when the center is within the span)
I would wait a month or so and go for the ION4 in a 14.5m they have got the bottom end much better as they have now dropped the 16.5m as it is no longer required.
The Helix has the most power, the Helix is the most powerful.
Don't remember which of the 3 is the fastest turning.
I just ordered a 14m Helix and got a 129 Thorn for free. Super deal. I ordered an unhook chicken loop from the flexifoil Karve store and am still waiting for it .....they don't even have an online checkout you have to use Paypal? Pain in the arse, have had to wait too long, don't want to wait months for a kite or replacement parts and have heard good things about the Helix so I went the Helix. Glen at Xshore will have it to me in a few days, let you know how it flies.
That is a super deal but considering the asking price for those babies Im not suprised. Johnsie might have a warehouse full of kites by the end of the season which will come to a screaming halt in the next couple of weeks with the windy season coming to an end and then we have a long wait over Autumn with the new range of kites coming out in August September.Kites are far to dear now.
About time Naish fixed up those struts with extra reinforcing and those zippers look bomberproof.
Thelonerider
In fairness to Matt from Karve who contacted me to explain the delay I have to say that the delay on the unhook loop isn't from his end but rather a consequence of Paypal. Thanks for the quick reply Matt. I agree with lonerider Iv'e had to stitch up two struts on my 08 Cult and hes' right in that they will have alot of gear left over this year however KRudds paying for a large portion of the deal. I feel like donating some back to him so he can buy a personality or at least a small tricycle and a cigar.
