Switchblades Vs Assault..

Hi bigdan have a 9 meter 06 switchblade and a 16 meter 06 assault (trying to sell the assault at the moment) anyhow it's not easy to compare both kites as ones double the size of the other nearly. I have a preference for the switchblade kite shape as it has more arc than the assault , it's my preference because I feel the arc has a more consistent pull compared to the assaults more flat design. Build wise I think they are on par but the assault has more styled graphics if that has any bearing on your preferences Bar pressure I can't compare fairly but the assault does have a lot of bar pressure in low wind but once it hits over 14 knots it's not an issue. The assault I find isn't a light wind kite as I intended - by light wind I am talking 10 to 14 knots in hindsight I should have bought a foil perhaps, bars are both the same really The assault is a neater system with a better stopper system as one can adjust break through pressure. Were as the sb definably has a few extra nice touches like elastic bands to hold wrapped lines in place and the quick release on the assault isn't as quick as the sb (not good thing to have for a qr) to release which is a negative but the positive is you wont loose the chicken loop on the assault if the donkey dick isn't locked into the loop-harness (managed to loose the chicken loop once on the sb when I initiated the qr without the donkey dick in place -woops!!) although if you get the assault get some cable ties for the donkey dick as its velcro and doesn't like sand and can come off. bags are both good as each other, the assault is a two pump system, it's easy and haven't had any hassles on it alternatively the 06 sb needs each single strut inflated but the leading edge is a one-way valve you have to unscrew to release the air after use.. It's a love hate relationship because the seal doesn't like sand near it but its great when it is clean because there is no air loss when removing the pump hose.

Overall I think both kites are good but for me at 73 kilos the assault is too big and from what I wanted it for in the really light winds days, to be fair Esperance lacks consistency anyhow with regards to light wind kitesurfing, as such I am waiting on the arrival of a 06 sb in the 12 meter size for those 14 knot days, and hence trying to sell the assault. If your big as your name suggest then your maybe more suitable than I for a sb 16 if you like a more arc shape kite or the assault 16 if you like a more flat kite , or if your looking for a 9 meter then the sb if you can find one would be the way to go

Best of luck dude and to see some picks of my assault cruise over too http://www.perth-people.org/saekites.htm its going pretty cheap compared to some of the other same size used bow kites on this forum.

edited: a couple of things I failed to mention before.