Rider: Weight,Level (intermediate)
Style: Freeriding, Freestyle
Weather: 16 -20 knots

My Comments:
I rode the kite for the first time on Sunday. I normally ride the RX edge but at the time the wind was very light so I thought i would give the Kitepower demo a go.

I have to say that I did not like the 08 light at all and I have steered away from test riding this years model because of that. I could not believe the transition this kite has gone through for the 09 model. It was stable and powerful. It turned quickly, looped nicely didn't flap at all and it boosted well. It is a really good all round kite. It has all the great build qualities of Ozone and the 09 bar is very good. Real vaue for money kite ... I would put it high on my list if i were looking to buy another kite.

I've now flown the 14M Light XC too Rusty, although have not flown the 12M, because I wanted to replace my own 08 LightII.
The LightII 14M may not have suited some riders, however it still had amazing light wind ability, comparable to much larger kites I have owned, like the 17M Cab Contra2.
Unlike the Contra, the LightII turned well and without much effort, and in its mid range it jumped well and would be ok in waves too.
Many people have seen how light the green LightII I use will get going in down here in Sydney, but now its replaced with a white/olive/grey XC!

This years kite, the LightXC is so much better, same powerful bottom end, but much better for jumping and all round use. Much better at the top end of its wind range although having a bit less depower, it can still be edged and ridden in similar wind strengths, and feels a lot better to ride at the top end than the 08 LightII.

This years Light XC does not have one pump, but I have not missed it, 3 struts is nothing to pump up.
Everything about the Light XC is better, from the way the kite flies and performs to the really improved and very safe bar system, to the construction and even the bag.
Demo one, do not judge the kite because it has 3 struts, its a great allrounder, awesome price and really good for waves.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

I would say the light is the best of the three this year.

the "best" kite is very subjective... however I would definitely say that the '09 Light is the most improved kite out of the three.

Peace

Has anyone had any experience with the small lights as wave kites yet? The 8m and 6m?

I flew the 8m today it is really fast and really grunty I love it, it even boosts well. I reckon its going to be awesome when i get it out on some bigger waves. Huge improvement in this kite this year. You know what I lov about this kite it is so simple it is the ipod of kites it has everything that you need to make it work and no junk, very simple and very effective. It has bags of performance this year too!!

Select to expand quote

Kitepower Australia said...

I've now flown the 14M Light XC too Rusty, although have not flown the 12M, because I wanted to replace my own 08 LightII.
The LightII 14M may not have suited some riders, however it still had amazing light wind ability, comparable to much larger kites I have owned, like the 17M Cab Contra2.
Unlike the Contra, the LightII turned well and without much effort, and in its mid range it jumped well and would be ok in waves too.
Many people have seen how light the green LightII I use will get going in down here in Sydney, but now its replaced with a white/olive/grey XC!

This years kite, the LightXC is so much better, same powerful bottom end, but much better for jumping and all round use. Much better at the top end of its wind range although having a bit less depower, it can still be edged and ridden in similar wind strengths, and feels a lot better to ride at the top end than the 08 LightII.

This years Light XC does not have one pump, but I have not missed it, 3 struts is nothing to pump up.
Everything about the Light XC is better, from the way the kite flies and performs to the really improved and very safe bar system, to the construction and even the bag.
Demo one, do not judge the kite because it has 3 struts, its a great allrounder, awesome price and really good for waves.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

Whats wrong with 3 struts .(sounds like some people once again have based their opinion on ignorance and the 'iron grip of cool") the light is one of the most impressive LEI's I had ever ridden for waves (simple and effective)and a good jumping kite in the stronger stuff