Kite = 9m Naish Pivot
Rider:
Weight = 74 kgs
Level = intermediate / hack
Style: Freeriding & Wave (twin and strapless)
Weather: 18 - 25 knots NE
Conditions : Small Surf
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 9/10
As it was time to upgrade my main kite after 4 years (yes I have other things to spend money on too), I test rode a few kites. I have tried a variety of brands over the years and believe most kites these days are pretty impressive and user friendly. Remembering that I am after a main kite and I'm lazy, so that for me that is a 14-25 knt range. I have smaller kites but like to ride one kite most of the time.
What I liked about the pivot was how quickly I managed to dial in and how predictable the kite was. The bar was also very light and very comfortable .. almost like its not there (bit hard to explain the feeling - very different to the cabrinah). I normally fly a 10.5 core gts so am accustomed to low end power (lazy). The pivots bottom end surprised me and then got me really excited when I launched off the water. The controllable power and handling in the boost gave me a kite-on. As the name says the kite 'pivots' well which is great for throwing back the other way. The kite can be thrown aggressively without the spanking. The only thing I did not like was on the otherwise sensational bar is the operation of the depower rope. Firstly the depower is a rope and it's below bar. I am used to an above bar strap which I think is a better setup. Secondly and more importantly, whilst the depowering of the kite was easy, powering of the kite was achievable but a real pain in the arse. I'm told there is a technique to it, which I am sure I will work out in time.
I also got to demo a 9m Solo and 9m drifter on the same day and found that the pivot was a lot more in tune with my riding style.
I had also previously flown the 9m solo in lighter wind and it was great however it probably needed to be a 7m solo in 20-25knts at my weight as it is such a light kite and flies really easily.
The pivot did not seem to drift as well as the solo due to its weight but behaved better as the wind increased. The pivot construction was also more robust which for me keeping a kite for a few years as my main kite has some importance. There are always trade-offs.
My kiting buddy of the last 9 years didn't like the pivot but what would he know

. It just meant more time on it for me.
Thanks to Surf FX and Moti Levy for the demos.
So in summary
For my desired wind range
I might consider the Solo if I was inclined to justify two kites and did mostly strapless
Don't like the drifter although I have seen plenty doing amazing things.
I am buying the 9m Pivot and will tolerate and work on my technique for the powering up of the depower rope.