2013 Rallys- changed for the worse?

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Anyone tried one yet? New mini struts, design changes are not going over well. I have two friends who sent them back for turning like pigs. Stability problem was solved only to ruin the design according to them. They are looking for 2012 replacements.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

They are a bit slower but the extra strut helps keep the canopy's shape so much better.

I should also plug this: http://nwkite.com/forums/post-169798.html#169798

Both kites are in next to new condition if your friends are looking for replacements.

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Pretty funny hijack, but thanks for the tip.

lewmt · Since 04 Aug 2010 182 Posts MT Stoked

Only tried the 14. Had the 2011 14 & it does turn slower. I'm getting used to that. As good as the 2011 boosted & floated - this thing is like a hovercraft. Just hangs there. Seriously have had a couple of boosts where I wondered if I was going to come down. Don't notice any higher boosts really just seems to lock itself into the pinnacle point in the boost & hang there. I think this translates to a way better kite in the smaller sizes - but - haven't tried them. Having said all that - my skills are minimal so my input may not be worth much.

Just one gripe - SS - some day...please...colored lines? Can it be that expensive? Doesn't matter on water but in snow white lines suck. Especially in flat light.

scottm · Since 12 Jun 2006 108 Posts Stoked

I think they're better. Bought a 7, 9, 12 after being super impressed with my turbine, first big kite I've ever liked, light efficient feel at the bar, turns fast enough to kite loop, and works awesome for light wind surfing or wakestyle. Coming from Fuels then RPMs, kiting since 1998, I didn't particularly like the older Rallys because they lacked the rock-solid feel of the RPMs in gusty overpowered (everyday gorge) conditions. They fly fast and the hangtime is unreal. The new struts are tiny so they don't take much air, but seem to help a lot with stability and positive turning feel. I haven't once wished they turned faster - they turn slower if you're sheeted all the way out, but sheet in a little and they pivot.

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Thanks for the reviews. I buy Rallys for waves, my freinds no longer like them in those conditions. They say the kite climbs to the top of the window too easily, no longer pivots in turns. I personally find long hangtime in kites rather dull, but if you like grabs and "airstyle" I suppose its a big advantage. I loved the 2012 Rallys huge range jumping ability and fast wave handling. Stability problems never occured for me as only larger guys seem to have the problem. The 14 was an all time lightwind winner for its speed.

I hope SS realizes thier changes are not for the best and fixes them for 2014. Please please dont mess with the RPM's. Shocked

I am not tring to be a hater, I think SS has been the best now for many years.

But, another issue has been the bamboo construction of the surfboards. They are super light, fun but are way to easily damaged by heel dents etc. Need to be realistic and beef them up again.

wakeup · Since 11 Sep 2005 328 Posts always Obsessed

^^that would be your opinion on the surfboards
I think that they are great the way they are. Any heavier and beefier and those things would be like riding a lead log with no flex or feel. For kitesurfing, these boards are pretty much ideal with the right weight and shapes for shredding anything from knee high slop to double over.

All surfboards are gonna get heel dents, especially if you are jumping

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1866 Posts XTreme Poster

I heard that brand ______ is too fast/slow and that folks on the coast/river/inland are happy/sad. Also the boards from brand ______ are too light/heavy, and turn fast/slow. I hope that brand_____ will realize that their product is perfect/sucks and make/not make changes for 20__ __.

Directions: please fill in the blanks, circle the appropriate words and submit to Kiteforum.com which thrives on this

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Like I said the surfboards are great, but don't like replacing them every year, so I guess I have to find a job as a hedgefund manager. The new Rallys are not the same as last year, maybe better for some, not for people I know they are returning thier kites to the dealer. The reason I come here is just that, Kiteforum is a bad joke.

I'm glad your opinion is all that matters, really makes life easy for everyone. Also, could you fill in the blanks for me and contact SS? Thanks again.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1866 Posts XTreme Poster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjCoBTzrN9E

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

If you want to make your own mind up, come try one of our demos.

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

You spent a lot of time re- posting ala Kiteforum, did you see where I mentioned SS is the BEST company now for many years? Love how people slice and dice out of context reminds me somuch of why I don't read Kiteforum anymore.

As for the other statements, they were collected by other riders who found the new Rallys rather lacking, so maybe you should address them not me. There opinoin means more to me since I know they are not hack riders and have 5- 10 years experience all over the world.

That said, I have not tried the 2013 Rally and will demo ASAP.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Hey Union dude you need to hide behind Billy Joe? You couldn't find some of your favorite Barry Manilow songs? And you want a forum about kiting that does not discuss the "nuances" of new Kites? So that leaves.... Hein?

And I agree the Bamboo's are the best, you can't have both strength and performance. I had the old construction and it survived 45 minute battering against rocks in overhead conditions. 2 ounces of marine tex and it was like new. But no way it compares in performance.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1866 Posts XTreme Poster

Hiding? Sorry, "Lurk", I will strive to make my identity as transparent as yours is.

Demo product

Eric

DangleMaster123 · Since 01 Aug 2010 38 Posts