another rally quiver question

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Just recently bought a rally 10m. After flying it just one time, I realized I may need to trade in my T3 14m as well. The T3 14m has been awesome for me so far- great for learning and cruising in the 10-15kt range. While the T3 was great to learn on, the bar pressure is a bit much after one ride on the rally. The 10m rally seems like I'll be able to ride it down to 13-14kt. I was leaning towards the 12m since it seems to match the same wind range as the T3 14m (according to SS website). But I must admit that I am not doing much more than staying upwind with the T3 14m at 10-12kts, which makes me think that maybe the rally 14m would be more fun. Being 80kg, do I really need such a beast. We also try to travel once a year to spots that always seem to be "12m" conditions. And while the rpm seems like a dream kite, I'm not considering it since I share with my wife and she prefers something with the most depower and ease of use. I'm curious what the opinions are from people who have flown both the 12m and 14m rallys. Cheers.

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

I just bought a quiver of Rally's before I went to Baja, 8, 10 & 12. I found the 8 & 10 to be amazing kites- fast turning, great wave kites (they would just sit there while I surfed), ultra responsive and fantastic boosters. The 12 is a great kite for lighter conditions. I'm 190 pounds (86 KG).

On light wind days when people were on their 13 and 14 m kites, I was on the 12 with a surfboard ripping it up. Compared to my old light wind kite- a 14 T2, its responsive, a great booster, has a bigger wind range and its a hell of a lot more fun. Like any big kite though, its still slower then the amazing 8 & 10 kites-

My buddy rode the 14 Rally on a day when I would have struggled to get out on my 12- but he did get out when I didn't. He wasn't able to stay upwind (he was on a twin tip), and his description of his session was - "well, I got out." I think the 14 would be great for ultra light wind conditions, but for fun, get the 12 and bring a bigger board. I'm off to Cabarete soon and I anticipate the 10 and 12 to be the money kites. I'd take a 14 if someone gave it to me, but on days when I need a 14, I'd rather go do something else.

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

I have a 6/10/14 Rally quiver...coming off a 7/11/15 Rev quiver.

The 10 was really the deciding factor, I flew that, loved it and then had to figure out what to put on either end. (I do like odd sizing better.)

I would agree that when I test flew the kites I loved the 8 and 10 and the 12 is the first one that felt slow, relatively. So, I was concerned when I ordered the 14 but ended up loving it. You have to fly it with the bar it comes with (23x27). It is amazingly fun for a large kite and has the same or better low end than my 15 Rev did...but it is much faster. You can actually jump on the thing and bring the kite back fast enough to catch you (I always had problems with that on the 15 Rev).

I flew it on the 20x23 bar and didn't like it as much. (that's the bar the 10 and 12 come with)

Anyway, I'm the same weight as you and think you'll be fine with the 14. It will perform MUCH MUCH MUCH better than the 14M T3 you're coming off of. I had one of those also and it is a slow bear to deal with in comparison.

Now, on the small kite side (if you go there) I'd get the 8 instead of the 6 like I did. I really am liking the 6, but did have at least one day where I was overpowered on the 10 and then underpowered on the 6...wind may have dropped while I re-rigged, but a 7 or 8 still has a pretty high top end.

C Johnson · Since 17 Apr 2009 854 Posts Seattle Opinionated

If you have them on fast steering setting. Make sure you pump em up real good. I'm about 200lbs dripping wet and when I tested the 12m rally I experienced a little bit of wingtip folding when I would load up my edge real hard or try to loop the kite. Later when I came in from that session I realized the kite felt a little soft so that was likely the culprit.

Other then that it was a really fun kite. Very well behaved. Felt like I could fly it with my eyes closed even during my first time out on it.

Link

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

I own the 10/12 Rallys. As others have said, the 10 is so good that I got it and then reconfigured around it. I bought the 12 w/o testing it and am very happy with it. I have about 5 days on it all in Baja. I doubt I will use it much, if at all in The Gorge. The 12 has a bottom end for me on a 6'2" directional such that if I can't make it work I would rather not kite.

IfI kites in the S Cal area, or Bay Area I would go 10/14. For Gorge/Mexico 10/12.

Below 10m I prefer the RPM, but I have several friends who prefer the Rally in the smaller sizes, so I think it comes down to personal preference for whatever.

Fatfish98 · Since 24 Jul 2007 14 Posts

Get my 12m Rally tomorrow

Onad · Thu Jan 27, 11 11:19 am

Just got my 12m Rally! That's a white canopy with silver graphics / text.

Can't wait to fly it! Darn cold and foggy weather... Sad

Fatfish98 · Since 24 Jul 2007 14 Posts

I've got green/black/white too but I don't know which orders the colours are in yet???

jbruxer · Since 24 Jul 2005 398 Posts Beaverton, OR Obsessed

Drooool! That is one saweeet looking kite.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

I mostly kite North OR coast (60%) and gorge (40%). Over the last 3 years while I owned a T3 9m and 14m, I used the 14m about half the time. In fact, I've had some of the best waves in 14m conditions. I live landlocked and can only kite when away- about 30-40/yr. So when I get near the water with any wind, I'm going out if the kite/board/my skills will allow it. I'm not one to sit on the beach when it's 10kts and wait for more wind. So I'm thinking a 14m may better fit my needs. If I were over 100kg, I'd even consider the SS Turbine. Thanks for all the feedback!

Fatfish98 · Since 24 Jul 2007 14 Posts

Onad · Sat Jan 29, 11 9:42 am

Right on FatFish!

Let us know when you fly it. You'll probably get out on it before I do...

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

shymac · Since 20 Jul 2005 919 Posts Home Valley, Wa. Bigfoot

Spy shot! Its got power thats for sure and speed for a kite that size... 23" on 27m

Thio · Since 29 Sep 2008 98 Posts Portland

So would most agree that an 8m will get more use in the Gorge over a summer than a 6m? I flew my 7m Rev often last year and am thinking the 6m Rally could replace that? Weighing in at 170

I realize the board is a factor as well - currently using a twintip (Underground Flex 138).

Thanks

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1214 Posts Portland BRACKISH

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed