Rider: 90kg, beginner-intermediate
Style: Freeriding
Weather: 15-32 knots
Build Quality: 8/10
Satisfaction: 8/10
Disclosure: not affiliation with any commercial kiting entity.

My Comments:

I had a line fail on my old bar the other day which resulted in a couple of other issues with the bar so had to get a new one. Instead of getting a new bar, I decided to get a new bar with a 2013 Griffin V7 TRX 10.5 attached to it :)

I picked it up Friday and managed to get out for a quick blast Saturday and for a couple of ours today in vastly different conditions.

Saturday was in 15 or so knots on fairly smooth Botany water and today was in 27 gusting to 32 knots on a very lumpy Botany so have managed to try it at both ends of the spectrum now and have to say I am impressed.

Firstly, the "boring stuff" - the build and general presentation on the 2013 Griffins is way better than the 2012's. There are a lot of small improvements where then sum of the parts is greater than the whole.

The new bag is way better than the old one. It is a real backpack style bag with a large flap on the front that opens up with a zipper all the way round - you literally take the whole front off the bag to access the kite compartment making remaval and insertion easy as. The bag is also expandable like the early North bags from back in 2001 so you can pack your kite in with the struts inflated if you want.

There are also board straps, a external fish net pocket for your bar and a couple of bungee's for your pump. There is a little pocket for your spares and my only gripe would be that there could be a larger pocket somewhere for clothes etc.

The new bar has a lot of simple changes that make it a lot better. There is a simple dual rope based (not thick line) power line through the bar and a safety line which is a great improvement over the old bar. The bar ends have a simple mechanism to change the "width" of the bar which allows you to hook your rear lines up on the inside or outside to change the perceived width by about 4 inches total. These "poles" also acts as a great place to fix your line tidies / line bungees when packing up. The swivel attachment form the main power line to the kite power lines is protected by a nice neoprene pouch which is a recurring theme on the bar and kite - simple thing that really tidies things up and hopefully protects them.
The throw of the bar seems shorter and a bit more comfortable at the fully sheeted out position, you dont feel like you are reaching for a pair of boobs any more. The bar itself also feels better, but that could just be because it is new. . .

The kite itself seems to be made a lot better, it looks "cleaner" and better constructed, stitching and cut look good and there are little things like an id plate stitched to the sail. There is now a Ozone style large inflate valve (which would be great if my pump fitted it - another thing to buy) which has its own little neoprene hoodie which velcro's over the top to keep it clean as well as a standard inflate / deflate valve.
The new strut air pipe are a bit beefier than the old and dont look like they will kink too easy and have new hoods over them to protect the zip ties underneath and the lock offs have a little neoprene hoodie as well. The kite comes with a kite of spares including the standard repair kit, spare valve caps and zip ties etc.

OK, now that I have covered the boring bits, lets talk about the kite.

On the saturday I went out with a 137 x 42 TT and was worried that I may not have enough wind. I had read here and there that the TRX needed to develop apparent wind so with that in mind set out to get going and keep the kite moving. I took the first downward dive and was up and moving but still kind of ploughing along, Worked the kite twice and then it felt like I let the handbrake off, you get this funny moment where the kite comes back up towards the zenith and produces a whack of power (very smooth power though) and you just start going. From there on, you just keep the kite moving and you cruise along.

The kite is super light both physically and on the bar and also super stable and quick. In the light wind I would normally be a bit worried about over handling the kite and pulling it out of the air but with the TRX you can whip it from one place to another and it just complies, it is very hard to knock the wind out of this kite, you simply yank it to where you want it to be, it moves there, drifts down wind a little and takes off again, with no slack showing up in the lines and no fluttering on the sail.
It is also super stable and compliant with gusts, to the point that you hardly notice a gust, when they come you dont get yanked forward by a burst of power, you simply speed / power up a little.
It turns on a dime and just goes where you want it to go.

Today was a bit of a different day, saturday was around 15 knots NNE by the time I headed out, where as today was S, very bursty and ranging from 27 to 32 knots. On my old kite I probably would not have went out as not only was the wind up there but the water was super lumpy as well but I took the TRX out with a 135 Mako and absolutely loved it.

