How would you rate a Wainman twelve to a twelve Switchblade in the current models ?
I would rate them as being 2 completely different kites in nearly all areas.
After riding one on last years wainman kites i wouldn't recommend them to a learner or intermediate kiter. Just because of the complex tuning and lack of safety options. The newer model is the same kite but they have upgraded the bar so hopefully it will be better. I like the new kahoona as a better option for a 3 strut delta kite. Both kites are grunty like the original bandit delta kites. The bandit 3 wasn't as grunty and a better all round kite IMO.
As for the switchy, there are a lot more people using them. They are definitely safer and more user friendly. They have stuck with the same design for quite a while now making some improvements every year which has made it a well refined kite. People use them for wake style, freestyle, surf etc. So it is a good all round kite. Most learners will be able to use a switchy and progress well with it.
The two kites you are chasing a comparison on IMO are completely different and really suit completely different riders. You should really look at what you want from a kite ask questions then get a list of kites to suit you and make a choice from that. By only considering these two kites you could actually mis out on the kite that would best suit you, there are a lot out there.
i've just orderd a 9m wainman smoke to replace my 2010 9m helix. I'm hoping for a less frantic kite that i can slow down when i want to. When i get a go on it i'll let yis know. Have you found a bad report on the wainman yet? every report i've found says it's a must have kite. Cant find a bad review.
