Forums > Kitesurfing Gear Reviews

Revolver - first ride

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Created by harks98 > 9 months ago, 14 Oct 2007
harks98
NSW, 102 posts
14 Oct 2007 9:21AM
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Flew the 12m Revolver yesterday.

Hated it. Slower than the 12m Rebel. No feeling on Bar. Seemed to have good low end and good up wind, but just not my cup of tea.

3 of us rode it and all of us were of the same opinion.


Matt

cwamit
WA, 1194 posts
14 Oct 2007 7:54AM
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That’s a bummer [}:)]! What bar config did you ride it with? Both?

Sounds like (from the Cabrinha kite blurb) that it’s more of a drift and ride the wave power type of kite than the rebel’s ability to hack and slash with the kite’s power as well as the waves power!


Still will have to try for myself!

j.l
NSW, 26 posts
14 Oct 2007 10:24PM
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It doesn't whip around like the rebel in turning ability. It seemed quite stable in the air with good depower. Didn't have the torque of the switchblade 3. I did feel comfortable on it in gusty conditions but compared to the rebel in the same size, it is alot less exciting to fly. I dont understand why a surf kite has 7 struts. Also, I had it set on 1 to 1 steering. ie no pulley.

J.L

WINDSURFnSNOW
NSW, 1613 posts
Site Sponsor
15 Oct 2007 4:04PM
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Just a quick note on the demo of the kite. The bar was converted over from 2-1 to 1-1 by the customer but the bridles on the kite were left on the 2-1 setup which goes a long way to explain how the kite flew for you.

The kites now changed fully over to a complete 1-1 setup so you should give it a go again to see how it should fly.

All the best,

WSS.

sink cut
NSW, 105 posts
16 Oct 2007 6:59AM
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Thats halarious that three of you rode it and did not realise it was not even set up properly! I have noticed rebel riders are a bit special :).

Saffer
VIC, 4501 posts
16 Oct 2007 7:43AM
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quote:
Originally posted by sink cut

Thats halarious that three of you rode it and did not realise it was not even set up properly! I have noticed rebel riders are a bit special :).



why would they notice?

sink cut
NSW, 105 posts
16 Oct 2007 9:30AM
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just having a laugh... everyone is banging on about the revolver not having pulleys (bridal and bar). 3 people ride it and form very stong opinions, "HATE", and they don't even see that the bridal still has its pulleys on- not to mention the bridal lines would have been connected too the attachment points clearly marked "2 to 1" while the attachment points marked "1 to 1" were not being used.

I guess if someone handed you the kite while it was in the air and you did not really care about what was going on you might not notice... but surely if you felt strongly enough about it to start a new thread about how you "HATE" the revolver you would have noticed.

I also had a demo of a revolver on the weekend but it was only windy enough to fly it on the beach - so I am still no wiser.

I myself am trying to decide between new rebels and new revolvers, so I am really keen for these rebel riders to give the revolver a go when it is set up properly.

SC

harks98
NSW, 102 posts
16 Oct 2007 5:04PM
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Hey mate, don't take it to heart so much that I said I hate it. That was my opinion at the time when I flew the kite and I assumed the kite was set up correctly..... its not like it was doing anything strange in the air or flying in a bad way, I just did not like the lack of feel at the bar which I guess would be even worse in 2 : 1 mode?

I have no problems giving the kite another go using the correct set up.

I do ride a Rebel's, but I have an open mind... do you?

sink cut
NSW, 105 posts
16 Oct 2007 5:50PM
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not taking anything to heart! just am very intersted in comparing these two kites correctly as I plan on purchasing a couple of either one shortly, (rebel or revolver that is).. So a rebel rider's objective opinion of the revolver is just what I need? -
and a demo of a rebel(so far to drive!)

j.l
NSW, 26 posts
16 Oct 2007 11:09PM
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quote:
Originally posted by sink cut

not taking anything to heart! just am very intersted in comparing these two kites correctly as I plan on purchasing a couple of either one shortly, (rebel or revolver that is).. So a rebel rider's objective opinion of the revolver is just what I need? -
and a demo of a rebel(so far to drive!)



You will get more than an opinion on kites if you attempt to take the piss out of people.
For the record, the kite was supplied with the dealer informing us that the kite had been converted to 1 to 1. We obviously noticed that was not the case with the bar but did not know that there was an adjustment to be made at the kite. Not that I care but how were we to know? Thanks to Sam at Ecb we were advised of the problem and I will be trying it again tomorrow.
p.s I dont fly Rebels.

