Paul1 said...

"better than Switchblades, Bandits, and Rebels, but similar to the Naish Colt"

Thats a contradiction in terms If ever I saw one????

samoht said...

I have just got my 12 meter and 9 meter Vegas's 2010.
I am around 87 kg, on a Nobile 555 147 and a Naish strapped surfboard.

The last week or so I have had both kites out, and I have been in flat water, waves, and choppy on-shore, downwinders in both surf and open water. Wind ranges from 12 to 25 knots, conservatively.

I won't get into the finer technicalities of it all because that changes with opinions/size/boards etc. etc., but to date I cannot fault the kites performances, and after coming off Bandits, (Dos) the Vegas's is less intensive kite, with simular if better up wind performance. It allows me to concentrate on my kiting, and my technique, and doesn't trash me for my mistakes.
I really love the 9, but the 12 is pegging it back. In good wind it is nearly as responsive as the 9.
I have flown both on the same day in the same wind (somewhere around 18 to 20 knots) and the both performed, giving me the confidence that the 9 and 12 would give me the crossover that I needed to cove wind ranges.
The kites move around very easily, and are easy to move around (light on the bar).
Boost/jumping is like a Hand Grenade, pull the pin/bar and up you go. (similar to a Switchblade), you don't have to send the kite.
Gust absorption is smooth, (I rode the rebel after I rode the Vegas on the day of the test flights, and I didn't think it was that gusty until I got on the rebel, and it was gusty,) better than Switchblades, Bandits, and Rebels, but similar to the Naish Colt
Relaunch was good as a 4 line kite, and I have not had to resort to 5 line technique as yet.
Self launch is a breeze.
It has the one pump system, but I don't mind that as I can pump each strut and leading edge up really hard. It might take longer but it ensures my kite will preform.
Quality of build appears to be good, but only time will tell.
Bar and line are great as far as new kites go. I haven't tried flying against the stoppers as I like to have the de-power always ready.
I would describe myself as an intermediate kiter trying to improve my style and technique, and right now I am thinking that I have the right kites to help me along the way.
The fun side in the surf, just great, and power when you need it.

and if you are wondering how I can cover all those different conditions in a short time, I travel a lot, to places where I can go kiting......


as somebody has said before "don't you have a job"