How would you rate a Wainman twelve to a twelve Switchblade in the current models ?

I would rate them as being 2 completely different kites in nearly all areas.

After riding one on last years wainman kites i wouldn't recommend them to a learner or intermediate kiter. Just because of the complex tuning and lack of safety options. The newer model is the same kite but they have upgraded the bar so hopefully it will be better. I like the new kahoona as a better option for a 3 strut delta kite. Both kites are grunty like the original bandit delta kites. The bandit 3 wasn't as grunty and a better all round kite IMO.

As for the switchy, there are a lot more people using them. They are definitely safer and more user friendly. They have stuck with the same design for quite a while now making some improvements every year which has made it a well refined kite. People use them for wake style, freestyle, surf etc. So it is a good all round kite. Most learners will be able to use a switchy and progress well with it.

The two kites you are chasing a comparison on IMO are completely different and really suit completely different riders. You should really look at what you want from a kite ask questions then get a list of kites to suit you and make a choice from that. By only considering these two kites you could actually mis out on the kite that would best suit you, there are a lot out there.

i've just orderd a 9m wainman smoke to replace my 2010 9m helix. I'm hoping for a less frantic kite that i can slow down when i want to. When i get a go on it i'll let yis know. Have you found a bad report on the wainman yet? every report i've found says it's a must have kite. Cant find a bad review.

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waxman said...

I would rate them as being 2 completely different kites in nearly all areas.

After riding one on last years wainman kites i wouldn't recommend them to a learner or intermediate kiter. Just because of the complex tuning and lack of safety options. The newer model is the same kite but they have upgraded the bar so hopefully it will be better. I like the new kahoona as a better option for a 3 strut delta kite. Both kites are grunty like the original bandit delta kites. The bandit 3 wasn't as grunty and a better all round kite IMO.

As for the switchy, there are a lot more people using them. They are definitely safer and more user friendly. They have stuck with the same design for quite a while now making some improvements every year which has made it a well refined kite. People use them for wake style, freestyle, surf etc. So it is a good all round kite. Most learners will be able to use a switchy and progress well with it.

The two kites you are chasing a comparison on IMO are completely different and really suit completely different riders. You should really look at what you want from a kite ask questions then get a list of kites to suit you and make a choice from that. By only considering these two kites you could actually mis out on the kite that would best suit you, there are a lot out there.

Hello,

I would ask you what do you think about 2011's 12 Meters Switch vs. Rebel.

I'm going to buy one of them tomorrow and I'm still unsure about something:

Rebel: does it have the trims at the end of the lines towards the canopy?

Switch: if I leave the bar with the 2011 Recoil system, does the kite fall down to water? Or it completely depowers maintaining a bit of wind to avoid falling? Or it keeps on drag me on?


And... the main question:
is the Swithcblade wind range really so narrow, compared to the Rebel's one, or this numbers are just what the manufacturers reports?

I'm really unsure on what to buy, I'm 77 Kg. and 190 cm tall. Mainly on 14 to 20 knots winds.

Select to expand quote

waxman said...

I would rate them as being 2 completely different kites in nearly all areas.

After riding one on last years wainman kites i wouldn't recommend them to a learner or intermediate kiter. Just because of the complex tuning and lack of safety options. The newer model is the same kite but they have upgraded the bar so hopefully it will be better. I like the new kahoona as a better option for a 3 strut delta kite. Both kites are grunty like the original bandit delta kites. The bandit 3 wasn't as grunty and a better all round kite IMO.

As for the switchy, there are a lot more people using them. They are definitely safer and more user friendly. They have stuck with the same design for quite a while now making some improvements every year which has made it a well refined kite. People use them for wake style, freestyle, surf etc. So it is a good all round kite. Most learners will be able to use a switchy and progress well with it.

The two kites you are chasing a comparison on IMO are completely different and really suit completely different riders. You should really look at what you want from a kite ask questions then get a list of kites to suit you and make a choice from that. By only considering these two kites you could actually mis out on the kite that would best suit you, there are a lot out there.

Hello,

I would ask you what do you think about 2011's 12 Meters Switch vs. Rebel.

I'm going to buy one of them tomorrow and I'm still unsure about something:

Rebel: does it have the trims at the end of the lines towards the canopy?

Switch: if I leave the bar with the 2011 Recoil system, does the kite fall down to water? Or it completely depowers maintaining a bit of wind to avoid falling? Or it keeps on drag me on?


And... the main question:
is the Swithcblade wind range really so narrow, compared to the Rebel's one, or this numbers are just what the manufacturers reports?

I'm really unsure on what to buy, I'm 77 Kg. and 190 cm tall. Mainly on 14 to 20 knots winds.

Select to expand quote

kiterit said...

waxman said...

I would rate them as being 2 completely different kites in nearly all areas.

After riding one on last years wainman kites i wouldn't recommend them to a learner or intermediate kiter. Just because of the complex tuning and lack of safety options. The newer model is the same kite but they have upgraded the bar so hopefully it will be better. I like the new kahoona as a better option for a 3 strut delta kite. Both kites are grunty like the original bandit delta kites. The bandit 3 wasn't as grunty and a better all round kite IMO.

As for the switchy, there are a lot more people using them. They are definitely safer and more user friendly. They have stuck with the same design for quite a while now making some improvements every year which has made it a well refined kite. People use them for wake style, freestyle, surf etc. So it is a good all round kite. Most learners will be able to use a switchy and progress well with it.

The two kites you are chasing a comparison on IMO are completely different and really suit completely different riders. You should really look at what you want from a kite ask questions then get a list of kites to suit you and make a choice from that. By only considering these two kites you could actually mis out on the kite that would best suit you, there are a lot out there.

Hello,

I would ask you what do you think about 2011's 12 Meters Switch vs. Rebel.

I'm going to buy one of them tomorrow and I'm still unsure about something:

Rebel: does it have the trims at the end of the lines towards the canopy?

Switch: if I leave the bar with the 2011 Recoil system, does the kite fall down to water? Or it completely depowers maintaining a bit of wind to avoid falling? Or it keeps on drag me on?


And... the main question:
is the Swithcblade wind range really so narrow, compared to the Rebel's one, or this numbers are just what the manufacturers reports?

I'm really unsure on what to buy, I'm 77 Kg. and 190 cm tall. Mainly on 14 to 20 knots winds.

Go and try them both and then make up your mind,from what i've heard the switch is a soft kite,so will have way less on the bottom end than the reb,but will prob go more on top,try to get a ride on a Chimera as well for comparison,you sound too unshure to make a decision at the mo,but try before you buy and you'll prob make the right one.

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Switch: if I leave the bar with the 2011 Recoil system, does the kite fall down to water?

No

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Or it completely depowers maintaining a bit of wind to avoid falling?

It does not fall and it will not drag you.

Select to expand quote

And... the main question:
is the Swithcblade wind range really so narrow, compared to the Rebel's one, or this numbers are just what the manufacturers reports?

Range is the same, just maybe shifted a little. Like say a 12m Switchblade might equal a 11m Rebel. Hard to say exactly. I switched to a Switchblade. Range feels good to me.

I love the inflation valve. Fast and easy.