Hi I'm thinking of replacing my quiver of Core Combat GT 7 and 10.5 with a new quiver of 2 "C" kites and the C4 and Torch have drawn my attention. I'm after big jumps and wave riding ability. I weigh 82kg, 135 Xride North board. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Either C4 or Torch and what size to replace the kites I already have.

C4 is so much nicer. i didnt like the feel of the torch, hard to feel what its doing, super light pressure too...

c 4 had a real nice smooth feel to it..

more kites out there to try though like hifi comps and fuels too.. dont rule anything out without demoing

I have riden the torch & it does have super light bar pressure, too light for me. Can't comment on the C4, I ride the Fuels myself & they are a top kite, & since the front corners have been notched out are super easy to relaunch

I was thinking of getting a 2010 Torch or a C4. I got told the C4's have problems with the leading edges blowing out. Can any one confirm this? Whats the depower on the Torch like?

C4 Blowing out... Never heard or read about it anywhere.
Our kites are doing very fine...
Torch is a pure C the Ozone is for sure easier to use.
Bye Jankie

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thorn said...

I'm after big jumps and wave riding ability.

The C4 will make you happy. Can't speak for the new torch other than they look hot and I like the graphic design, we've got a 10m 2007 downstairs, nice kite, more of a proper C kite than the C4, the C4 is much nicer to wave ride with, and I'm not a fan of that octopus one pump system that naish insists on using.

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thorn said...
and what size to replace the kites I already have.

GT's have got so much grunt, if you want the same power you'll need to go up a size, like 12 and 9m C4, but I reckon 10 and 7 C4 would be a sweet set up for WA.

As always, demo if you can.

Not sure why some think the Torch is too light in the bar pressure. The 2010 Models have more than previous years.
C kite feel and always direct feel on the bar.

I could pimp **** like the Ozone SPONSORED riders already have but my first question is why you are looking at this style of kite for wave riding??

Jas

Hi Thorn,

Come and have a play with some of our Demo C4's. They've been winning hearts and converting non "C" kiters to their magic.

It's such a nice kite, Ozone really did their homework and even surprised me.

Cheers mate,

KH

Thanks for all your responses. C4 seems to be the best option, time for a demo.

Don't discount the Torch just because the Ozone pushers got to this thread first.
Seriously, try and demo as many of the new C-kites... and not-so-C-kites (C4) as you can. You might end up liking something that isn't being pimped. ;)

Is not much about pimping..
The Torch is been out there for many years and is one of the best Pure C kite in the market. Everyone knows the Pro and Contro.
The C4 is very new and basically make a "C kite style kite" more accessible for people who has been on Bow or SLE for the last few years.
Performance are not explosive as a pure C kite but the easy of use will enable intermediate kiters to enjoy them more.
By next year most of the Pure C kite will have small bridle like the Ozone!
Bye Jankie

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kitesurfbali said...By next year most of the Pure C kite will have small bridle like the Ozone!

I highly doubt that.
As you said Jankie, the C4 is a cross-over kite that's been softened to cater for intermediate riders. (I still haven't ridden one though... so i'll withhold judgement about it's merits until then.)
Anyone who wants a 'hardcore' freestyle C-kite will use a 'hardcore' freestyle C-kite. Why are you suggesting that manufacturers would leave their 'hardcore' riders in the lurch by going for a mini-bridle?

Admittedly the Hadlow Pro does use a 6-point attachment system which some might call a... eeek ghasp, a bridle.

c4 kicks ass
go to kite thrills to get one

Hi Guys,

The C4 has every bit as much performance as any full blood "C" kite I have flown but does it without heavy bar pressure, lack of depower and difficulty in relaunch.

It's a great kite in every aspect as will be attested by anyone who has actually flown one in powered conditions. Try the 9m in 25+ knots, it's a weapon to behold. [}:)]

Reserve your judgements until you've been out there on one. ALL of the wake crew at Pinnas have agreed the C4 is a wicked kite and has stuff all draw backs. I too ate humble pie after thinking the kites performance would be retarded by the mini bridle. I was happy to be wrong.

KH

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koma said...

kitesurfbali said...By next year most of the Pure C kite will have small bridle like the Ozone!

I highly doubt that.
As you said Jankie, the C4 is a cross-over kite that's been softened to cater for intermediate riders. (I still haven't ridden one though... so i'll withhold judgement about it's merits until then.)
Anyone who wants a 'hardcore' freestyle C-kite will use a 'hardcore' freestyle C-kite. Why are you suggesting that manufacturers would leave their 'hardcore' riders in the lurch by going for a mini-bridle?

Admittedly the Hadlow Pro does use a 6-point attachment system which some might call a... eeek ghasp, a bridle.

That is my opinion and we can just way and see...
Is all about marketing! How many hard core C kiters are still out there!!
I don't see many out there.. None on my beach... And in my recent trip of 11 days in WA I maybe saw 4 against the 100's with bow and flat.
The easier of relaunch and better safety with a mini bridle could re open a market that has been on the verge of disappearing last few years.
We will see if I'm correct.
Bye Jankie

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koma said...

Don't discount the Torch just because the Ozone pushers got to this thread first.
Seriously, try and demo as many of the new C-kites... and not-so-C-kites (C4) as you can. You might end up liking something that isn't being pimped. ;)

Hey thats funny coming from a naish pusher

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darylkiter said...

koma said...

