2012 griffin argo (Kites) | Kitesurfing Forums, page 1

Enable JavaScript to get the best experience.

Search Subscribed Topics Active Topics

2012 griffin argo

Created by

angus2125 > 9 months ago, 23 Oct 2011

angus2125

NSW

8 posts

23 Oct 2011 8:21am

If relevent, please fill in this template...(& remove this line)

Rider: Weight, 70kg. 10 years flying, last 5 fanatical, early days on my own in Narooma scary solo sport as a learner.
Style, Surf, wave ridding
Weather: 16knots to unknown. Also have 6.5 chimerra 25k on
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 10/10.
Disclosure: none tried a demo 2010 Argo was superior to the tarkoon then better up wind great value, been my kites for the last 2 to 3 years.

My Comments: Just got my new 9m Argo to replace my 9m Argo 2010 had a ball on it, test flew it on the beach as doubted the wind was strong enough, pulled great so reluctantly took it in the surf, as waves had a bit of size, to my surprise it had enough pull hence seemed to have better bottom end and indoubtly turned faster. In my opinion a great kite and worth every cent. Great stuff.

COL

NSW

554 posts

23 Oct 2011 5:08pm

Well stay away from Newcastle. We'll have no wave ridding here!

Col

angus2125

NSW

8 posts

24 Oct 2011 7:53pm

Select to expand quote

angus2125 said...

If relevent, please fill in this template...(& remove this line)

Rider: Weight, 70kg. 10 years flying, last 5 fanatical, early days on my own in Narooma scary solo sport as a learner.
Style, Surf, wave ridding
Weather: 16knots to unknown. Also have 6.5 chimerra 25k on
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 10/10.
Disclosure: none tried a demo 2010 Argo was superior to the tarkoon then better up wind great value, been my kites for the last 2 to 3 years.

My Comments: Just got my new 9m Argo to replace my 9m Argo 2010 had a ball on it, test flew it on the beach as doubted the wind was strong enough, pulled great so reluctantly took it in the surf, as waves had a bit of size, to my surprise it had enough pull hence seemed to have better bottom end and indoubtly turned faster. In my opinion a great kite and worth every cent. Great stuff.

roachy

NSW

391 posts

27 Oct 2011 12:45pm

Great value kite for one, instant customer service from designer/owner/kiter -no pass the buck , lots of grunt , massive wind range - 70kg on surfboard strapped from 15- 29knts what i have tried - and not warping out once depowered , one pump for us lazy people , epic relaunch , black kite with red and green tips looks the biz. Flew and owned 2010 argo and have been flying since, tried 2011 -didnt really do it for me , but the 2012 great improvement. Tried the 10m to see if i could sneak some more low end , but the 9m with my weight works a little better for me, even though it trucked along good , the 9m is such a sweet kite for light riders . Add a 7m and i am sorted.

bennie

ACT

1258 posts

27 Oct 2011 7:27pm

Hey menace could you give us some details about the differences between the 2010 and 2012 models?

roachy

NSW

391 posts

27 Oct 2011 7:40pm

9M had more top end ,i could fly mine 2010 around 25knts, then i found it not enjoyable ,kite flying to high after depowering to manage , the other day on 2012 it was stable as up to 28+ ,still had more left in the depower, bottom end seems similar, had less bar pressure on 1b on the new kite , drifted a little better. Allround and easy transition, all that was enjoyable before ,with a few better improvements for me .
Only flown it a couple of times though ,more exploring to be done.

