Hi guys
I'm pretty new to kitesurfing but I've had a bit of experience with power kites using Flexifoil blades III's
I'm in a position where I have to decide between a Naish Torch 14 metre or the current Naish Boxer 14 metre with 5th line??
Does anyone have any suggestions on what I get? (I think Im gonna be into big air/hang time)
Keeping in mind that I think I will have a faster rate of progression then most newcomers to the sport as I've been into the scene for awhile now and have experience flying powerkites.
cheers
mick
mikair777@iinet.net.au
Boxer 2 will be a better all round kite than the Torch for you. The fifth line is great from Naish and comes on both of these models.
If you are really into big air though, there are better kites out there than these two models. It all depends on what other things you are considering with kiting. Big air is just one component to a kites performance. For example, I tried out the Wipika Whip I think it was, and it had huge jumping ability, but easily was overpowered and not easy to re-launch from the water. I found it a real handful.
You might want to really consider realistically where you want to go with your kiting this coming season and do your research into what is the right tool for that job. I have seen too many beginner intermediate kiters be frustrated by what gear they have chosen to buy based upon hang time.
Hey thanks for that response.
I am leaning towards a Torch although the Boxer is meant to be better in hang time. I like the fact that it has the octopus inflation system.
I think that when I master either the Torch or Boxer I will get something like a Raven.
Alot of people say that for someone knew Im better off getting a Boxer over the Torch but Im still interested to see what everyone here has to say about that? Has anyone tried out either of these kites?
cheers
Mike
mikair777@iinet.net.au
I just recently got a 05 9m boxer and gotta say i love flying this kite in strong winds (my other kite is a 12m Cabrinha 04 co2).
Never flown any of the other Naish kites so hard for me to say - but just to let you know i dont think you can't go wrong with the Boxer as a good starting point. (flying it as a 4 line kite only)
Really stable in the air and fast to manuver (9m is small and nippy tho) - easy to relaunch, seems a little heavier on the bar to turn than my co2 (and i have flown some 10m co2 also) but ive had some awesome sessions in the surf with this kite.
i really enjoy the days i can get this kite out.
Mike,
I have flown the entire Naish range. My person opinion is that the Boxer is completely marketed the wrong way. I found the boxer to be a far better kite than the torch. I found that the torch sits too far back in the window and results in being really hard to pull forward to the window and reduces up wind ability.
In jumping, it sits out there further and getting it over head to generate the upward lift is really hard work. The Boxer doesn't have this it's smooth overhead and upwind ability is excellent.
The naish SS bar and lines set up is the best fifth line system I have used. Although turning the quick release around on the leash so that you pull towards you to release is advisable, again just my opinion.
I found that the spider inflation system is really convenient, but didn't keep all of the struts inflated all of the time when letting the kite down. The valves on the kites I used didn't work so well. I would personally not rely on the struts staying up if the leading edge is deflated. Living where I do and the safety of having the struts fully inflated is essential when out at sea with a blown leading edge as just one example.
it's your choice, but my opinion is the best kite in the naish range for all levels is the Boxer, experts included.
My person opinion is to investigate other brands as well.
Dear gfmike737,
When you admit that you're a raw newbie,(albeit a confident kite flying one)......
My main concern would be the Size of the kite that you're chasing, rather than the type of Naish model.
Maybe you live in a light wind zone or you're a heavy guy?
You didn't say in your opening post.
A 14m in some decent wind could kick your arse. Be careful.
Boosting is fun and a challenge worth conquering but first get some respect for a med-size kitesurfing kite.
And the cruel sea can also be unforgiving.
Hi there,
Do Not Buy a Torch!!!!!!! After having flown one and comparing it against some of the new seasons kites that are just about to be released I would not touch one. They are very sluggish and provide v.little boost. Flew some very nice 5 line slingshots and some proto type Wipika's and both these kites had a fantastic feel, turn and boost.
Wait a while and have a fly of some other brands before you commit.
:) Cheers
i was suprised to read here that somone went from cabrinha to naish, i went from flying boxers and x3's to a 05 CO2 and will never go back, i saw a 12m co2 on this site for 800, i think you cant go wrong and will probably be better than most other brands 06 kites, bigger wind range, very simple and effective bar and lines. i am comparing to a 5 line 04 boxer here, i have never flown a boxer 2.
i like them both - i still ride my co2 most of the time, but in stronger winds is when i'm on the 9m boxer - had some good fun on that kite so far.
