Whats the general thoughts on the new switchblades ?

I rode a 12m for only 15mins in gusty wind and didnt try last hears so not a great test.
Coming from a 2008 SB3 version I was surprised it flew almost exactly the same.
Powerful, super stable, slow to turn, great easy boost and float.
Great features on the bar with ability to do two stage safety unhooked. Busy though.

huh...?

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rik said...


Whats the general thoughts on the new switchblades ?

New 2013 Switchblade 12m, I had a wicked session on this, it was steady 25Knots, very floaty, lots of depower, and super easy relaunch, This also had a great feel when unhooked, Plenty of bar pressure and Sat still when i was throwing tricks, Had a good low angle pull which made throwing tricks off chop more controlled, the only thing i struggled with was passing the bar, i found it hard to push the kite forward but it was 25knots and i still got some Slims and blind and wrapped landings in the sessions and was great for some old school transitions, it likes to float you for darkslides and hand drags, i had alot of hooked in fun on this one, looped nicely as well as giving big lift ,not my general choice of kite but was impressed enough to happily ride it again. Oh and the Green and black graphics are sick, actually a cool looking like. felt good mowing it back and forth.

I found the 8 & 10 mtr sat really farward in the window making it hard to sit back on .

the wildcard colour way looks funky. saw a few guys flying them today at stkilda and saw two being looped very solidly. the bar looks interesting and seems to be one piece so it won't peel off and the new chicken loop with a swivel looks interesting.
spoke with one of the people flying a 10 he said no real change he could feel from the 2011 &2009 he had previously owned.

Had a demo of the 12m on Friday. Thanks SHQ. My view is if the shop gives you a demo the least you can do is write a review. Its cruel giving me one of these since i only have the 2011 model. Heres my thoughts (comparison to 2011 12m) in 18-20knots (note i am heavy rider):

- much smoother
- different shape in the air
- better turning i.e quicker more responsive
- bar is a work of art (best bar on the market in my opinion), chicken loop stiffer which is good and lines appear tangle proof and look really durable
- extreme difference in bar pressure (much lighter) - it was almost disconcerting. I like bar pressure so this was a worry. Felt like i was cheating and would actually have to go to the gym for a workout.
- lighter pressure gives the perception not as grunty (but this is purely perception). Anyway can change setting on kite to increase bar pressure 'B' setting which i did not try.
- unhooked this was streets ahead of 2011. It unhooks like a dream. Makes unhooking for mere mortals like myself really accessible. 2011 you have to depower before unhooking and fight it a bit to hook back in. 2013 its just so much easier. Felt like i was cheating again but not in a bad way like the bar pressure.
- seems to loop better (winds fairly light so cant say definitively)
- cant say re boosting given limited conditions

Overall was very impressed. That being said most 2013 kites appear to be quite impressive. The switchy remains a good all rounder being really really good (but not out and out great) at everything (something which suits me, I am no superstar and i am sure if it was great i probably dont have skill to fully utilise).

Thanks SHQ for the demo. I will start saving! Also i am open to offers of sponsorship (other shops please note i am not fussy so feel free to PM me with other brands offers, I will be worth it!)

Nice review Pedro , Did you find it flew further faward in the window making you stand more upright ??

Absolutely awesome, I got the 2013 12m and am loving it, haven't tried it in the waves but for wake style it is perfect, great fun, loads of power as I'm 120kg, buy one, do it, do ittttt.....

[}:)]

To be honest did not notice a real difference re where the kite sat in the window. That being said we are talking about a twenty minute session but one where I put it through its paces.

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rik said...
Nice review Pedro , Did you find it flew further faward in the window making you stand more upright ??

I have been running the rear lines on the top knot. Gives much better feel and a little more bar pressure.

Highly recommend, give it a try.