dafish

NSW

1654 posts

27 Oct 2011 7:49pm

I can't give any reference, but I can add that I recently purchased the 11.5 meter Argo and was looking to replace my 12 07 Rebel. I wanted to lean toward an Australian product and I liked what I saw. Price was great, less than a second hand Rebel.
I was looking for an all rounder, I fly a 9 and 7 Rev2 when the wind gets into the 20's and up. I wanted a larger kite that would work great in the surf when the wind wasn't as strong. (I am 82 tacos in weight)
First go on the kite and I was less than impressed, but I was trying a new spot and there were major holes in the wind. On initial pump up the one thing that irritated me a little was that the two inside strut hoses are too long and they don't just pump up. I have to get the kite up to pressure and then manually straighten them out to get the air in, then re pump up. (easy fix i know, but I currently don't have any small zip ties and I shouldn't have to fix it.) Same goes when I deflate, they stay pumped until I straighten them out. Can someone tell me the correct length for the two inner strut hoses?
Initial flights felt good and I tried the advertised easy self launch on the water. It wasn't as easy as it looked in the video but did get it up in a wind hole.
I went back on line and checked the multitude of settings and worked out that b36 was what I should have set up so I swapped it out.
Next day I went out in 12 knots to see if it pulled like the advertised 13. Well, I have to say that "Hell yes it does!!!!" I was going upwind on a 141 twinny easy. There were a few gusts to 15/17 and had no problem sending this kite up. Tried several self launches and lands to feel the kite, all works great as advertised.
This kite really is the bomb, and I can't believe how a few little changes made the kite light up. Turns so quick and easy, nothing complicated about flying this kite at all. I love my quick turning little Revs, and this kite didn't seem much slower despite the size difference. I think when I have to replace my smaller kites I would buy another one of these kites. Can't wait to get this thing out in 18 knots plus, I am ready to send this thing!
Every part of the kite is well build, the bar is fantastic and easy to use. Don't really understand the little mini phatom 5th line thing, someone might be able to explain that. I haven't flagged the kite yet to see how it falls out of the sky, but I will check that out next time I am out and it is safe to do so. Was gonna wait to Christmas to get this kite, but seeing all the vids pushed me to get this earlier. (plus my Rebel has a slow leak and the bladder is nearly shot)
Highly recommended kite.
Someone should fix my inner hoses though, maybe my local rep will sort it out cause I can't be bothered right now. I just want to fly it.
my 2 pesos worth

GriffinKites

NSW

201 posts

27 Oct 2011 9:04pm

Select to expand quote

dafish said...

On initial pump up the one thing that irritated me a little was that the two inside strut hoses are too long and they don't just pump up. I have to get the kite up to pressure and then manually straighten them out to get the air in,

I had a choice re short or long, when you crash a kite in the waves, if it gets pounded, the struts will move around a lot, and if the struts move too far, and the hose is too short, guess what, it rips out of the valve and kite kite deflated and end of session.

So because the kite is a wave kite ( also great for big floaty jumps, kite loops, unhooked and even freestyle ) I figured it would be better to build the kite to handle a good dumping. So made the hoses a bit longer so if the struts are moved from the leading edge, it wont break. Also this mostly only happens in the first few inflates, then not a issue. But thanks for the feed back, will keep it in mind.

Try it with some other kites with short hoses, grab the strut, and pull out to one side all the way, they rip out or damage the valve, so I know what I would prefer, to keep kiting.

dafish

NSW

1654 posts

27 Oct 2011 10:41pm

fair point, and I did think about that and made a comment to the dude that was with me when I first pumped it up to see the shape of the kite. Fresh out of the bag, really flat, etc, give it a dozen sessions and then see.
For what its worth, the Slingys have never given me a problem in the surf with popping a strut tube, or anything else, and I have crashed them more times than I care to admit.
Quite happy to give a month or so and then see if I want to shorten them. There is value in what you are saying so I will wait and see.
Thanks for listening

dafish

NSW

1654 posts

27 Oct 2011 10:48pm

Forgot to mention again, what is the phantom 5th line that I have heard talk of? Before I release the kite to learn how it is suppose to flag, can you describe how the safety works on this kite? Could not find any documentation on this, seems they always stay up in the air!
Don't mind testing it myself but currently we are windless... Maybe tomorrow...
cheers

eppo

9762 posts

27 Oct 2011 7:50pm

Select to expand quote

dafish said...

