VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

I am considering this kite for those strong fall/winter days up to 35 knots+.

My next kite up is a 12m which is comfortable to mid 20 knots. I ride a 135x 40cm board and weigh 170.

Do you know if the 6m has enought low end to overlap the 12m in the low 20s. (If I could I'd have a 9 too, but wondering If I can get away with the 6)?

Thanks

The 9m is the more versatile of the 2. There is a small overlap, but that is a good thing. If it is blowing more than a 9 can handle, you might want to think twice about going out. I weigh 160, and find the 9m great and I've been known to go out in strong winds. The other option is to have a set of short lines for the 9. For every 3m shortened(from 30m), you effectively reduce your kite size by about a 1m. Asscrack is the expert on short lin sets, if you need more information.

You might find the6m too limiting.

My 2cents worth.

keep in mind Gareth rides the 14 in the mid 20's and goes for it.....

Yeh! Go for it Gareth,go big or go home.

I dont ride anything less than 20 m lines - its too jerky. So everyone agrees with Gareth is it then ?

So the question is can you get from a 12 to a 6 and not miss anything in between? I'd have to say probably not. If it's blowing in the mid 20's, you may find yourself sitting on the beach, or pumping the 6 like a maniac. I think you'll be further ahead with a 9 meter, unless you're totally focused on exploring true 6 meter conditions... be careful!

I have both the 6m & 9m 2003 broncos. In my humble opinion the 9m is the sweetest kite in the 2003 series, rock steady in gusts and jumps really well. I have had the 6m 18months and have used it 3 times. You really need to ask yourself if it's blowing that hard that you can't hold down a 9m do you really want to be out there?

Good luck

Yeah, I think it was a bit of a silly question now [smilie=knockknock.gif] . Thanks for all your input, i'll be steering towards a 9ish.

i am chubby at 180 lbs and with the outlaw last year i found bottom end to be around 22 knots with six and the smallr kites do have a lot to offer if you can demand from it but it does take more consecutive clean dives to get out of the whole but once planing a great fast kite. i myself used to be overpower hour all the time with large kites but the smaller the better for me now as long as there is wind to fill yer sail. about 50 hours on or 6M

Josh makes a good point... riding a smaller kite than "normal" opens up some interesting possibilities. It all depends on your level of riding and what you're looking for in terms of riding style or feel. So it's actually kind of hard to give good advice over the internet. But I think it it wouldn't hurt to get a 9 and see when that gets overpowered, and then get a 6.

that was me, Grant

The 9 m O.R. rocks! I spent most of my time this summer on it with the 150 mako..Nitinat & Tugwell...The new 10 is reported to be capable of a huge wind range..Check out k.s.k.k.'s log....Enjoy! Jim