Granted, I had the kite trimmed a little (no where near all the way though) but even in this higher wind and gusts, the kite was still super stable and controllable, at no point did I feel overpowered by the kite and always felt in control. The TRX has this ability for you to put the brakes on, drift along for a bit and then pull the trigger, seemingly going from a walk to a straight out sprint at will. I have done very little surf riding but with this am keen to dust off the old Stonker (and get the Mako into its element) and get into it, the way you can dial up speed on this and control it would be perfect for wave riding.

I have not had much of a chance to see how it jumps yet as so far has just been the getting to now you period but next trip out will be right into it and will post an update as to how it boosts - apparently it is not as good as the new 2013 Argo but still pretty good so am sure I will be happy with it.

All in all, a great new kite, great build and great to fly, cant ask for much more. It is good to see a manufacturer willing to keep developing a product as well. Apparently there has been a few iterations of the bar since 2012 and 2013 and quite a few iterations of the TRX now - whilst it is good to see some stability it is also good to see a manufacturer admitting it can be done a better way and going out and refining a product and getting it out there outside of normal release cycles and if they keep up this rate of development we are only going to see better and better kites from Griffen.

Cheers,

Ben

nice review! I'm keen to hear about the jumping ability of this kite. I have heard a lot about how good it performs in the surf, but not jumping ability.

Well I can say that this kite jumps as high as you will ever want to go. I am not a particularly good jumper, more of a surfer, but I love the air. I was always very hesitant to send my 7 meter Rev2 up because of the way you had to fly it back down as super high speed often resulting in stacking. On Sat we had about 25 knots steady with 30 gusts but all in all a very clean wind. I was out on 9 Trxv7 riding a surfboard strapped. At one point I timed a ramp and sent the kite and got that wonderful "up she goes moment" followed by the second lift of the gust. I was up so high for so long I couldn't believe the view! Kite floated me gently down. That gave me the confidence to really send it hard!
I wanted these kites for the surf, and wow do they deliver. Craknback certainly explained quite well the on and off switch of this kite. Very very smooth power delivery, and add that you can throw a loop down anywhere at anytime, whether its a stall loop, or a power loop, its a fast flip from wingtip to wingtip.
I was so stoked about the airtime I finally got the nerve to try and loop while up in the air. (note to self, practice with the tt not the surfboard), and I got spanked severely. I had a couple more goes without success before my body demanded I try again later. Again, this is my lack of cajones for not pulling the loop at the right time, but I am determined to get this.
I think that he also is spot on with the importance of the things like a good bag, very well thought out and a huge improvement. The quality of the whole kit has improved by a large margin. I would rate the build of the kite as 10 out of 10, but would put the bar down as 7 out of 10. I have heard that a new bar is in the works, and that will bring it up to a 10 across the board.
I have mentioned this earlier, if anyone on the southcoast wants to fly these, let me know as I am happy to share this experience. Kite design is really evolving and it is super exciting to see these new designs coming together. As a surfer this kite blows my mind, however this kite is more than a surf kite. Would be interesting for someone who has a Reo compare the jumping side of it.

I've just got the new 12m. I'm not a massive booster, but was in 18-20knts with a spot of 25knt last night, on sb, and confortably getting lots of nice clean, floating airs out through the surf, much smoother than my old rev2s which tended to over boost for the type of riding I do.

The throttle on-off is very responsive and immediate. it's got me hitting every ramp I can ifnd, and pushing the heights

is any one able to to compare the jumping ability of the trx to the argo. I currently ride a 10m argo and boosting on this kite is awesome, great vertical lift and really good hang time. I go noticeably bigger on the argo than I ever did with my previous kite cabrinha switchblade.

I love this kite. I've been riding the 12m TRX in some challenging conditions here in Hawaii for the past month or so, really pushing it's limits, including in some big waves, gusty squalls and light wind.

This kite feels SO comfortable, and responsive.. I feel way more in control than with any other kite. The way it handles in such a big range of conditions is really amazing.

I love it for waves, the way it drifts back when you want it to, shoots back up into the power when you need it and loops effortlessly really sets it apart. It seems to read my mind, which is what I mean when I say how comfortable it is. I never find myself struggling, or fighting with it, it just does what it's supposed to do and lets me focus all of my attention on the waves.

Loft and hang time is outstanding, although I'm not really into jumping it definitely performs when I want to shoot up and float for a bit.