I can't give any reference, but I can add that I recently purchased the 11.5 meter Argo and was looking to replace my 12 07 Rebel. I wanted to lean toward an Australian product and I liked what I saw. Price was great, less than a second hand Rebel.
I was looking for an all rounder, I fly a 9 and 7 Rev2 when the wind gets into the 20's and up. I wanted a larger kite that would work great in the surf when the wind wasn't as strong. (I am 82 tacos in weight)
First go on the kite and I was less than impressed, but I was trying a new spot and there were major holes in the wind. On initial pump up the one thing that irritated me a little was that the two inside strut hoses are too long and they don't just pump up. I have to get the kite up to pressure and then manually straighten them out to get the air in, then re pump up. (easy fix i know, but I currently don't have any small zip ties and I shouldn't have to fix it.) Same goes when I deflate, they stay pumped until I straighten them out. Can someone tell me the correct length for the two inner strut hoses?
Initial flights felt good and I tried the advertised easy self launch on the water. It wasn't as easy as it looked in the video but did get it up in a wind hole.
I went back on line and checked the multitude of settings and worked out that b36 was what I should have set up so I swapped it out.
Next day I went out in 12 knots to see if it pulled like the advertised 13. Well, I have to say that "Hell yes it does!!!!" I was going upwind on a 141 twinny easy. There were a few gusts to 15/17 and had no problem sending this kite up. Tried several self launches and lands to feel the kite, all works great as advertised.
This kite really is the bomb, and I can't believe how a few little changes made the kite light up. Turns so quick and easy, nothing complicated about flying this kite at all. I love my quick turning little Revs, and this kite didn't seem much slower despite the size difference. I think when I have to replace my smaller kites I would buy another one of these kites. Can't wait to get this thing out in 18 knots plus, I am ready to send this thing!
Every part of the kite is well build, the bar is fantastic and easy to use. Don't really understand the little mini phatom 5th line thing, someone might be able to explain that. I haven't flagged the kite yet to see how it falls out of the sky, but I will check that out next time I am out and it is safe to do so. Was gonna wait to Christmas to get this kite, but seeing all the vids pushed me to get this earlier. (plus my Rebel has a slow leak and the bladder is nearly shot)
Highly recommended kite.
Someone should fix my inner hoses though, maybe my local rep will sort it out cause I can't be bothered right now. I just want to fly it.
my 2 pesos worth

Mate glad you found a good kite. But may I make an observation. You replaced an 07 rebel and found this kite to be awesome. Dude you could have ridden many 2009 kites and found them relatively awesome, let alone a 2012. Big difference between 07 and 09 and a huge diff to 2012. But I'm stoked you love your new kite, that's what it is all about.

dafish

NSW

1654 posts

27 Oct 2011 11:02pm

I have flown many other kites. Don't get misunderstand, I loved that Rebel and would have replaced it with another if it wasn't the cost. Still, I am looking always to buy local and support local industry. I have nothing but good things to say about my Rebel kite, and recently I test rode a current Rebel 7 mt. right after riding my Rev7mt. They were different, but I liked them both. I am not hard to please when it comes to kites, as long as they do what I want them to do.......

dafish

NSW

1654 posts

27 Oct 2011 11:03pm

man, I should learn to proofread......I meant please don't misunderstand me...

eppo

9762 posts

27 Oct 2011 9:28pm

Yeh man I wasn't talking about just rebels though. Nearly every other kite brand would be better after07. Glad ya stoked.

bennie

ACT

1258 posts

28 Oct 2011 5:30pm

Select to expand quote

dafish said...

Forgot to mention again, what is the phantom 5th line that I have heard talk of? Before I release the kite to learn how it is suppose to flag, can you describe how the safety works on this kite? Could not find any documentation on this, seems they always stay up in the air!
Don't mind testing it myself but currently we are windless... Maybe tomorrow...
cheers

Mate I am flying the 2010 argo with the 2011 bar. On this bar the mini(phantom) fith can be set up to flag to one front line or both front lines. I have it setup to flag to both front lines. So when you hit your red QR the kite completely depowers and will sit there on its back(leading edge up). This is similar to the flagging systems employed by F1 and cabrinha. It's great when there is too much wind to safely self land, you just walk up your lines untill you reach your kite.