CJP
NSW, 370 posts
17 Oct 2007 4:09AM
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quote:
Originally posted by j.l

quote:
Originally posted by sink cut

not taking anything to heart! just am very intersted in comparing these two kites correctly as I plan on purchasing a couple of either one shortly, (rebel or revolver that is).. So a rebel rider's objective opinion of the revolver is just what I need? -
and a demo of a rebel(so far to drive!)



You will get more than an opinion on kites if you attempt to take the piss out of people.
For the record, the kite was supplied with the dealer informing us that the kite had been converted to 1 to 1. We obviously noticed that was not the case with the bar but did not know that there was an adjustment to be made at the kite. Not that I care but how were we to know? Thanks to Sam at Ecb we were advised of the problem and I will be trying it again tomorrow.
p.s I dont fly Rebels.



Howdy partner, this thread is getting good...reminds me of the good old times when the GALAH thread was cranking... pity Laurie had to take it off due to its size... I think it reached 25 pages so apparently was too big to stay on the forum.... strange though ... the never ending story thread is at 93 pages and is still up....maybe the GALAH thread can be re-instated and the hunt can continue ........ anyway I digress.....
Let me know what you think of the revolver when you fly it again....I had a session on it a couple weeks ago and thought it was a kickass kite ( I think it was still in the proto stage ). Jumped really nice,was a little light on the bar for me but that means 99% of riders would say its ok...you know me mate... I like a full body workout when I kite.....Try it in some big wind and really whip it ....I reakon its got a really punchy feel to it ...anyway thats my opinion. However, for me Ion 2 is my kite of choice these days...as you know....looks like some good wind later in the week...see if you can get away from work and you can give the 12.5 Ion a tryout ....cheers amigo

sink cut
NSW, 105 posts
17 Oct 2007 7:13PM
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quote:
You will get more than an opinion on kites if you attempt to take the piss out of people.



Did not mean to offend anyone - but reading back over my posts they do seem quite negative - so sorry if any one is offended. Keen to get opinions when people ride this kite again.

18 Oct 2007 12:48PM
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Looks like the thread is going just fine, some people take a kite out that has a lot of really obvious markings on it and cannot see that the bar setup and the kite setup do not match, oh well, it just means that what they said has little value for now, until they test it again. They have said that too.

I played around with a production 11M last night, tried it in all 3 configs. I really prefer it in 1:1 a or b setting, I will try it again today in better winds.

We have the 5'3" and 5'9" S-Quad surfboards in stock now too, a demo 5'9" is available now, they look very cool and extremely high quality.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

Saffer
VIC, 4501 posts
18 Oct 2007 1:22PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Kitepower Australia
some people take a kite out that has a lot of really obvious markings on it



Sorry steve, but that comes across as calling them idiots because they didn't notice the markings and if it was me you were talking about, I'd be quite insulted. I've tested kites before without checking the details of how the kite is setup on the actual kite, particularly if someone else has just taken it out before you so you know you don't have to check if the lines are crossed.

j.l
NSW, 26 posts
18 Oct 2007 5:02PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Saffer

quote:
Originally posted by Kitepower Australia
some people take a kite out that has a lot of really obvious markings on it



Sorry steve, but that comes across as calling them idiots because they didn't notice the markings and if it was me you were talking about, I'd be quite insulted. I've tested kites before without checking the details of how the kite is setup on the actual kite, particularly if someone else has just taken it out before you so you know you don't have to check if the lines are crossed.



Good comment Saffer, I wont bother feeding Steve with a response in relation to his comment.
I flew the 12m revolver again yesterday at Longy in 15 to 23 knts for several hours. Kite was set on no pulleys. As per my previous post, it is quite a stable kite. The power delivery is very smooth with good depower. This kite does not turn as fast as the rebel. Interesting enough the turning speed didn't change much compared to the first time I tried it. The kite requires a fair bit of bar input to make it turn hard compared to the rebel and rhino. Maybe thats because the bar is longer (or so it seemed). Also, maybe it is what I am used to but I prefer the more direct feel through the bar of the rebel. Although the kite is smooth it doesn't had the grunt of the sb3 or the torque. If you want a smoother feel from your sb3 then I think you would love the revolver. (this is the exact same opinion a mate of mine formed who owns two sb3's)
In summary, the kite was smooth, stable and would make you feel confident in big surf conditions. For me though, I prefer the excitement of the rebel and cult for the quicker turning speed and more precise bar feel and a bit more grunt.
J.L

harks98
NSW, 102 posts
19 Oct 2007 6:33AM
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quote:
lot of really obvious markings on it and cannot see that the bar setup and the kite setup do not match

