Hey Guys,

Looking at getting a 6/7m kite for strapless surfing from around 20 knots upwards @ 90kg dry.

Considering :

New OS 7m for its speed and upwind ability
Fluid ATV
Eclipse 6m Kima, designed for the surf and very similar to my 08 Nano
Airush 6m DNA

I would like a kite that is stable, floats well when lines go slack and to allow me to surf the wave and with good upwind ability as I am natural and like to go right down the wave. The kite should generate great apparent wind aswell.

I want to progress my riding, so the kite should allow for progression (not to easy)

What do you guys think, any recommendations?

Cheers
Rich

hey rich... the kima 6m is the same as the 08 nano 6m.
good kites

I have the 9m and 12m 08 Nano's, difference is that the sizes bigger than 6m have 5 struts instead of 3 like the 08 Nano 6m / Kima.

The larger 08 Nano sizes are also a bit heavier size for size compared to the Kima's.

The 08 Nano 12m is the worst kite out of the range.

Cheers Rich

I have a 9M os and a mate has a 7, we both love em. although havnt used em in decent (overhead) surf yet! I also have a 4M dna (08) which i fkn hate. Not saying dont get one, cos i'm happy with my other airush stuff, but def, fly before you buy

Cheers for that, but could you elaborate on your likes and dislikes.

Do you use the OS with a surfboard, etc. My main concern with the OS kite is the depower/range but I feel it would be the best for progression.

Cheers
Rich

Hi Rich,

i have mainly used the o/s 9 with a choptop in onshore waves. it takes about 20 knots to make it worth pumping up,(100kg) havnt found its top end yet. havnt had a problem with the depower, and i come from kites with lots of depower... flows etc. my dna is my sons kite, and it is a bit neurotic i imagine the 6 would be better, but the 4 has about a 3 inch operational range of depower before you lose all steering. having said that, we have only used it in light stuff (hes only 28kg) and it would probably be better in the 30knots it was designed for
hth
T

Got a 6m Kima on loan from Tightlines for the next couple of weeks.
will write a review when i manage to get out next.

Ozone 6M lightXC, although at 90kg reckon you would be better with an 8M, both in stock, and top price for an excellent wave kite that fits your described need to a T!

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

easy get a 6m rpm. give one a demo. great for unstrapped riding as they drift and park really well. strong construction for the surf.

Go for the Eclipse Kima, Should do every thing you need and wont break the bank.I have used it from small onshore to double overhead cross off, no prblems. Its just a case of size 6 or 9!!!

If you can, try an RRD Obsession. I have a 7m and love it. It turns super fast and floats downwind beautifully when the lines go slack. It is quite a grunty little kite too, so I find it has a good low end. I am 78kg and can get the 7m out in anything over 22 knots on a twin tip. Haven't tried it on a surfboard yet. I find it goes upwind really well too.

Thanks guys for all the feedback.

I made my decision:

Here's my reasoning -

1. Wanted a kite that really flys forward in the window.
2. An efficient kite that is fast to turn and can generate power by moving it.
3. A kite that does not fatigue you quickly.
4. Support the locals, even though I am not true blue (dinkum) ozzie. Can I say that
5. A kite that covers all the bases when it comes to safety.
6. A kite to make me progress.
7. I did not want a grunty kite as I have two of those to cover that wind range when you need it.

I tried this kite a while back when I was a lot more greener and loved it. It can be a handful due to the turning speed but I will dial into it.

Its a NEW OS 7m

I have not flown it yet but have analyzed every inch of it and cannot fault the construction, it is comparable to all the other brands but without the bells and whistles. I really like the efficiency of the design.

The bar is a 5th line bar and the QR is simple but effective but allows the bar too come closer to the rider.

I wanted the black and red one but there was only one green and yellow left with a black LE which covered half my reasoning wanting a black kite (I don't understand why kite companies make kites with light coloured LE's that get dirty easily )

Can't wait too try it out, hopefully on Saturday

Cheers
Rich

keep us posted on how you go with it rich!

Nice choice Rich, I have the 7mtr OS and as Tone said I love it perfect for your progression in waves. NEW kites nailed this one i think !

Cheers for that,

I tried it on Saturday in NW gusty wind and found it very stable. Only problem was going out as I was going switch foot and over balancing, and edging too hard.

This kite is super quick, I will have to have a couple of session to get use to the speed, which is exactly what I wanted - progression.

I reckon I could get going with it earlier than what I expected, due to the speed and apparent wind. I flew it on the light weight setting but I think the heavy weight setting will be better for me.

Can't wait for my next session, which looks like it will be a long way away.

Tone and Hedges share some info, etc like technique.

Cheers
Rich

Noice one Rich. Hope it is a rockin kite for ya.

Does it have a carrying a 'half a carton too much in the six-pack compartment' setting? I have searched everywhere for a kite to suit me in this regard but just get puzzled looks from the buff gym junky salesmen.

I was keen to try these OS kites a while back but couldn't find a demo in Perf, where did you get one? BTW I just picked up a 7m (same as my 9m) and would be keen to road test these side by side one arvo.


P.S. I am with you on the light coloured LE designs WTF is upwiddat? Clearly the colour choosers have never had to clean one before attempting to sell it. Ha ha - my 7m is banana yellow but should stay looking new-ish as I am pedantic in that way.. the new meds are helping though.

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getfunky said...


Ha ha - my 7m is banana yellow but should stay looking new-ish as I am pedantic in that way.. the new meds are helping though.

and I always thought your kites looked new because you're either never allow out to fly them or from washing them in the surf and air drying them as you walk back along the beach.

A little from column A and a little from B.

I found my kite got a bit rougher when I stopped putting it exclusively at 12 O'clock. Give it a try Slacko.