Mr float

NSW

3452 posts

29 Oct 2011 12:03am

Select to expand quote

It is a little annoying but don't change it .If the kite inverts you will appreciate them and the small annoyance at pump up

Mr float

NSW

3452 posts

29 Oct 2011 12:05am

Select to expand quote

GriffinKites said...

Longer hoses = good move . a bit annoying at pump up but still a good idea

roachy

NSW

391 posts

29 Oct 2011 12:24pm

Anyone tried the 11.5 2012 argo?

dafish

NSW

1654 posts

29 Oct 2011 5:18pm

Yes, the kite that i have just purchased is an 11.5. The kite is very very good, turns on a dime, feels smooth, and had me going upwind in 12 knots with a 141 board. Had it out yesterday and it was 22 to 32 knots. The kite did behave a bit differently in the strong gusts, and I would expect it to not perform at its peak in those higher winds. I could have gone to my 9 easily, but I wanted to see how this baby would handle. I never once felt out of control, edge hard and it would pull right up. It did have a habit of doing a little shake on the end of the turn out and the kite wanted to keep heading down toward the water. It took a good pull from the back of the bar to steady the ship. Did not do that when flying it in the conditions it was meant for, one hand steering was easy until the wind really ramped up.
No question about this kite, it goes up easy, fast, and high, higher than I have ever been. Struggled a bit with the landings trying to find the sweet spot of knowing when to redirect and ease out on landing. A person with more skill would have no trouble, and I can't wait to get this kite in the hands of better kiters to see what they can do.
I tried looping a few times, had it crash once from not comitting enough, but again I put that down to pilot error not the kite.
Easy self launch and self land in those conditions as well, had no trouble whatsoever in keeping in control. It felt super safe....
For some reason the safety on the chicken loop came off when I was near shore just after my change of direction, and it flagged easy to the front lines and never felt like it was going to power up and do crazy things even after it rolled on itself. I wasn't able to reconnect the chicken loop in time before it rolled, and I was in knee deep water, so I just walked up the lines, grabbed the kite and then walked back to the beach and rerigged it.
Yesterday was great testing conditions, and I had it to myself for an hour and a half before someone else came out. I had to leave early, but three hours was enough for me.
The real highlight was seeing a pod of dolphins, I charged over to them and when I got to them they started darting about under my board. It felt like I was right on top of them, and I could actually keep up with them until they grew bored of the game. All around it was a great day.
Stoked with the kite and I will leave the hoses alone and just get used to it....

GriffinKites

NSW

201 posts

31 Oct 2011 9:32am

13.5m light wind kite, some video in light winds deep water, shows off the relaunch and kiteloops in light winds, 12 to 14-15 knots.

The 13.5m 2012 Argo wave kite was designed for the light winds of the Northern Beaches. Rather than a large light wind kite with no turing/fun, I designed a light wind kite with ease of relaunch and fast turning to do kite loops and ride waves with pivotal turning. Many current wave kites are great for waves, but the Griffin has the added ease of relaunch and fast turning that many other wave kite brands lack. In the video I let go of the bar for a time, then grab the bar to relaunch to show how the kite sits on its wing tip and just waits for your command to launch. The 13.5 has better bottom end with the line extensions and goes upwind and jumps well. If you can lite loop the 13.5 light wind wave kite, then you can defiantly kite loop the 10m and 9m and 7m Argo wave kites, Not so much the 17m Argo LWK, but i will get a video of kite looping the 17m kite soon, or at least an attempt.

jacinto

8 posts

31 Oct 2011 7:19am

Hi what are main differences between 2011 and 2012 13.5 Argo? And what weight are you in the video to get going from 12 knot?

Mr float

NSW

3452 posts

31 Oct 2011 10:20am

Hey Chris did the life guards get a bit worried when you had your hands in the air and that shark fin so close at 32 secs?

GriffinKites

NSW

201 posts

31 Oct 2011 11:09am

Select to expand quote

jacinto said...

Hi what are main differences between 2011 and 2012 13.5 Argo? And what weight are you in the video to get going from 12 knot?

