Advice on a new 12-13m kite and boots for 2013

by **Artem** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:13 pm

It's gonna be my 2nd season of kitesurfing, I'm about 1.81m/76kg and currently have 2012 10m North Evo/136 caliber board. I feel like it was a great start, but closer to the end of the season I felt like I was underpowered quite often.
So I'm looking for a new 12-13m kite for this season, mainly 3rd, twintip (probably with boots).
I was looking towards 2013 Slingshot RPM or Rally 12m. One of the concerns is that 10m vs 12m is not that much difference and I should probably get the 13m kite. Slingshot doesn't make the 13m one so I'm like debating what to get. I want something for moderate jumping/tricks and stuff.
Also, regarding the boots, I read somewhere that if you use boots, in general the board should be like 2ish inches longer because of the wet boots weight.
Should I get Ronix one boot or something "kiteboarding specific" LF Synergy/Vantage

Thanks in advance!

by **le noun** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:58 pm

Ronix one are great, BUT they are super stiff. No great for an introduction to boots.
I got the relik from ronix, a little less stiff and you can find new models from the previous year for cheaper. Also, I think north made a kiteboarding specific boot with ronix last year but they were pretty much sold out before you knew it.
I'd also say 10/13 is a better combo than 10/12.
You might want to convert to the English system, a lot of people don't use metric here. Lol.
You're about 5'10 for 175 lbs, right?
It's weird because I'm heavier than you and I find myself using 9m most of the time.
But yes, my 12m comes handy too.
7 for the windy days.

by **Loscocco** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:42 pm

Strapless

by **le noun** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 12:03 am

Erin, That would be weird on a twin tip. :mrgreen:

by **Ron** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:20 am

Erin, That would be weird on a twin tip

It would be quite interesting to see though!

Do you use a north 5th element bar with your evo? If so, I'd definitely go for a Vegas which is a great freestyle kite (I also use them inthe waves by default and they work fine) and would save you $ from buying a new bar.

I would definitely not get a Rally to go wakestyle.

Re-boots, I have Ronix and like them - used 3 times only. This area has so much to offer for the wave riders that I've been using a directional most of the time and find that a twinitip with straps is more adapted on bay days given the choppy conditions.

Hey Le noun

It's weird because I'm heavier than you

You just gotta stop milkshakes with your burger and fries

by **le noun** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:25 am

Ron wrote:Hey Le noun
It's weird because I'm heavier than you

You just gotta stop milkshakes with your burger and fries

nah, I'm french, it's the cheese that I need to stop.
But I can't... I'm a cheese-holic.

by **Loscocco** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:58 am

you can ride a twintip strapless. I have done it a few times... but year not as good as a surfboard strapless

by **sc-surfer** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 1:28 pm

le noun wrote:Erin, That would be weird on a twin tip.

It's called a wake skate. Or kite skate if you prefer. Super cool!

by **le noun** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 2:07 pm

Erin, you were looking good at OB this morning.

by **BayAreaKite** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:40 pm

le noun wrote:Erin, you were looking good at OB this morning.

Oh yeah, what was he wearing?