Anyone using the 2013 RPMs how are they for surf riding in particular

unless they've changed since last year...
TERRIBLE!!!

"Terrible" is completely uninformed and unfair. While they are not surf specific kites they drift well and if you put the flying line on the furthest wing tip attachment they turn fast. And a kite that drifts well and turns fast is what you want in a surf kite. Does it drift quite as well as a Reo or other deep profile/low aspect kite? No. But can it turn just as fast? Yes. And is it more powerful size for size than a Reo or other surf specific kite? Absolutely. I've been riding them for 4 years and I divide my time equally between surf and freestyle/freeride and although I have ridden other kites and brands I still have yet to find a more versatile kite that I'm as happy with in both disciplines. If you're looking for one kite for all things, the RPM deserves a try.

BTW, I also fly Rally's for speed kiting and so often took them surfing as well. The 2012 and prior turned unbelievably fast which was great for the surf but didn't drift that well. The 2013 I really didn't like for surf. While it drifted well they changed the whole setup on it and really slowed the turning down. Or to be more accurate, the 2013 Rally is like a diesel car with a slow turbo unit. You stomp on the accelerator, there's a pause, then it kicks in.

Anyway, that's my experience and perspective.

The 2013 RPM's are amazing....

Go fly one and find out.

Thanks for the info, I've pretty much narrowed down my choice to RPM, Reo or Switchblade going to try a test ride on these kites before the end of the season. Really want something to ride during winter

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surfingboye said...
unless they've changed since last year...
TERRIBLE!!!

Massivly unfair, id never be at the level i am at today without the RPM.
VERY VERY adaptable wave kite, really good down the line, peachy unhooked, stable. Not advertised as a wave kite but one of the best. i ride a 6m 70% of the time in Geraldton, 70kg on 5' 8"

I agree with Edhead's comments.
I dont believe they are a surf specific kite and maybe that is where surfingboye is coming from but they are a great kite. I thought I was going to change to another type and tested a few kites but kept coming back to the RPM.

I believe it comes down to what you want to use the kite for? If you want surf specific that is fast turning and drifts well then get a REO or something similar but don't expect to have great power and boost.
I find the RPM is a good compromise, an all-round kite that suits the conditions that I kite in.

Just remember if you do test some kites try and test them where you would normally kite. My first kite purchase's were the wrong kites for me at my local spot, as I tested them near the kite shop where the conditions were quite different from where I intended to ride them.

Try and read the latest Kiteworld Magazine (April - May 2013 Edition).
In that issue they have tested Cabrinha Drifter, Ozone Reo, Airush Wave, RRD Religion, Best Cabo, Blade Trigger, F-One Bandit, Crazyfly Sculp, North Neo, Slingshot RPM and Wainman Gypsy.

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surfingboye said...
unless they've changed since last year...
TERRIBLE!!!

Interesting response Two of Australias better wave riders with a long history in the sport have been killing it for years now on the RPM and proven RPM's perform in the waves, Lee Kavanagh National title holder numerous podium finisher at the Merimbula comp and Scotty Johnson also multiple podium finisher at Merimbula and numerous other competitions. Both use or have used RPM's in the past

My take has always been that it depends on the rider and how they use the kite drawing on its strengths to maximise its performance. I personally have spent some time on RPM's in the waves my current favourite is a mix of Rallys and RPM's 6 RPM is an amazing kite in the waves as is the 12 -
I cat speak for comparrisons as I am affiliated with SS and ride nothing else

Flew my bro's yesterday against my 2013 Airush Razor, and I think terrible was an accurate description. But this RPM had a LE repair, so it was already at a disadvantage.

Upwind ability is pretty bad, not really what you want when you are surfing....

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Livit said...
Upwind ability is pretty bad, not really what you want when you are surfing....

Are you sure it's not your upwind ability?

The 2013 rpm has not been available for very long, maybe a month!

Maybe your thinking 2012, however they are also awesome?

All I know is that I'm lucky enough to own a few RPM's and they rock!

I could not be more stoked with them.

Race ya to st Kilda, it's on!!!!!!!!
It's been a few days.
Can't wait.

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polykarb said...

Livit said...
Upwind ability is pretty bad, not really what you want when you are surfing....

Are you sure it's not your upwind ability?

Yes, I am sure, just try a Delta or a wave specific designed kite and you'll see the difference! The difference is less obvious on the smaller sizes but from the 10+, the RPM upwind ability is far from matching any wave kite.

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surfingboye said...
unless they've changed since last year...
TERRIBLE!!!

Baha!

Its the best kite ive ever ridden. I never go in the surf tho.

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Livit said...
Yes, I am sure, just try a Delta or a wave specific designed kite and you'll see the difference! The difference is less obvious on the smaller sizes but from the 10+, the RPM upwind ability is far from matching any wave kite.

My smallest kite is a 10m (I'm a heavy bastard)

At over 100kg if anybody is going to stuggle upwind it's me.

I own the Rpm in its biggest sizes, 12m and 14m.

I've also owned delta/wave specific kites like the SS rally, they do go well upwind but lack in other areas. Not in bad ways, just not what I'm after.

I don't understand why you would say RPM's no good when it's excellent in not one, but all aspects.

It will be interesting to see if it can be improved further in future years?

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Livit said...
Upwind ability is pretty bad, not really what you want when you are surfing....

Cannot fly anything elsa as nothing beats the rpm... crashed mine so many times landed on rock as the safety leash broke no damage in the kite... been pounded by waves and still no damage... and yes kite has also been trashed by a wave on the rock... been fixed and flys just as good as the day I have taken it out the bag... So my thoughts are slingslut still the best kite by far...

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Flying High said...
I agree with Edhead's comments.
I dont believe they are a surf specific kite and maybe that is where surfingboye is coming from but they are a great kite. I thought I was going to change to another type and tested a few kites but kept coming back to the RPM.

I believe it comes down to what you want to use the kite for? If you want surf specific that is fast turning and drifts well then get a REO or something similar but don't expect to have great power and boost.
I find the RPM is a good compromise, an all-round kite that suits the conditions that I kite in.

Just remember if you do test some kites try and test them where you would normally kite. My first kite purchase's were the wrong kites for me at my local spot, as I tested them near the kite shop where the conditions were quite different from where I intended to ride them.

Try and read the latest Kiteworld Magazine (April - May 2013 Edition).
In that issue they have tested Cabrinha Drifter, Ozone Reo, Airush Wave, RRD Religion, Best Cabo, Blade Trigger, F-One Bandit, Crazyfly Sculp, North Neo, Slingshot RPM and Wainman Gypsy.

you should try the 7m on a little lighter day that you cannot fly the six.... amazing kite stable handles well... and for down winders it really gives you a great response when going directly down wind... does not just fall out the sky

Surfinboyo more than likely flew a RPM on the wake setting which makes the kite a totally different beast, as for fast turning ,forgiving , unhooking and down the line drift I doing think you could find a better kite,that's just my opinion , I've been using these kites for four years now and it's the ease of use that I like, you've got enough happening around you in the surf to worry about a grunty kite that's a handful , so in the wright conditions all you have to worry about is your surfing .