Don't discount the Torch just because the Ozone pushers got to this thread first.
Seriously, try and demo as many of the new C-kites... and not-so-C-kites (C4) as you can. You might end up liking something that isn't being pimped. ;)

Hey thats funny coming from a naish pusher

Definitely Naish, Slingshot, Griffin, GK, Flysurfer, Nobile, Liquid Force... i'm such a pusher.
Oooh... i forgot Epic and Zeeko.

I rode the c4 a few weeks ago.. Soo good! Can't go wrong with it in my opinion

Me thinks all should declare their affiliations before recommending a kite (and not just on the original review)

If you have a vested interest in a brand....say so.

It's very misleading to a punter to read some of the obviously (to me) biased comments here.

(btw I fly C4's cos I chose too and the business I work for sell and promote them)

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Bigwavedave said...

Me thinks all should declare their affiliations before recommending a kite (and not just on the original review)

If you have a vested interest in a brand....say so.

It's very misleading to a punter to read some of the obviously (to me) biased comments here.

(btw I fly C4's cos I chose too and the business I work for sell and promote them)

Definitely a good idea!
... and before i get lynched for admitting to being a pusher, i have no affiliation to any brand or shop. I fly, ride and use what ever suits me the best - exactly as everyone else should!

Now where's my Pepsi Cola TM?

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kitertom said...

c4 kicks ass
go to kite thrills to get one

why not get 4
i got a 5m, 7m, 9m, and 11m ohh yeah

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snoidberg said...

kitertom said...

c4 kicks ass
go to kite thrills to get one

why not get 4
i got a 5m, 7m, 9m, and 11m ohh yeah

What's your address?

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Bigwavedave said...

Me thinks all should declare their affiliations before recommending a kite (and not just on the original review)

If you have a vested interest in a brand....say so.

It's very misleading to a punter to read some of the obviously (to me) biased comments here.

(btw I fly C4's cos I chose too and the business I work for sell and promote them)

I ride Liquid Force Hifi comps..

im simply just giving the dude advice, ive ridden both kites and couldnt stand the torch, couldnt feel where it was going unhooked, bar was way to light..

c4 was super stable, its 4 line that relaunches rediculously easy (double plus there), had decent bar pressure, good boosts etc etc. it just is one of those kites ya cant really go wrong with.

Hey Thorn, we have a 9 and 12mt Demo here if you are keen plus you can try it back to back with the Hi Fi comp so that you can get a different feel, even better you get to try in some good water down here at Safety Bay

Jason
www.westozkiteboarding.com.au

I tried the C4 and Torch at kitestock. I guess it comes down to personal preferences. I loved the torch and hated the C4.

The torch is direct, yes it has light bar pressure, but I like that. The only thing I didn't like was how it handled gusts. I put that down to general 'C' characteristics.

The C4 just felt like it wasn't there. Bugger all feedback and generally an overall disappointment.

Definitely demo both before buying. If you go see Jason give the Ocean Rodeo Rise a tryout too. I was pleasantly surprised.Not a 'C', but worth a look.....

'Roast

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thorn said...

Hi I'm thinking of replacing my quiver of Core Combat GT 7 and 10.5 with a new quiver of 2 "C" kites and the C4 and Torch have drawn my attention. I'm after big jumps and wave riding ability. I weigh 82kg, 135 Xride North board. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Either C4 or Torch and what size to replace the kites I already have.

yeah got to admit both rise and diablo (ocean rodeo C) both impressed me a lot when i flew them.. they do make one of the only "legit" C kites these days (airush, flexifoil, slingshot are the only other ones i can think of.)

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Kitehard said...

The C4 has every bit as much performance as any full blood "C" kite I have flown but does it without heavy bar pressure, lack of depower and difficulty in relaunch.

Start Rant...
A big generalisation about C's there. New C's have heaps of depower, easy relaunch and depending on which you go for different levels of bar pressure.

People are saying the torch pressure is light. MY fuels depower heaps, relaunch is easy.... People shouldn't be scared of trying C's - they might just like 'em. Good for your stance too.

I thought we were past the days of "1 kite quiver", "100% depower" and back to the sensible days of rig the correct size kite for the conditions.
End Rant...

And Thorn, try everything you can..... most kites are decent and you will get used to what you get....

Got a 10m C4 last week - only used it as couple of times, charlv said it all...... I have found it to be an awesome boosting weapon.. The delivery of the power is much smoohter than the torches (i ride 08 torches + demo'd the new ones @ kitestock) im assuming that is due to the mini bridle. Im no reviewer so i wont try to, its an awesome kite, very forgiving but still got heaps of power to tapp into when needed. My torches are now for sale - that says it all!!

have also found unhooking on the C4 to be great - doesnt rip your arms out, was able to land some of the best raileys ever last night on the river.

if you want high performance get a c kite
if you want a waveriding kite get a hybrid
if you want a c-kite feeling with high depower, your gona end up getting the best of both styles but when mixed together are a disaster.

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bingles said...

have also found unhooking on the C4 to be great - doesnt rip your arms out, was able to land some of the best raileys ever last night on the river.

So what's the point of unhooking if it doesn't rip your arms off?
Gone soft.