Hi Guys,

I've had a 13m Instinct Sport and a 12m Instinct Light on test for the last 3 weeks, I've also had a quick session on the 11m Edge. I've compared the kites back to back with the '06 11m Instinct.

I'm 75kg and ride every board in my range - favourite TT right now tho is a 136x40 Decay Dagger.

My take on the three kites:

13m Sport - lighter bar pressure and faster turning than the '06 kite, and more bottom end grunt. With the '06 kites I had a hard job picking between the 13m and the 11m as my 'one kite quiver' this year the choice is easy - the 11m would be my size. In fact I don't think I'm heavy enough to get the most out of the 13m. Another local who weighs in at 100kg+ and owns an '06 13m has tried the 13m Sport, he likes it but says there wasn't much to pick between them for him. Big improvements are the relaunch and one-pump system tho!

12m Light - I LIKE THIS KITE - just seems to do everything well (except perhaps boosting big). Relaunch is almost too easy - hard to keep it on the water. Have been using it in our school, can be setup at the bar not to stall - which for an instructor is AWESOME - I get sick of yelling 'PUSH THE BAR AWAY' some days as students stall the kite into the water for the 20th time in the lesson - it just doesn't get thru that you need to let the kite fly. With the Light this isn't and issue - so the student get more time learning and less time relaunching the kite. This kite also rides unhooked very well, likely for the same reason it doesn't stall. Depower is also fast and to 100% in the throw of the bar - great for wave riding this one too...

11m Edge - only had a quick session on this one - in about 12-14knots - but it does BOOST, lots of hang too - feels like a North Rhino to me - heaps of lift AND fast to turn - awesome turning speed in fact - esp. for what is a HIGH aspect ratio kite.

My personal kite this year - 12m Light - ease of use, good unhooked and fast depower.

If you want good all-round freestyle + plenty of boost go the Sport

If you want to FLY get your hand on the Edge - you will love it.

Cheers,

Dave Kay

Hi crew,

Looks like Ruakaka is in for GOOD conditions all weekend:




High Tides are 1pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday.

I will be at the beach both days with a 12m Instinct Light and 13m Instinct Sport for demo - if you would like to book some time to try these kites call me on 021 654 149 today or tomorrow. Otherwise see us at the beach.

Cheers,

DK