I'm considering a wave specific kite for small to medium onshore waves and maybe some foiling. I was intrigued by the North Code Zero. Seems like it has some decent low end power, good relaunch, quick steering and is light weight/has good drift.

What are the arguments for considering a three strut wave kite like the neo sls or the north carve over a kite like this? Durability? Wider wind range?

Thanks!

I'm in the same boat. I'm considering sticking with my 3 strut 7m or smaller for most of my wave riding as in WA wind is usually pretty solid, but getting a single strut 9m for those days when the wind is a bit dicey, as I regularly kite reef breaks and tricky coast, and something designed to stay up in the air a bit easier seems like a good option. I was recently on a trip down in the SW of WA and several wave riders had single strut Airush One and seemed pretty happy with these kites. Good upwind and could take a reasonable wind range especially when conditions were inconsistent. Sorry I can't offer any advice, but good luck :)

I have been using a 12m single strut kite in waves for 4 years, it is a 2018 so my thoughts may no longer be valid.In my experience there are 3 advantages of a single strut kite- packs up very small, drifts in less wind, and light bar pressure.

The biggest advantage of more struts is wind range. More struts support the canopy creating a smoother flow through the kite turn and provide more precise bar feed back.

bar feed back massively improves my jump timing. I find the bar feel of a single strut slightly sloppy/sticky so I fail to make micro adjustments and jump height consistency suffers. A little less bar feedback makes no difference to me when riding a wave.

I have had no durability issues my kite is still in fair condition with no repairs and i have dropped the kite in waves a few times.

Great points! @simon78 that's an interesting take on bar pressure. Thanks all!

Select to expand quote

bridger said..
I'm considering a wave specific kite for small to medium onshore waves and maybe some foiling. I was intrigued by the North Code Zero. Seems like it has some decent low end power, good relaunch, quick steering and is light weight/has good drift.

What are the arguments for considering a three strut wave kite like the neo sls or the north carve over a kite like this? Durability? Wider wind range?

Thanks!

I've tried the new Ozone Alpha V2 several times now, I only have it in the 8m size, last version I had 8m and 10m. The Alpha V1 was good for drift not so good for turning radius and speed. The V2 is a massive improvement and can easily double as a foiling kite and a wave kite, and I'm comparing it with Reo V6's which I have in 11/9/7 this year, so far I have not used my 7m maily due to crappy La Nina winds this summer but also because I was working on the couple of stronger wind days. Anyway the 8m is a really nice kite to ride in waves with a surfboard and although I don't foil, my friends who do have them love them for foiling.
Ozone has a new constant curve LE design and has taken sail shaping tech from the R1 race kites and incorporated it into the Alpha V2 (and Enduro V4). This translates to a very smooth flying kite with amazing depower and almost no flutter, just a bit when you turn it tight.
I'd highly recommend you widen your horizon a bit and include the Ozone Alpha V2 and Reo V6 on your demo list.

Which way did you decide to go bridger and what do you think nearly a year on?