Hi guys,

wonder whether you guys could give me advise on a kite I intend to buy...

I have been riding an airush vapor 3 8.5m since 2 years and am very happy . Love the quick response, fast turns, just great overall. Problem is that the 8.5m really starts rocking from +20knots.
Got also a 12m liquid force envy which seems a little boring. Slow turning speed etc.

So looked into buying a 10m vapor 3 for a wind range from 15knots to say 25. Anybody thinks that makes sense to buy an old kite, 2009 design? Believe there are newer and better designs out there which would match similar characteristics as the vapor 3? On the other hand I really like the 2009 design.

Rider: Weight 70kg,Level intermediate

Cheers

please, any comments at all kind a hanging in mid air here what to do... any comments highly appreciated

Try the Varial X

What he said above! Want more info PM me.

Not much wind range difference between the 8.5 and the 10. I would go an 11 or 12. Plenty of C-ish SLE kites out there that would complement a Vapor III. C4, Park, VarialX, etc. All different feel probably but as far as performance and wind range goes ok.

Also check your line lengths including the 5th (assuming you ride 5-line config). I had to shorten the 5th on my Vapor 3 8.5 by about 3-4cm to get it to fly right (bought second hand). If the trailing corners (where steering lines connect) flair out and slow turning when you have the bar out a bit then you need to shorten 5th. This also might give you an extra couple of knots of low end.

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1likeBJ said...
Not much wind range difference between the 8.5 and the 10. I would go an 11 or 12. Plenty of C-ish SLE kites out there that would complement a Vapor III. C4, Park, VarialX, etc. All different feel probably but as far as performance and wind range goes ok.

Also check your line lengths including the 5th (assuming you ride 5-line config). I had to shorten the 5th on my Vapor 3 8.5 by about 3-4cm to get it to fly right (bought second hand). If the trailing corners (where steering lines connect) flair out and slow turning when you have the bar out a bit then you need to shorten 5th. This also might give you an extra couple of knots of low end.

Thanks! I will try that for sure. Noticed actually that the outer lines flair out...

Regarding the new kite; believe it is best to spend some extra dollars and go for a new design. I will start looking into the varialX probably...

Cheers everybody for sending your comments!

Just note I have heard from a guy whose been at this for 14 years and loves the VX, it is very different to the vapor. He's an airush distributor but I find his information really balanced and honest. Also the 2013 is even more VX, hence even more technical. I'd go a 2012 myself or at least try one. That's what I did. When I get a grip on this kite, still had been wondering sometimes, then I'd consider a 2013. Want any more feedback PM me and I can send you some stuff this guy has sent me. The vapor is still a really good kite and worth considering. A 2011 maybe?

Where are ya? If in WA give damo at airbourne a call.