Choosing New Twin Tip kiteboard

colby · Since 23 Apr 2005 613 Posts Celebrity Photographer

Hein,

the double stuff is incredible...looking forward to using my knees instead of a cane in my later years. Thumb's Up

homerun · Since 12 Jul 2008 22 Posts

Cole135,

The winds were too light for a good evaluation of the SX. I was impressed that even in light wind, while sining the 10m kite about 2:00 PM, I was able to get to Wells Island, which I couldn't have done in that light of wind with the older board. I should have been on the Hypertech directional, but I was paying for the demo.

I couldn't edge as well with it as I could with the old ~~2002 Doyle Slingshot, naturally since the older board was made to hold an edge on the older kites. I think some of the problem was that part of my heal extended off the pad of the SX. I wear neoprene boots, and got the best adjustment I could before renting the board.

I am not sure, but I think my riding style requires a board that I can edge better. Even when windsurfing, I have found I prefer a larger fin than most windsurfers in the Gorge.

I am concerned about the weight of the SX. I presume it is required for Gorge durability, but I am not all that aggressive and don't think I need the durability. I wonder how much weight the pads and staps are contributing compared to other makes of pads and straps.

Some kites I demoed this month gave me the feeling I was experiencing an epiphany, so now I want to get a similar sensation with a board. The SX didn't quite do it for me, so I will continue my quest. I plan to test a JL, LF and Naish and buy locally. I had to buy one of the 3 kites non-locally because it was not available at the time.

I am eager to buy the board, so I can get back out to Rufus, where it isn't so crowded, and I don't have to pay for parking and walk so far from water, food, different kite or board if conditions change.

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jul 30, 08 12:59 pm

1. why are you still wearing booties?

2. I wouldn't worry to much about the weight of the board when you put your pads and straps on it, your never going to tell the difference. Unless your doing massive rotations and what not, which something tells me your not (see #1 above)

3. Why don't you buy this guys board, steal at that price.. .http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-9592.html

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

If you wants somthing that really holds and edge try a mako windance has some.

homerun · Since 12 Jul 2008 22 Posts

I wear booties to protect my feet from injury, so I don't potentially ruin my entire summer here in the Gorge.

I tested a 133 Recoil yesterday, and the footstraps worked perfectly with my booties. It performed much like the SX. Maybe I need a longer board and should change my specs to 136 x (39-40).

I am beginning to think I already have the right board with the ~2002 136 x 40 Slingshot Doyle. Perhaps board designs are devolving. Smile

I actually think the old board gives me a sweet ride. I was hoping to ride something that feels significantly sweeter. I may be forever locked into the first board I use more than once, a form of imprinting.

For instance, I still prefer to windsurf a Tiga 260 on choppy lake water. I bought my first Tiga 260 in 1988, blew out the aluminum fin box and replaced it in 1994 with another Tiga 260. It sucks in the Gorge, so I use an 8'-2" Cascade that I bought in about 1994. Enough with nostalsia.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

most of the new boards have ton more pop but lots of people never use this(they jump useing their kite) If you want a board that eats up chop has huge range and holds an edge better than a old six fin demo the mako wide.

homerun · Since 12 Jul 2008 22 Posts

I appreciate the help in finding a modern kiteboard. I had decided to continue using the older Doyle Slingshot 136, since I liked it better than the two 132 cm boards I demoed. I think they were too short for my riding style. I have spent most of my time at Rufus unable to demo more boards and reluctant to pay $40 per day to rent while out there.

Yesterday, Tuesday, I stopped by Windance to say goodbye in case I leave for Missouri from Rufus Friday morning. There was a used 2007 136cm Misfit on consignment, which I snapped up without hesitation. Weather permitting, I'll find out if it was a good purchase for me before leaving the Gorge.

The forecast looks better now up to Saturday, not ending Thursday as previously forecast, so I may stay until the westerlies are forecast to stop for two or more consecutive days.

Thanks again.

homerun · Since 12 Jul 2008 22 Posts

I almost left the Gorge today a disappointed kiter. However, the 2007 SS 136cm Misfit is an exeptional board for me, providing the epiphamy I so hoped to experience a 2nd time, as I did the first time with the new SLE kites two months ago. What good fortune I visited Windance shortly after the kiteboard went on consignment.

Consequently, I plan to stay in the Gorge until the west winds stop for 2 or 3 consecutive days. Hope I'm here until October.

Belief anyone who says the right board will make a world of difference to your kiting. My kiting skills seemed to advanced more in one day at Rufus with this kiteboard than it did all summer. Since I didn't demo this board, it was mostly just plain luck. It felt great the moment I launched.

A special thanks to Windance kiters Dave, John, and Cole.

Cole135 · Since 26 May 2008 61 Posts

Glad to hear it all worked out. Have fun on the new board!