Hi guys!

Currently have a Vanguard 5.2 but looking for something with a bit more rocker and bit more snappy. I am happy with the Firewire construction so I am considering to replace it with a Vader or Evo.

What is the verdict given above and also are there any shops that actually have these boards available for a test ride & buy in Perth area?

Thanks!

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Woott said..
Hi guys!

Currently have a Vanguard 5.2 but looking for something with a bit more rocker and bit more snappy. I am happy with the Firewire construction so I am considering to replace it with a Vader or Evo.

What is the verdict given above and also are there any shops that actually have these boards available for a test ride & buy in Perth area?

Thanks!

Give Jason from Westozkiteboarding a call - he should be able to help you. Their shop is down in Safety Bay.

Thanks! Was not aware they also did firewire. Good folks.

The Vader is a great shape for kiting - really skatey in the smaller stuff if you ride with your weight a bit further forward,but hold really well on the rail on bugger stuff.

Problem with the original Vader shape with FireWire is that the rails can be a bit too full for kiting - some of the knock offs of the Vader shape from kiting board makers (and custom board makers) are much sharper (like 60/40 or even 70/30 rails) which I find work much better for kiting.

Also think about trying smaller if you can - I'm 75kg and prefer my 4'11 Vader over the 5'2".

Was checking out a new Evo in the helium kite tech in the carpark yesterday, goddam it was light, it felt as light as a regular surfboard, the owner of the board seemed to think all the strength was still there I can't say for sure but damn it was light, way lighter than any other kite specific surfboard I have laid hands on

In kite construction the Evo in H-Tech is about 0.3g lighter than the same board in the old FST kite const.

H-Tech in surfboard construction is ridiculously light, feels almost too light but seems to me to be as strong as FST. (Surfboard const)

if you see a firewire in kite construction grab it as they are longer longer bringing them into the country so whatever stock is left is it. i know kite power have brought the remaining stock of evos and whatever other shops have stock in stock is all.
i think they are still doing them overseas but firewire is just not bringing them into oz anymore.

That's strange Ryland. Do you know if they are going to bring in the new Helium construction?

There's stock of them in the country but would be less than 10 evo helium's left new and no more coming as oz guys have stopped bringing and kiteboards in- it's a bummer as the evo was/is the funnest board on the market as an allrounder. If you want one track one down before they are all
gone. I know Kitepower has helium evo's in kite construction and west oz board sports in wa has one or 2 last I heard.

What size would you go for kiting the Evo at 85 kg?

^^ 85kgs!! You've been smashing too much Poutine!!!

That does suck if they're not bringing any more Fire wire kiteboards into Australia, I love my vanguard in fst kite construction it's nearly indestructible ( yes I know I mention it all the bloody time but it's my favourite board ever )

Weird from Firewire. Low stock levels indeed. Also no clarity what is happening with their Slab board in kite construction. Ah well this country has some great custom shapers but the downside is that it is a lot of money for gear that one is not able to demo. Delta does only make a Vanguard version so that would not make sense for me since I already own a 5.2. Anyone that has an opinion on the Smook Shredder?

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Woott said..
Weird from Firewire. Low stock levels indeed. Also no clarity what is happening with their Slab board in kite construction. Ah well this country has some great custom shapers but the downside is that it is a lot of money for gear that one is not able to demo. Delta does only make a Vanguard version so that would not make sense for me since I already own a 5.2. Anyone that has an opinion on the Smook Shredder?

That's exactly what I was thinking, Smook could be where I'll be looking for my next board.

Bought the Evo from Jason at WestOz, top bloke as always! Still limited nrs left. Understand that Europe did order significant more of these Tomo boards than expected which is why there will be a temporary shortage in certain parts of the world. I am sure in time FW will get on top of it and bring new boards to AU.

Hi guys,

I just picked up a 5.3 Evo from Jason this avro, great experience as always. I am 93kg without harness and wetty and intermediate "downwinder surfer" (I do gybe but can't tack yet, don't do aerials, don't unhook, never paddle surfed and do not intend to with this board).
I am wondering if I made a mistake having not taken one size smaller.
I intend to use it on Perth downwinders with a max. 9m kite (Airush Wave). Lower than 15knots and I would prob. foil instead or use my 60cm Airush Slayer and don't attempt a downwinder. So I am not after super bottom end.

Should I swap it for a 5.1 instead? Now that it is in my living room the 19" width freaks me out :-)
Realised that many of the reviews and weight recommendations are from other states where they prob. have less wind.

What do you heavier guys think?

Thanks!
Malte


5' 1" X 18 1/2" X 2 1/4" - SQUASH - 24.5 LITRES
5' 3" X 19" X 2 3/8" - SQUASH - 27.4 LITRES

Hi Malte,
Sounds like we are in similar place skill wise and I am 70kg and i think the 5'1" is the right size for me, yes the 4'11" would be ok but I think I would end up going 1 size bigger kite and i would much prefer to be on the smallest kite posibble, just enough to get back up wind.

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mwdnasa said..
Hi guys,

I just picked up a 5.3 Evo from Jason this avro, great experience as always. I am 93kg without harness and wetty and intermediate "downwinder surfer" (I do gybe but can't tack yet, don't do aerials, don't unhook, never paddle surfed and do not intend to with this board).
I am wondering if I made a mistake having not taken one size smaller.
I intend to use it on Perth downwinders with a max. 9m kite (Airush Wave). Lower than 15knots and I would prob. foil instead or use my 60cm Airush Slayer and don't attempt a downwinder. So I am not after super bottom end.

Should I swap it for a 5.1 instead? Now that it is in my living room the 19" width freaks me out :-)
Realised that many of the reviews and weight recommendations are from other states where they prob. have less wind.

What do you heavier guys think?

Thanks!
Malte


5' 1" X 18 1/2" X 2 1/4" - SQUASH - 24.5 LITRES
5' 3" X 19" X 2 3/8" - SQUASH - 27.4 LITRES

at 93 kg I think that 5.3 is spot on for Perth summer.

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ludbey said..
Hi Malte,
Sounds like we are in similar place skill wise and I am 70kg and i think the 5'1" is the right size for me, yes the 4'11" would be ok but I think I would end up going 1 size bigger kite and i would much prefer to be on the smallest kite posibble, just enough to get back up wind.

I'm 93kg and I ride the 5'1. Perfect size. If under 80kg in Perth I'd go 4'11. If over 95kg 5'3- in my opinion- the boards feel bigger under your feet than u think they will.

Thanks guys, that is pretty much the consensus/ratio I got from reading all the relevant forum posts everywhere: 2 ppl saying at this weight the 5.3, 1 person saying 5.1.
2 to 1....given that I do have some smaller boards and heaps to learn still I will prob. stick to the 5.3.

good to have some locals chiming in.

thanks!

Just in case someone wants to know, my 5.3 Hevo without pad or fins came in at 3016 grams.