Rider: 87kgs & Intermediate
Style: Freeriding &Surf
Weather: 18-20kts
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: upgraded from a Noise Classic which I loved

My Comments: This season I wanted to treat myself to a new summer kite, and decided to stick with BWS as my much loved 8m Classic was looking a little tired. The Classic has had a mixed following from what I gathered, but I always liked it's solid feel from the bar and bulletproof-ness. I've managed to drop the damn thing in some sketchy places and never failed it to relaunch it. I bought the 2015 model direct from BWS over the web, and took advantage of the 40% off sale. It came with a stuff sack, pump and backpack. At the outset the build quality looks great, noticeable changes include the larger diameter depower valve which doubles as a fast inflate (using the larger attachment on the pump), and obviously this is a 3 strut kite whereas my old one was 5. Usual scuff pads and reinforcements are evident in the wearing areas. I also noticed the leading edge is much thicker than the Classic on the wingtips, and the bridle is simplified including no P lines.

My first session was in a usual Sw'er at Trigg, around 20 kts and I confess I found it quote challenging to get upwind. I found I was constantly sheeted hard up against the chicken loop, and didnt quite have as much grunt as I was used to ( remember the old Classics are also a size bigger than stated, the new ones are true to size). Unhooking is something I watch on YouTube, to me it felt like the rear lines felt too long, but Im sure I've picked up a few bad habits over the years. Plus Ive spent all winter on high aspect foils which are another thing altogether. Off the breeze, performance was much improved, it turns way faster than the Classic and literally stops and starts to drift backwards as you turn downwind and sheet out. Second session I added 1" pigtails to the front lines, and the difference was immediate - more bottom end, felt much more like my old Classic but with much improved turning and drift. I'm guessing that as the rear lines shrink over time I'll get rid of the pigtails.

So all in all, I'm really pleased with the upgrade. I appreciate its a fairly specific kite and not for everyone, but I'd encourage anyone looking for a surf style kite to give it a go. Predictable is probably the best word to sum it up, and in light of the fact it came in considerably cheaper than the competition ($2k plus seems the norm) I think this is a helluva proposition.

Agree about the fine tuning with longer pigtails on the front lines (or shorter on the back). Did the same thing to my Noise Pro 12m and it flies way better! As you say much better low end and more direct, everything else just as good.

It would be interesting to know if the bar came adjusted with equal line lengths front and back when the bar is sheeted in all the way. I would think that is how it is supposed to be.

40% off is obviously a ripper deal.

Other than that, pricing seems to match up to the competition:

REO 8m Kite only - $1,589

NEO 8m Kite only - $1,439

PRO 8m Kite only - $1,530

Saw them advertised for $499 USD in the USA any size. That's a bargain, especially if you could get their XXL light wind kite for that. That price seems cheaper than their 'team' riders pay. Not going to do the second hand market any favours though.

I bought the 6, 8 & 10 quiver of 2015's with the ambassador program.

the 8 is definitely my favourite. In 18-22knots its got what i think is the best balance of bar pressure, turning input, turning speed and what ever else makes a kite feel good while riding. It has that smaller kite feel to it also.

All the models excel in the drift while riding straight down wind at the kite. I was surprised to find I could still turn the kite while doing this. Very forgiving for wave riding for someone like me who tends to forget where the kite is at times.

Select to expand quote

eabmoto said..
It would be interesting to know if the bar came adjusted with equal line lengths front and back when the bar is sheeted in all the way. I would think that is how it is supposed to be.

yes - with the trimmer completely open (ie longest front lines), all 4 lines are equal when the bar is sheeted in.

So....after getting used to the Noise Pro....would you say you found it has similar wind range as the Noise? Or did it indeed drop down one kite size?

I have a Noise 10m and use it in roughly 12kt-22kt, what I'd consider a typical 12m range. For Noise Pro, am I looking at 10m or 12m?

Go the 12m.

I would definitely agree with what These guys had said about the lines etc. I had checked my lines a number of times and they were all equal length but it did sort of feel like the back lines were too long, I then added some new pigtails and it improved the responsiveness and turning speed very well.

I have the 10m noise pro and a 6m noise classic, I also previously had the 8m and 12m noise classic which I learnt on. I definitely notice the difference with the noise pro it is faster and more pivotal turning also the drift is soooo sweet when everything comes together. It has great low end and I find it best for me in its lower wind range, it is quite grunty and gets quite unruly at its top end though.

I also really like the 6m ( really about an 8) this is nice and quick and aswell as being good for the waves it is also a lot of fun for jumping in high winds.

I have dropped all of these kites in the surf pretty badly and never had any major damage my only gripe would be about the bar. It is a really nice clean setup but the safety bungee wears out fairly quickly and the plastic of the chicken loop has cracked on every one of the bars I have had. I contacted them about this issue and they sent me a couple new chicken loops for free (props for good customer service) but I have cracked those also

Hi Jacob,

I will send you out new replacements for the loops that have cracked. They must have been older stock, the new loops are softer and won't crack. If you have any issues ever just let me know and I will make sure we look after you :)

Cheers

Pete

Yeah i had the same prob with my bws chicken loop cracking in 4 dif places n the ?foam on the bar all flaking off heaps after not much use
P.s. Ne1 got much exp kit looping with a 12 m bws noise pro?

In regards to my previous comment on this thread, the guys at BWS are sending me out a new chicken loop and I just wanted to let people know that I am impressed with there customer service.

The last time I had dealt with them regarding some spare parts they were also very helpful and they definitely deserve some props for taking care of their customers down the track

Hey guys. Bws also contacted me after my comment and are sending me a nee chicken loop and even threw in a free pigtail as well. I consider the fact they r searching these websites and helping those in need excellent customer service. Cheers guys

I have a cracked chicken loop too. It's on my 10m bar so now I use my 12m bar. Not really feeling the wider bar for the smaller kite though.

Just got an 8m and 10m Noise Pro....haven't got them on the water yet, but super stoked to get out.

Putting them on the ground with same size of Noise Original: seems to be about the same overall area. Not as wide, but a little deeper. Will be interesting to see how they fly.

One improvement very much appreciated: the inflation/deflation valve looks excellent. The original deflation valves were terrible, too stiff plastic, tab ripped off immediately....spent the last 3 seasons deflating kites through the inlet valve....a minor annoyance that sure adds up after a few hundred sessions!

You are looking at 12 Noise Pro. The old 10 Noise was a very powerful beast indeed.