Really... it a bits hard to see these markings when the kite is 25m above your head. But thanks for pointing that out!!

gkram
QLD, 119 posts
19 Oct 2007 7:41AM
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quote:

Although the kite is smooth it doesn't had the grunt of the sb3 or the torque. If you want a smoother feel from your sb3 then I think you would love the revolver. (this is the exact same opinion a mate of mine formed who owns two sb3's)
In summary, the kite was smooth, stable and would make you feel confident in big surf conditions. For me though, I prefer the excitement of the rebel and cult for the quicker turning speed and more precise bar feel and a bit more grunt.
J.L



So would you say the Revolver turns faster then the Switchblade3?

brooksy
WA, 498 posts
19 Oct 2007 7:08AM
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This is why Flexifoil prints the instructions on the bag, so you can't loose it and then they label everything AND colour code it.

19 Oct 2007 9:55AM
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Dear me, you are a sensitive bunch!
@ saffer - I did not intend to insult anyone or call tyem an idiot, you actually did that by assuming my meaning with an out of context snippet of my post.

@Jl, I respect you opinion, and since I have not flown the kite, I have nothing to offer on the kite itself.
Surely one of you guys set up the kite and inflated it, or did you just get handed the kite on the beach by someone else (who maybe should have known better)

@ Harks98, Matt same as Jl, if you were handed the kite, then your comments make sense.

No offense was intended to any of you, but the kite does have very clear markings on it, and although changing it from 2:1 to 1:1 would require reading a few lines of instructions its not rocket science to change it.
The kite must have felt totally weird.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

I'll report after I ride it, and I'll get Rich Stenning to use it over at Wanda and post his thoughts too.

Neill
VIC, 484 posts
19 Oct 2007 11:13AM
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Did anyone else watch the revolver promo video up on kiteforum?

most. useless. video. ever.

seems like cabrinha deliberately didn't show the kite AT ALL in any of the wave sequences in the movie, so in effect the guys in the video could have been riding fuels, switchblades, flysurfers, peter lynns, ANYTHING.

SHOW THE DAMN KITE YOU MORONS YOU MIGHT SELL SOME THEN

/rant

890Falcon
NSW, 383 posts
19 Oct 2007 11:40AM
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Forget about the revolver Rebels and Cults to rule the waves for 08.

Fish arrives next week as well as the smart loop, and the first downwinder begins on Sunday, waves is where its at, this sport rocks.

Hausey
NSW, 325 posts
19 Oct 2007 11:21PM
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My Revolvers 12 and 9 arrived yesterday - set up at 2:1 and I wanted to try it on the 1:1 setting so I could compare it with my SB2's.

The wind was dying so I thought I would try and figure it out from the markings on the kite - tried that for a couple of minutes and soon realised that was going to be futile - so ran up to the car to find the instruction book.

Started looking at the diagrams and then started reading the text and got up to step 9 and realised that I was missing some more bits "#6" in the car! So I aborted and went back to 2:1.

By now the wind had died enough to have a crap session.

If you get the kite don't assume that its as obvious as looking at the kite - it's a bit like assembling those garden sheds that are made in China. Curse and follow the instructions as you go - or else you could end up in a mess.

It isn't that obvious unless you've done it before!

20 Oct 2007 9:36AM
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Changing from 2:1 to 1:1 will require reading the book, and will also require removing 2 bridle legs and replacing one with a shorter one that comes in a packet with the instructions.

My advice is to read the 9 or so steps, identify the parts being referred to in the instructions, and then proceed.

You do need the shorter "e" bridle leg for the rear lines, and you will be removing one side of the thick grey amsteel line that runs through the double pulley (it is numbered too).

What you are left with is a revolver that has no pulley on the front lines (unlike that proto we all tried at Dolls), and a single pulley on the rears, and non funtioning pulleys on the bar.

Once the kite is converted, the Revolver can be flown on a SB2 or SB3 1:1 bar, no problem.

Still no wind to do a water test, I've only flown the kite on land in all 3 configurations, 2:1, 1:1a and 1:1b.........

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

Surfer62
1357 posts
20 Oct 2007 8:02AM
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Cabrinha - User friendly huh?? Ive seen the Revolver kit, extensive instruction manual, huge document! Bag has lots of bits and pieces to lose Go GK kites and bridle system, foolproof, even for me.