I am about 87kgs and was on a 137 twin tip, I usualy use a surf board. I was also on the short lines 21m. For light winds I usually add the +4m line extensions give alot more bottom end wind range + 2 knots or so. with line extensions and my 5ft10 surf board 12knots + is no problem

GriffinKites

NSW

201 posts

31 Oct 2011 11:12am

Select to expand quote

jacinto said...

Hi what are main differences between 2011 and 2012 13.5 Argo? And what weight are you in the video to get going from 12 knot?

Differences = shorter and different 3 point bridle, less pulleys, turns faster, more bottom end more top end more float better relaunch more stable, simpler cant mess up settings.

jacinto

8 posts

31 Oct 2011 1:20pm

Thanks for info. So on a 136 twin tip board & weighing 91kg and using longer liines (25m with extensions?) what would you expect the wind range to be on the 2012 13.5 kite? Somewhere in this forum but can't remember thread topic, you are coming out with 3 strut kite i think - what size would this be the biggest at and would this have more lower wind range as the kite must be lighter than argo?

GriffinKites

NSW

201 posts

31 Oct 2011 10:20pm

Select to expand quote

jacinto said...

Thanks for info. So on a 136 twin tip board & weighing 91kg and using longer liines (25m with extensions?) what would you expect the wind range to be on the 2012 13.5 kite? Somewhere in this forum but can't remember thread topic, you are coming out with 3 strut kite i think - what size would this be the biggest at and would this have more lower wind range as the kite must be lighter than argo?

Depends. How wide is your board? Does it have a heap of rocker or flat middle section?
I think 91kg on a 137 x 32 flat rocker tt 13 14 knots starting from. A bit less on a surf board.

Yes to working on a pully less 3 strutt kite but that's months away and early protos only at the moment.

Andrash

637 posts

1 Nov 2011 2:54am

Is there anyone in Perth having these kites on demo?

Tommy123

QLD

138 posts

1 Nov 2011 10:51am

In regards to the hose length from the l.e to the strut. My 2011 taboo had the hose tear away from the l.e im not sure if it was from the length that caused it or not but it does make sense that having a longer hose allows a bit of room to move. To make matters worse its been bout 3 months and still no replacement

catalaussie

128 posts

1 Nov 2011 6:35pm

Select to expand quote

dafish said...

...On initial pump up the one thing that irritated me a little was that the two inside strut hoses are too long and they don't just pump up. I have to get the kite up to pressure and then manually straighten them out to get the air in, then re pump up. (easy fix i know, but I currently don't have any small zip ties and I shouldn't have to fix it.) Same goes when I deflate, they stay pumped until I straighten them out. Can someone tell me the correct length for the two inner strut hoses?
...

The hose lenght is not a problem if the piece to close the air-pass is on the right position. If you find the right position, the hose will easily maintain straight by his own.

swinginginthewind

281 posts

2 Nov 2011 4:14pm

Select to expand quote

Andrash said...

Is there anyone in Perth having these kites on demo?

Hey Andrash,

After reading the Argo reviews I figured I'd take a shot and buy a 9m without demo-ing. Glad that I did, really like the kite. I wrote an earlier review after I got it, thing I like the most is the smooth feel of the kite during turns.
I'm not great in the waves but I do manage to get a few turns in. The kite behaves really well, doesn't pull yet turns quickly.

I normally kite anywhere between Trigg and Mullas as well as Rotto and Lancelin/Wedge. If you want to fly it PM me.

Allan

dafish

NSW

1654 posts

2 Nov 2011 8:15pm

I tried one too without demoing, and I am glad I did! A dude around here has last years 9 but I was pretty sure that I would like this kite based on watching Chris's videos of Butterbox and how the kite performed. Also, I was looking at a larger size kite and didn't want to be too influenced by the way a 9 would turn compared to the 11.5.Glad I went with my instinct. I am sure I will get used to the hose situ, or maybe it will improve over time, (which I think is likely the case).
All my new surfboards over 40 years of surfing have never been "try before you buy" type of situation. I rode enough of them early on to know what I like, how to evolve it with my style (or sometimes lack of) and I had to take a punt. Especially with new shapers that I wanted to try.

Loading more posts...

Please Register, or first...

Topics Reply