The upwind performance is really nice too. It's more of a subtle thing, like you don't really realize how far upwind you're going until you look around and see all your buddies downwind. Lol
It's not a freight train kind of a pull.. it's much more subtle. The upwind performance comes from being able to very easily put the kite where it needs to be to get the most power out of the wind, if that makes any sense.

Like some of the other people have said, the quality has definitely stepped up on the TRX. Much more aesthetically pleasing and they feel stronger than the 2012 and earlier Griffins. Seems like they're lighter too. Better fabrics, and better design.
I love that Griffin are constantly evolving, and improving instead of just updating once a year like most brands do.

Absolutely stoked on this kite.

I have always been an advocate of shopping locally when possible. Everyone should try this kite. It won't be for everyone, but it WILL surprise most people. This is a Sydney based small business run basically by one guy. He is still learning about the business side of things, but his energies has been on the development of an outstanding kite in which he has definitely delivered. I have seen some thread bashing in the past and some people had valid concerns about different issues. I have had my share of little frustrations. But as some of you who have small (or large) businesses know, it's hard to develop a brand, push design ideas, fail on some, and win on others. If you had a bad experience with other Griffin Kites in the past, it would be worth your time to have another look now that all previous comments to the company were taken to heart. I highly commend Griffins efforts to step up to the plate and improve every aspect of the gear.
Try the kite, compare it with others, buy whatever kite feels good to you. Support your local economy when you can.

I have been on a quiver of TRXs for this whole season (9/12/17) and am really happy with my decision.

Bennie - my previous kites were 13.5m Kahoona and the similar 4-strut wave orientated 10m Griffin Argo. The TRX is much more to my liking and it jumps much much better than the Argo... period. The kite moves faster, hunts the edge of the window and if you stall it at your apex, the hang time is amazing. Bennie... you have to try it to believe it.

The other detailed reviews are accurate and resonate with me. Well done guys, I won't repeat what has been said. BUT... I haven't been able to fault the make quality of my older Griffin Argo. I agree though that this kite comes with more bells and whistles.

My favorite quality of the TRX is the accuracy and ease of its flight control. It goes where you think it to go... I often put it into a stall or backward drift because it's so much fun to let run at the right moment. Weird, I know...

I have been using the outside front line settings, the light bar pressure rear line attachment, the 4m extensions and putting 9psi into the leading edge.

I have been using the kites on TT, SB and skim board. It's my 3rd season and I weigh 95kg.

I have tried not to be too gushy... truth is, I am enjoying my kiting more and more. This could be because there has been more wind this season in Sydney, or it could be that my kites have changed for the better.

Happy to answer more questions given that I have been riding the kites for a while and have no financial affiliation with the brand.

Cheers
Nathan

I ride the 12m 2013 TRX and the jumping is sooo much better on the TRX compared to the argo. Once you ride a TRX the Argo will feel like a dog haha. Nothing wrong with the argo, but the TRX is just a pretty amazing kite. You wont regret getting a TRX one bit. Its a great upgrade to the Argo.

I've been trying out quite a few other kites, just to compare to TRX and nothing has come close for me so far. All the other i did try had pully's on there bridle, makes them feel like boats.... TRX has such precise turning with a flick of the wrist or a slight pull on your bar.

As far as grunt goes, the Argo pulls harder but doesnt necessarily have more grunt. The TRX doesn't have as much heavy pull but has more grunt if you know what i mean, the other TRX riders do!

As far as the 17m goes i had a go of one the other day, wind was about 10 knots, felt very smooth and stable. did a few jumps on it, nothing to high just wanted to see how it felt, felt pretty good. was only out for 8-10 minutes as i didnt want to get wet (stupid i know but i was dry and warm and didnt want to get dunked). Turning was actually pretty good. Turned better then the Argo 13.5m. i would say it was close to the 12m argo, not quite as fast but almost. pretty damn good for a 17m i'd say. but all in all. if felt good. will have to ride it some more but my ride after riding my 12m TRX was that it felt good.

Hey guys,

Good reviews but would like a bit more info on some aspects of the kite:

Does anyone do handlepasses? unhooked? I mean is it a decent kite for a bit of freeriding, I'm no expert but I like to throw some in a session... and looking at learning new moves too with loops and all...

