Look I have flown everything from Warriors to Peter Lynns to F-Ones to Airush lifts which I settled on by the way, and haven't bought a new kite since 2003. Time for new one. I don't enjoy light wind kiting, nor crazy 30 knot stuff, just between 18-25 knots is just right. So basically I want a one kite quiver. I have seen the Liquid Force Assualt in action (2006) and strong bar pressure was mentioned - and one thing I don't like is strong bar pressure. Also I like to fly with a small chicken loop range and it close to my body (maybe the years of flying foils has done this) because I get a sore back leaning over and out. I like to be locked in, close to my body and really lean back.
So what is the best Bow kite for my needs??? I kite mainly in Mandurah WA.
if u kite mandura go see jason at full tilt top bloke and he will hook u p with a sonic... prob the best one kite option if u didnt want to spend to much! really light on the bar and for the described wind range it is perfect
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22370
... make sure its the newer version and that would be sweet and with a bit or bargining u will get a bargin
Thanks for that Toby, I take it you fly a sonic yourself. The newer version? 2006 version are you talking about. What is the difference between the assualt and the sonic?? Both are bow kites...
Cheers
eppo
Hey Eppo
IMO ... Any 10m or 12m NEW model Bow or flat hybrid kite will pretty much sort you out for what you want.
If you have been riding a 12m I really suggest going down a size if going to a new model bow although.....I know most guys go for a 12m BOW.
I just find the new models getting a bit overpowered for my liking in the same winds as old 12m Cs as it is more like a 15m or 16m C kite.
The new model 10m bow kites really are equal to or more power than most of last seasons 12m bow designs. An extra year of R & D is a lot in a kite format that has only really seen 14 months or so on the market,
I could also push a few brand names at you but I wont as I have my preferences but as far as I know there aren't really any bad ones just different levels of goodness.
Probably leaving myself open to the usual bagging but that's my 2 cents worth.
Cheers
John
KITE REPUBLIC
Hi Eppo,
Seeing as you have requested a "Bow" kite that keeps the bar close to you, that rules out any bow kite without pulleys on the bar. Problem is, pulleys on the bar double the bar pressure.
Most of these other guys seem to have overlooked these facts. The Halo is probably the kite you want, but they are very technical to fly and aren't much good for freestyle apart from stratospheric jumps.
Maybe you need to redefine your question and tell us what is most important in your needs, because with big range comes compromise. If you want small depower movement, then stick to the "C" kites, but you wont get the range.
Let me know and I'll see if I can offer some advice.
Good winds,
With the Sonic you can have the bar in any position you like. Just pull the trim rope through the cleat and lock it off where ever you like.
It takes a little practice with the older Sonics where you have to pull the rope away from you but it is easy enough to do. I think the newer ones have a more conventional trimmer arrangement.
The Sonic 11 is really nice up to 25 knots for my 80 kg. It's actually ok to around 28 knots but you start running out of sweet spot by 30 knots. It is safe enough to ride in 35+ knots but it is no fun at all.
If you are going to be riding in mostly 20+ knots then think about getting a Sonic 8.
Depending on your weight (70 to 80kg) but in 18 to 25 knots a 9 meter bow of any brand is probably suitable. I ride a 122 board in those conditions with a 9m switchblade - best fun ever!
Bar pressures seem irrelevant really on 9 meter bows due to the fact they spin in their turns and more so in the winds you like most to kite in. Also own 12m (Switchblade) and 16m (Assault) bows and yeah it can be a different story especially when in surf in lighter winds. If a 12 meter bow is more your size then maybe forget the bow and go for a vegas or simmilar c kite - good depower, more wind range than old c kites safe fifth line and so on and so forth 
.
If bows are your thing and seem so from your general laid out question look more at the quality, the extra little things or the price factor. Yeah ok i have just stated the bleedingly obvious. 
Personally I like the bows that arnt too flat profiled i.e. switchblade over the crossbow or lf assault. I looked into a halo but to me the bungee thing on the bar looked too gimmicky and thought the leading edge looked rather impregnated.I guess (ironically for me) it was done to reduce inversions and bar pressure issues. As some mentioned the sonics seem not so flat and have had good reviews, maybe an 8m would give you what you want. Then again comments on the new 07 switchblade seem good as well with regards to low bar pressure and lack of bar pullies - Best of luck choosing
Hi Eppo
Give me a call some time and I'll give you the benefit of some winter research. I have a couple of kites you can try (not buy) next time I am in Mandurah. Planning to come down for the weekend with the Ground Crew in 1 1/2 weeks time.
Cheers
Graham
