What's a better kite?

[alec.korver]

I have two kites at the moment and am currently wondering what the average consensus is on kites. I know it is about what each individual rider prefers, but I have not gotten to try out the other kite as of yet. Winds have not been favorable in northern Iowa... Soon come.... My question is which kite do YOU think is better. 2008 11m Best Waroo or 2007 11m Slingshot Turbo 2 Diesel. Better wind range, better hang time, absorbs gusts better, quicker, more durable? Hope to hear some opinions!

[RobH]

Without jumping on what the better kite is, I think the T2 has the pulleys on the bar which gives range but adds bar preasure vs the warroo with no pulleys on the bar. SO if Im considering the differences between these two kites I think you need to look at the pro's and con's of the 2:1 vs 1:1 (pulleys on bar vs no pulleys on bar). The T2 and warroo owners can add to that along with the pro's and cons of each kite. Good luck !

[Tighe]

Both are very popular kites.

First of all they aren't the same size. The 11m T2 will fly more like a 13m Waroo. Just some weird sizing thing. The Turbos always were sized a bit small. The Waroo is more like a SS REV and the 9m Turbos were equal in power to the 11m REV.

The biggest difference you'll find is the relaunch. The swept back LE on the Turbos make them much easier to relaunch. As long as you are reasonably powered the Waroos relaunch fine.

The durability was pretty poor on the 2006 Waroos, though I think they improved the quality in 2007. Slingshots are known for their durability.

The Slingshot has one pump which is a convenience feature that makes pumping up in the summer easy, and in the winter A LOT easier to get the pressure in the struts.

Both kites have a single line flagging system as far as I know.

The T2s handle gusts well as the pulleys allow you to quickly react to the gust at the bar. The Waroos are a bit slippier in the air so may tend to surge forward in a gust (REVs had a similar characteristic) but since the 11 m is so quick, flying it a bit can bring the kite back into the window.
The T2 is a bit more of a park and ride kite.

I think the T2 has more range.

Both kites have great float when powered.

I'd decide which size makes better sense for the rest of your quiver and what characteristics you are looking for.

hope that helps.

[alec.korver]

Thanks for all the responses! I am just trying to expand my quiver and can't decide which kite line to go with! Right now T2 is seeming better for the gusty conditions of the lakes.

[Tighe]

The price on each one probably isn't going to change much quickly. Maybe take some time and get some sessions on each kite. I'd say fly them back to back on days when the conditions vary. Also see which one fits in best with your quiver. What are your other kites?

Good luck and don't sweat the decision. I know people that have each of those kites and love them.

and... I can name a half dozen people who have had Waroos who now ride Slingshot, though I don't know know of any previous Slingshot rider who is now on Waroos. I'm just sayin...

[alec.korver]

right now I have an 11m slingshot an 11m waroo and a 9m waroo.

[Kevinousdigian]

If you weigh 170+ or so then I think you 'need' a light wind kite (eg 14m ish) if you want to get out in the 8-20 mph days. the 11m TD has great range and will get you going in 13-15 mph but not ripping up wind or jumping like a bigger kite will. Also if your just learning I believe you'll be less efficient and need a little more power on the lighter days. If you know how to kite you could hold down the TD 11m with gusts into 30s. The 9m waroo could be your real high wind kite but you don't need it that much - the light wind (14m) kite would get way more use.

[Tighe]

You'll have a wider range of your quiver with the 9m and the T2, but I'm also a big proponent of having a quiver of similar kites. All kites fly a bit different, and the less you have to rethink which kite you are on every time you go out the easier it'll be. Which would lead to the all waroo quiver.

Sorry not a simple choice

[alec.korver]

Well I guess I was proposing either filling my quiver with a 9, 11, and 14 or 17, waroo, or 9, 11, 14, td2

[scott8888]

Hey Alec,

So you have an 11m SS and 11m Waroo? which do you like better for your style of riding? Nobody is a better judge of which kite is better for you, than you.

The guys in this post are right, you have tons of time if attached to those two kites, as price won't change soon. Having said that, I do wonder, with how far kite tech. has come over the years, why you are looking at those two kites?

Tighe is correct, in 2006 , the leading edge of the waroo's was an issue, I personally had one blow out twice, both replaced by Best. But know that the TD2 was also a vast improvement over the original diesel according to the masses. The 2007 and newer waroo's are great kites and have great build quality which explains their world wide popularity.

But Rob is also very correct , in that it is hard to compare the two as the bars are diff, but also the style of kite. The TD2 was really a bow kite and the W.'s an SLE. I would say if you like the style of the SS and want a best equivalent, you could try out a Kahoona , which also boosts a wide wind range, similar relaunch and bar pressure.

As far as the ability to handle gusts... that also is a bit of a ol'wives tale in our neck of the woods, both those kites will do just fine in our gusty conditions, and can be even better with a little bar and kite tuning.

On a side note, I used to ride waroo's exclusively, now ride the new nemi's and Taboo's , soon to be TS's, and love the advances made. I have been dragged around by alot of diff. kites (including SS) and still love my brand, I must be the only one , which kind of puts the onus back on you for the decision.

I usually don't post, but in reading the thread, thought I would ask to see what your thoughts are regarding the two diff. kites that you own, since you have them in your quiver now.

As was mentioned above , time is on your side when deciding what to buy. Don't rush it, gear can be pricey so make the choice you are most comfy with. And in the meantime, all us guys who have ties to companies will chime in and try to help, ha.

cheers,

Scott

[MK]

Nothing beats trying them out. Maybe you can make it up to the event this weekend in Garrison and get a chance to try some gear?

[alec.korver]

Sadly I work weekends and nights so I can't make it to the event! I would love to though!

I love the direct feel of my turbo 2, just havent really had favorable winds in my area to fly the waroo.... let alone my slingshot... Super gusty, shifty, inconsistent. I am also 1.5hours away from a large body of water so i have to know I am going in advance.

Thanks on the recommendation of the kahoonas, I will have to give one of those a try. I have flown cabrinha crossbow, switchblade, nitro, slingshot t2, and so far prefer my slingshot to everything else I have flown. Cabrinha bar pressure was too light for my taste. I love the raw grunt power of the t2.

Really need to find people who kite in my area though... Anybody in NW iowa?


Anyone used kahoonas before?

with the temperature drop this week, do you guys think booties and gloves are necessary for kiting this weekend? Right now I only have a wetsuit full length not shorty, and can't remember where I put my boots and gloves.

[Tighe]

There is a small pose down in the Okaboji/Spirit lake area. Perry Pearson, Bill and Jesse can be found on Spirit whenever it's windy and are always looking for more company. Shoot me an email at tighe at windancing dot com and I'll hook you up with Perry. (rather not post his contact info here without his permission)

ride on.