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Viva, las vegas.........

I've now logged enough days on my vegas 2007 kites to give an honest assesment of the performance, especially compared to last years killer vegas kites.

It's hard to believe, but the kites made major changes. I have ridden the 9m and the 12m, still waiting to fly the 7m.

12m: incredibly quick through the window, a noticable improvement from last year. I have it set up in the fast setting, and long bar option, you could slow it down if you wanted. While riding waves, the first few times the kite turned so fast, I almost ate it.......quickly got used to it....it flies as fast as last years 10m Vegas. The depower range is noticably larger and the steering is more percise when depowered. Jumping is stupid easy, and you can stay up in the air forever.....have not tried this kite for freestyle yet - it's wave season ;-) - will update when I do. The 2 pump system rocks, and no large batten in the wing tip makes folding easier.

9m: oh my god, this is the magic kite. Has crazy low end, I'm powered when guys 30# lighter then me are on 9's, and I'm still to find the upper end of the kite: have not used the depower strap yet......jumps really well - it's actually amazing how much white water this kite has helped me clear (jumping that is).....turns super fast, flies incredibly well and steady through the wind window, not too fast, not too slow. Just RIGHT!!!!!! Relaunches really fast, which is really nice when you dump it in the waves.

The North team will be in town this spring, I highly recommend you spending some time on this kite......be sure it's tuned to your riding style, as the kite can be set to have massive depower with almost no pull on the bar, or super juiced with very positive bar pressure (my preffered setting)..

Get some, Z.

Wow zzzz sounds like you are in love.

I need to add a new kite to my quiver this year and want to know if the 9m would fit in well.

I currently fly a 2006 Globe Sonic 11m and a 2005 RRD ZH 16m

I need a small kite in my quiver and think the 9m would fit in well. I can use my 11m to around 25mph. Do you feel the 9m is good or too close to my 11m Sonic?

Thanks

Is there anything negative about the kite? :|

I haven't flown it yet, but it should be noted that the feedback from riders at Sherman this weekend who were on Vegas' last year is that they don't like this year's as much. It sounds like there is so much tuning possible with the new ones that people just have to get it tuned right.

Z, I know you had a 10 last year, did you have a 9, too? My 2006 9M is a really different kite from the 12 (although I love them both). It turns and moves like an 8, but is still stable and predictable when you want it to be. It also generates really big air when you throw it around fast.

Offtopic :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQYQ7vF0f_s

Bulldog - yup, it takes time to dial in the kite to your riding style: length of throw, back line adjustments, etc..... Have to make sure that the 5th line is also the right length, a few were shipped w/too short of a 5th line......without getting into details, you need a person who can help the rider tune the kite to match their style. I'm glad to help. Did not have a 9 last year, just the 10. I flew the 9 quite a few times.

Rich - the 9m would be a good match for your 11. On the days when you are powered on the 11, you will be able to make the 9m work. Not sure if you will ever bee too powered on the 9m: you will go windsurfing by then ;-) A trusted rider who recently got on the 12m stated that it replaced his 16 and 10m kites. Nice.

super_monkey - yes, there is a bad part about the kite. Putting it back in the bag makes you sad that you are done riding. Getting used to the speed of the 12 took a few sessions.

To be sure we have 100% disclosure, I am a North Kiteboarding regional team rider. I don't get paid for reviews/promotions. The reason I became a team rider is that I love the brand ,how R&D keeps improving the equipment, and wanted to share the stoke with my kiting brothers and sisters.

Good winds, Z.

super_monkey wrote:Is there anything negative about the kite? :|

the color schemes


p.s. i loved my '06 vegii, but i love the '07s more!

Well, my question was really a comment, most people like what they choose and choices are made easier when on one hand you have $1400 and on the other hand you don't. Not to discredit any opinions but I wouldn't imagine comments such as: "This kite is not a whole lot different from the last year's model." or "They went in totally the wrong direction this year with the 7th line." from team riders. Just keeping it real. I do love my 06 Vegas' and think North totally rocks though :|.

Hello monkey,

you bring up a valid point, which is why I love North. Ken Winner is methodical to the point of being anal and very science based; he does R&D to improve performance, and has a crew of very stong pros to give him specific feedback. He is a hard working person and I respect that. The product delivers tremendous value. Value is very personal, and there is no 1 right answer.

If the kite was "the same as last year" or "just sucked", I'd be the first to tell you, as I want people to really raise their kiting game........which is why I don't post reviews until I've had a chance to put the kite through some good sessions.

Always keeping it real, Z.

was out on my new type 8's yesterday....as for designers....watch ken winner on a wave, then check out simone...

I am not the team rider...my kid is...

8 ^)

bob smith...

but my mom was papagni...