Hi Mike,
If you're interested in the torch and you're not in too much of a hurry, the new 06 torch is about to hit the beaches real soon. It has some definite improvements over the current model. I got to check out a 12m proto at Kiteweek in Cairns recently. I only flew the kite on the beach in light winds but I watched JB and others who had a go. Whilst it is still marketed as being a new school kite, it definitely jumps higher and hangs longer than the 05 torch. The l/e and struts are much thinner, similar to the raven, making it faster through the window. There is less heavy duty dacron on the wing-tips, replaced with more ripstop to reduce weight. It was incredibly stable....you could oversheet the kite without it stalling or flying backwards, it just seemed to develop more power. The only issue a newbie might have is that it is a very quick turning kite. This may not be an issue for you with your kite flying experience. You can, of course, slow the turning speed down if needed. I think it would make a great all-round kite.
FYI, I don't work for Naish etc but I do fly the raven. There are plenty of good kites out there now so try as many as you can before you decide. Have fun & good luck.
WOW!
thanks for all the info guys it's really helpful. After getting some more info im now leaning towards the current 14 metre boxer with a 5th line attached. The Current torch has come down in price its nearly the same price as the current Boxer with 5th line. So I was a bit confused with what I should get.
(someone asked that I didn't mention how heavy I am - I am about 80kgs)I've been informed that a 14metre is a good size for the areas that Ill be flying which is Brisbane/Moreton Bay area. I have the ability to also travel around a fair bit so Im also keen to try all the best spots when Im up and flying.
The new Torch sounds really good but I might just be happy with the Boxer to start with and use that for awhile. Some of the more experience kitesurfers still use their Boxers and seem happy with them. When I get better and actually know what kind of board I like. (At the moment I've just settled with the current 135cm 2005 Thorn). I'll pick out another kite and begin my collection like everyone else!. I might go for something like the Raven which others are Ravin about!
The bottom line is that I've heard of no real complains about the current 2005 Boxer with 5th line. Everyone says they are great. Perhaps the new Torch will be alot more tweaked up and be something to get in the future.
Thanks for all the info guys. If there is more info or suggestions please feel free to reply back I'm only happy to hear what you have to say.
Cheers
Mike
mikair777@iinet.net.au
I originally got a boxer for my first kite , it was a very good kite to learn on, it was also very forgiving.I have recently bought torches and basically dont use my boxer anymore.The torches turn alot faster and are alot more of an aggresive kite.As for hangtime the kites do have really good pop, and you will boost reasonably high although their are better kites out their that will give you alot better boost and hangtime.The naish shift system is great especially starting out, the fifth line will help you relaunch your kite so muuch easier than a four line system.Hope this helps.
Thanks Danza.
Did you learn on the current Boxer?
Alot of people are telling me that if I want the Torch I should just get the NEW Torch and forget last seasons. I am getting the Current Boxer with the 5th line attached but I think it'd be nice to have the octopuss inflation system.
Has anyone gone from a Torch/Boxer to a Raven recently?
cheers
Mike
mikair777@iinet.net.au
Yes I did learn on the boxer, when i first started I had about three lessons which helped alot, also depending on where you kite their are always people willing to help out a learner which really does speed up the learning curve, as for the torches, for the 2005 models the 10 was probably the best all in all they are a very good kite.My quiver is 10 14 and 18 which is good for my weight which is 86 kilo,s.As I progress I will probably get a 8 and 12 raven, these kites are very good , I have heard alot of good comments about them.
Naish kites you basically cant go wrong the v4 was not a good kite neither was the x2 or x3 but their current range is very good.If you are a quick learner and have a surfing background snowboarding or wakeboarding background go straight for the torches.
gfmike.
dont buy anyhing until you try it. Would you buy a car without a test drive??
kiting is obviously expensive and there is a lot of bull**** about kites. Manufacturers will make you believe there kite is the best cause it has yip yip yiperoonies on it, people who have flogged out a couple of grand will tell you there kite is the best cause they just spent a fortune.
Read as much as you can, go testing, try as many different kites as you can then decide and dont get fixated on just one brand.
