Hi,
what's the verdict on Bandit IV as a wavekite?
I currently have B3 7 & 10m2 versions, but in onshore conditions I am really not that happy with those. The reason being, they are still not that stable, more stable than the DOS but that's not a reference I would say...
Also when unhooked on wave, it really easily pulls more than enough, and this is not easy to adjust with the depower rope either. The kite just doesn't work to my mind that great for unhooked surfing.
Third point is that if depowered, the turning is not that great.
Fourth, when downlooping in heavier winds, the pull is surging, not that smooth.
So my question is, how do you find the Bandit 4 in terms of 1) stability, 2) steering when depowered and 3) unhooked capabilities and finally 4) the smoothness when looping?
And the sizes I am interested are <10m2
Any feedback highly appreciated!
As a reference to the b3. Stability is super stable in strong and gusty winds and also if you depower the kite will stay in the sky not drift down to edge of window. Steering while depowered is good ( one thing that with previous bandits especially in top end became sluggish, even turns faster depowered a little.) Unhooked is sweet, you can confidently unhook without fear of being dragged away and don't have to constantly trim the kite. Power delivery and loops are smooth as. I've had all the bandits and am happy that they have managed to keep the good points of the deltas and integrate the feeling/ positivesof the more freestyle, unhooked kites. See if you can get a run on one.
good information, thank you very much!
Is the B4 lighter in weight compared to the B3 as there's only three struts?
thanks once more.
Would say it's lighter and more responsive than b3. due to 3 struts and a little less dacron in wingtips and force frame. However struts and LE are still solid for stability, not the skinniest out there. definately will fly better in lighter winds/ marginal conditions and drift better and b more stable in waves
I agree, particularily in the smaller sizes the b4 is better in the surf than the b3. Ive riddden bandits since they first came out and loved the 11mtr b3 last year, but the b4 is better upwind, more pratictable when jumping and on waves, better unhooked and delivers its power in a smooth constant form, instead of sudden and aggesive one
Have fun
George
