Rider: Weight,Level-85kg, intermediate
Style: Freeriding, wannabe freestyle
Weather: 15-18 kts
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: I buy my gear

My Comments:
i rode the 2.0 punch for 2years, and just wanted an upgrade. Also ride a17 edge and 7.5m mr green for nukin days.

Out of the bag, I was a little disappointed that the new bag does not have the extensions so I can store my kite with the struts pumped up. However, the new storage for the pump and hose makes up for it. The bag of spare parts was what I expected so no surprises. I purchased my 2.0 punch new as well so knew what to expect.

On on the water, not the best conditions so I had to change to light wind settings, I find that it is important to have the right settings for the right conditions on the Punch as it can be the difference between a good session and an awesome session. I found the bar lighter than the 2.0 model, but I always knew where the kite was when looping so am very happy about that, I like kites with heavier bar pressure, but it did not take much to get used to.

The bar is a lot tidier than the 2.0 and I find the swivel works well on rotations.

the Punch shines in 20-25kts, so will let you know my impressions when I have such a day.

All in all I am very happy with my purchase, Wainmans are a good price compared to other brands and are bullet proof, graphics aren't quite as good as the 2.0 IMHO but it is still a good looking kite.

I only upgraded because I find that kites have a limited lifetime and trend to stretch and warp after a couple of years and I wanted to stay with Wainmans as they are very robust.

Check your bag more closely, there's a storage pocket inside main compartment that folds out for your inflated strut storage. Graphics this year much better, to each his own...

Curious to know if the Punch works in surf. Been trying all settings on Smoke and found that fast and upwind make the kite a bit unstable in gusts, but that for hooked in and strapped wave bashing in side-on conditions and small waves, tremendous fun. I'd previously trimmed the kite on the downwind settings which is good when there's real waves and I'm unhooked and/or strapless, as the kite is more stable feeling, but if you want the kite to feel more like a REO, try the fast/upwind.

For freeride and big air, I'm switching between middle speed and upwind and middle speed mid tune. Amazing how well kites work in all trims, just very different feel and response. Hope you enjoy, and post on your favorite settings once you have some time on the kite, please!

Hi, yes I discovered the strut extenders in the bag just after I wrote the review.

i have spent the last weekend in the surf, and I am really impressed with the Punch. However, cannot compare it against the Smoke.

the Smoke has awesome graphics and I have read a lot of good reviews about it. Unfortunately, it does not fit into my quiver.

I will start playing around with the settings and see how I go, never really worried about it on the 2.0