20 Oct 2007 3:08PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Surfer62

Cabrinha - User friendly huh?? Ive seen the Revolver kit, extensive instruction manual, huge doument!


Yep, at least the kite comes with an extensive instruction manual, unlike many other brands, BUT it is printed in several languages, thats why it looks so big. The English section is only a dozen or so pages.

quote:
Originally posted by Surfer62
Bag has lots of bits and pieces to lose Go GK kites and bridle system, foolproof, even for me.



Go whatever you like flying I reckon!
There are no bits and pieces that come off the Revolver bag that can be a nuisance or lost, WTF??
The Revolver bridle system and the options that a rider can choose to tune it to their style are simple and easy to change. A quick read and anyone can understand what to do.

Should be some actual user reviews coming through soon, they are selling well and there are a few out there now with experienced wave riders.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

Surfer62
1357 posts
20 Oct 2007 4:42PM
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Steve, they just seemed complicated, love all the languages shame i only read english and arabic otherwise i could be enthralled for hours reading 12 pages over and over, 12 pages !!!!!! WTF, and they did forget to put it in arabic, hehehe chill out GK has a simple one page explanation of the bridle options, maybe I'm just a simpleton, but i am looking for an 08 kite, mmmmmm that confirms i am a simpleton.

Cya

and strong winds up ya,

Col

Venomguy
146 posts
23 Oct 2007 5:42PM
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Review 11m Revolver

Kite years experience, 7 years
Weight = 88kg
Current kites
Ozone, Rhino, Turbo Diesel, Omega
Firewire surfboard 6”6 strapless
Slingshot SRT 5 11’ strapped

Rode the 11m Revolver over 2 days in winds ranging from 15 to 23 knots so had a good chance to test the kite over different wind strength and conditions. This will now be my main kite for summer, no need for a larger kite.

Wave Conditions : Head high, reef break, wind was side shore

Kite construction: bullet proof ,

Bar and Kite setting, 1:1 b mode ( Kite and bar)


On the weekend got in 2 solid days on this kite in waist to overhead reef break surf on the south coast. Wind was side shore most of the time with strapless powered wave riding the first day in 10 to 15 knots ( most of the wave surfing speed generated by the board with the kite back stalling down the line), and then more powered up wave riding the 2nd day in 20 Plus knots. This kite turns very quick with good bottom end, The 11m turns and de-powers better than my 9 North Rhino 2007. Was able to test the bottom end against the new Rebel 12, and the 11m kite has at least the same if not better bottom end with considerable better turning speeds than the Rebel.

Bar pressure and direct feel of turning in sub 15 knots on the 1:1 b settings was similar to my Rhino 9, only when the wind was over 20 knots did I feel the bar pressure might be slightly too high and will consider using the 1:1a setting for higher winds in the future.

One Pump: this is very sweet, best on the market and works well

Unhooked: This is where the kite felt really comfortable, flies like a C-Kite when unhooked. If you ride unhooked on waves this kite really works, not like other Cab Bow kites.

Great kite, if you are really into waves this is the one to buy , s

Cheers

Drew




sink cut
NSW, 105 posts
23 Oct 2007 9:16PM
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quote:
This kite does not turn as fast as the rebel


quote:
Was able to test the bottom end against the new Rebel 12, and the 11m kite has at least the same if not better bottom end with considerable better turning speeds than the Rebel


I'd love to know which one really turns faster - and with less bar input.

sc

harks98
NSW, 102 posts
23 Oct 2007 9:39PM
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sink cut

It's no suprise it turns faster as its a smaller kite than the 12m we tested. The kite does look nice though, but the 12m is not as quick as the 12 Rebel.

24 Oct 2007 9:15AM
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But the kite you tested was set up wrong Matt??

Regards

Steve

quote:
Originally posted by harks98

sink cut

It's no suprise it turns faster as its a smaller kite than the 12m we tested. The kite does look nice though, but the 12m is not as quick as the 12 Rebel.

Saffer
VIC, 4501 posts
24 Oct 2007 9:50AM
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quote:
Originally posted by sink cut

quote:
This kite does not turn as fast as the rebel


quote:
Was able to test the bottom end against the new Rebel 12, and the 11m kite has at least the same if not better bottom end with considerable better turning speeds than the Rebel


I'd love to know which one really turns faster - and with less bar input.

sc



I'm willing to put money on the rebel winning by a fair margin. People fail to remember that all the bridle kites have a delayed response so even if they turn as fast, their is still a small delay until they start turning vs 5th line kites.



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"Revolver - first ride" started by harks98