High wind kite suggestions

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Aug 12, 10 3:43 pm **High wind kite suggestions**

Looking to fill in my new quiver of 8,10, and 12 havocs. Thinking I need a kite for those 35+ knot rooster mornings. I'm thinking that I don't want a high aspect design as they don't handle the gusts all that well --punching forward and then drifting back) Maybe a fuel or something similar? I'm 195 lbs (all ripling muscle) and ride skate,skim,twin, and surf. Any ideas?

Cheers
pdxmb

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Monkey,

I'm about your weight - except I'm 190 pounds of solid rippling fat. I experimented with several different kites for high wind. I have a 7m waroo - and a handful of times a season I would get gusted out. I tried the 5m waroo - but could not handle the lack of grunt power. Just about gave up - until I came accross an 07 6m switchblade. That kite is pretty money - just rig up on the top knot and I can handle massive gusts and the low end isn't too bad. If there are serious lulls I will ride my 145 LF WLF - that will get me through the lulls and the gusts are no problem - plenty of depower. You're welcome to try mine next time its nuked out. It looks like Rooster is the next time for high winds - just go into the bushes and start saying "Marco" - someone will bring you the kite Twisted Evil

Marmot · Since 08 Aug 2007 109 Posts Lyle, WA Stoked

6M RPM. Is that a high aspect kite?

Nak · Thu Aug 12, 10 4:53 pm

5m REV baby! I've ridden it twice Moto! Like a damn bumble bee it's so fast. Very Happy

I had worries about it having enough grunt in the lulls, but it sines so fast I was able to ride--barely--in lulls probably below 30. @40+ it's MONEY!

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

You guys are killing me. I wasn't going to buy a new kite this year. Now I'm searching the forum for a reasonable 5m Rev to fill my quiver. I got a fever for kiting and the only prescription is more cowbell!!

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 384 Posts PDX Obsessed

6m RPM. This kite is a gust muncher! PMB, you know I'm a big pussy; this kite has opened a new world of high wind to me.

No brainer.

Marmot · Since 08 Aug 2007 109 Posts Lyle, WA Stoked

I have a 2005 Windwing Rage II 6M I will sell to you for a growler of Dbl Mtn IRA.

Matt E. · Since 22 May 2008 318 Posts West Coast Sales Rep Obsessed

The Cabrinha Switchblade 6m is sick in high winds! Super stable and smooth, also boosts HUGE. Very Happy

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

Proxymonkey,

I have the 2009 Havoc and I really couldn't imagine needing a smaller kite. It depowers really, really well. If you need a smaller kite than that maybe just throw on a shorter set of lines for the 2 times a year you really need it.

I am about 210 fyi.

Andy

JW · Since 28 Jan 2006 227 Posts portland Stoked

I love my 6m Havoc use it a lot and i weigh 170

retz · Since 06 Aug 2007 132 Posts west linn Stoked

I also love my 6 RPM for the heavy stuff

Chooch · Thu Aug 12, 10 9:12 pm

I'll hook you up with my 5m Wainman Hawaii kite to demo...since I won't be using it any time soon Evil or Very Mad

Low aspect and it sits deep in the window for great down the line travel. Sick wave/Swell/High wind kite with a lot of grunt for bigger guys.

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Aug 12, 10 9:28 pm

Hmmm. That wind wing sounds nice. I know that all their stuff is sooo money. I did NOT like my 7 rev in high winds. Without the short lines in it, it was a nightmare. The LE folded under in me no less than half a dozen times on me one weekend at the coast. I was overpowered and would carve down a face, sheet all the way out and POP! I would look up in horrer.

I had my 2010 havoc 8 out last week in less than ideal conditions. Maybe I'll try short lines and see how much wind it can handle. I reallly really like those kites but they don't have much low end

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

I know Ocean Rodeo is a joke Evil or Very Mad

but the 6m Diablo is sweet from 30 -45 after that is does nothing weird
but get unmanagable which is typical for any C type

best kite I have ever had for these winds
no inverts for the duration Laughing

but then again I'm pretty stupid Embarassed

j · Since 08 Nov 2006 94 Posts Seattle

Why wouldn't you just get a 5m Envy, more grunt, lower aspect, floats back, same bar... seems like a no-brainer.

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

tekko · Since 20 Feb 2006 376 Posts White Salmon Liquid Force

PMB

I should have 2011 6m Havoc and 5m Envy demo's by then end of next week.

2010 Havoc 6m's sold out... Only a couple people even ever flew them. Couple in the Gorge, but most LF riders missed out on them this year.

Will be interesting to see how the gap is between your 8m Havoc and a 5m Envy.. but definitely worth trying the new Havoc 6m as well.

Waiting on delivery.. so I won't claim anything, as I have not tried them yet either.