I'm thinking of a quiver for myself: 17M and 9M for my 90kgs on my TT: the 17M seems good up to 18 knots, here the 9 starts I'm guessing (am I right?) and what would be the top end then of the 9 (a conservative figure will do)?

You said a bar is in the works? I'm looking at getting a bar too but I would rather have the new one then... What's wrong with the present bar? when will the other bar be available?

Anyhow, bit more info would help...

40 knots easy with your size on a tt with a 9 mtr.
I can't comment on the handle passes as I ride more to surf, jump etc. However it does ride well unhooked.

I have 2012 9 & 12m trx's with the bridle upgrade, at 70kg on a 165 mako king I am comfortable at 30 + kn on the 9m so extrapolate that to suit your kg and board but bottom end is an issue I don't bother with the 9m unless its 20 +. Hope this helps.

then I would be better off with the 10.5?... seems a bit big to me. I rock my 8M cat from 20 knots onwards... Also note that tricks window is smaller in terms of power needed... hmmmm any advice from a freerider my size would be welcomed...

There's a huge difference in bottom end between 2012 and 2013 models,have had the 9m 2013 out back to back with the 10 m 2012 and the 9 has just as much down low,my weight is 93 kg and on my 133 tt im flying in 20 knots and have had the 9 in 17-35.

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radman4 said...
There's a huge difference in bottom end between 2012 and 2013 models,have had the 9m 2013 out back to back with the 10 m 2012 and the 9 has just as much down low,my weight is 93 kg and on my 133 tt im flying in 20 knots and have had the 9 in 17-35.

cheers for that input mate, I'd rather have the 9. Can you elaborate in terms of jumping, unhooked, loops? Any comparison to other models? any input would be most welcomed...

In 2012 I spent a lot of time on the 8m loved it ,my mate has a 2012 cat 8m we are both approx the same weight and were out on the 8s quite a bit both were fairly even for low end except the TRX was way quicker so you could work it way faster in the lulls,for top end the TRX had way more range,the new 9 is quite a remarkable kite it's got way more low end and have taken it out in 14-18 and worked it hard to see how it would go,was surprised,wide open it's hard to get it to stall,one handed loops back loops down loops easy as kite always feels stable,no flutter in the surf kite is fast and power control is easy kite drifts as well as anything else I've ridden and if you give it total slack it just sits there waiting,jumping is awesome kite rips up the edge of the window so dosent drag you downwind and the float is great.
Try and get a demo I'm sure there must be some floating around in your area ,my rule is always demo for yourself as most reviews have a fair amount of bias if I could ride the 9 every day though I would.

sounds really good, did you ride the 8M cat as well by any chance? I wonder how they compare in terms of handling and safety. I like the Cat cause it's very safe and depowers in an instant... competent in terms of freestyle even if not the best but remains my benchmark. You did not mention unhook and also what about stability in terms: does it hindenburg is it stable when flown on the beach? Does the way the kite handles change a lot when you are depowering it? Cheers for taking the time.

I'm really keen on the 2013 TRX, quiver 17 and 9...

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dafrog said...
sounds really good, did you ride the 8M cat as well by any chance? I wonder how they compare in terms of handling and safety. I like the Cat cause it's very safe and depowers in an instant... competent in terms of freestyle even if not the best but remains my benchmark. You did not mention unhook and also what about stability in terms: does it hindenburg is it stable when flown on the beach? Does the way the kite handles change a lot when you are depowering it? Cheers for taking the time.

I'm really keen on the 2013 TRX, quiver 17 and 9...

Don't want to ruffle any feathers but I have found the cat a bit basic don't get me wrong it's a fine kite but I'd put it in the average all rounder basket great beginner intermed kite
I'm not big on unhooked riding but the guys who are love it
TRX is ultra stable never seen one Hindenburg have given it total slack line at the zenith and it just tilts and sits there
Have played with the 9 unhooked on the beach doing loops in light wind no probs
When depowered it reacts just the same haven't felt any steering lag
Turns on and off the power like a lightswitch.
Had the 14 out the other day in 10-15 then wind rocked in to 20-25 had the kite well depowerd tons of fun to ride ,huge floaty boosts big grin factor.

Thanks Radman,

the Cat is a basic kite and that's what I like: predictable well built no nasty surprises.

Cheers for the feedback I really want to give it a go now...