Yes a kite that doesn't get enough mention. Really excellent kite for the freeride cruiser who likes wave riding and boosting. The really good guys even unhook on them...(that doesn't include me ). A kite more people should demo. I just found the bar pressure too much for my wimpy arms. But loved everything else. Refined like all all airush kites.

72 Kg intermediate
Freeride, Surf

Good review.

Peterc I too replaced my 2009 Switchblade 12 and a 2011 8 m with a 12 m and 9 m 2013 Lithium. Being my first full season kiting, I wasn't sure what to expect but it was love at first demo. My progression took off since I switched to the Lithiums. For someone new to the sport, it has that perfect power progression and it's so well behaved. The depower is quicker too.

I agree with Eppo about the bar pressure. Even with my short but stout arms, it's higher than my 09 Switchblade (which was actually too light - lack of feel) but it's manageable on the lighter settings. I hear the 2011 and 12's have higher bar pressure. Really - ouch!

The 12 m Lithium has more oomph and turns much quicker than the 12 SB. For that matter the 12 Lithium is quicker to turn than even my 8 m Switchblade. The 9 m Lithium is my favorite, but this is also a function of the 15-25 knot conditions that I love to ride in.

I have a 7 m Cabrinha Vector that I use when the winds up and it's nice and all, but when I get back on the Lithium, it feels like coming home again. It just feels right. I have the same reaction after riding my friend's 013 Rebel.

Peterc I changed the settings on both my kites.

First I changed the setting on the leading edge from medium to light. This did lighten up the bar pressure a bit, but not dramatically. I didn't notice any other changes other than the depower stroke being a little longer.

The second time out on the 12 meter I moved the steering lines to the light setting keeping the light setting on the leading edge. I noticed the kite steered even quicker. This is nice and I never heard anyone saying their 12 meter moves too fast. I did notice a small difference in bar pressure reduction but the depower stroke was definitely longer. Have "t-rex" length arms it began to remind me of being on my Cabrinha Switchblades, although not as extreme.

I moved the leading edge back to the medium setting and kept the steering lines on light. Now, it's fast turning 12 meter kite with manageable bar pressure.

On the 9 meter I changed the leading edge setting to light and kept the wingtip settings on medium. The 9 turns quick enough and I didn't want to experience the longer depower stroke I had when I changed it on the 12 m.

I'd like to hear about your impressions with your settings.

Eppo, I keep reading that the 2013's have lighter bar pressure than the 012's. As I expressed before, that would seem like a lot of bar pressure. While I find the 013 manageable and I can live with it, I wouldn't mind if it were a bit lighter. The Cabrinha Vectors are also high as was my 011 Cab Switchblade. The 2009 SB's was really light. I couldn't feel where the kite was at times. The 011 and 013 North Rebels I tried had a med-light pressure and just right.

Finn, per advice of another Lithium owner, he would tie the knot one setting down and liked in light winds or when it was gusty. It's also suppose to help stabilize the kite in gusty-high winds when the kite is overhead I tied a knot at the white mark one below the factory setting and didn't care for it. The kite wasn't as responsive. I read that tying the knot on the steering line one or two down allows the kite to "breathe". I don't know exactly what they mean. Perhaps Eppo knows something about this.

I may play with the settings as time goes on, but for now I'm leaving well enough alone. I remember the first time I demoed the Lithium and everything was on it's factory settings and I had a blast. My suggestion is leave things as they are until your a further along, and even then you may prefer it as is. It's as they say a great plug and play kite. You made a good choice.

Had a great session in the surf with the Lithium 9 in around 23 knots - it parks and rides well when on a wave. I was slightly overpowered in my Lithium 12. The smaller kite does the "S pattern" better when getting set to ride a wave too.

The "light bar pressure" bridle and steering line settings don't seem to affect the kite handling in any negative way so I will stay them now.

Here is a photo from the session


More photos and info here: www.peterskiteboarding.com/2013/03/kitesurfing-sandy-point-surf-morning.html