Tits Magee wrote:
Well got out for about 20 minutes or so on the 12m Lithium. UNFORTUNATELY....(or fortunately depending on how you look at it) I was wicked overpowered to stay on it. I'm at about 190lbs on a 132x41, and the wind was in the mid 20's with gust in the mid 30's. I was never "scared" on the kite because of the MASSIVE de-power it seems to have. However with the gusts, it kept screaming to the edge of the window making it just not a fun ride. So I had to go in for my 9m.
However I was impressed with the boosting capability and de-power of this kite! I caught some HUGE air, with the longest hangtime of my life. I was looking for that blend between the 12m Era and 13m Solo and this may be the kite! I also wanted something to hit me between the 10-20mph range, and then the 9m or (possibly future 8m) anything above that. Looks like Airush may be bringing it again. Also the bar, I just gotta mention, was fantastic with gloves. The new "spray on grip" was awesome. Almost allowed me to grip the bar with my hands open and sort of "palm" it. Didn't get to try it without gloves yet, so we'll see how that goes.
As far as the Royal's go Wa Wa...I still love those kites (still have my 9m Solo), but not very happy with the distribution of the company in the US at the moment. I also won't purchase ANY kite unless my shop here carries them. I've been dealing with EK for almost 7 years now, and the customer service with them is untouchable. I've got friends who've had all sorts of horror stories/issues with other retailers, and I've only had FANTASTIC representation from EK. When it comes to warranty issues, SELECTION OF GEAR, (i.e. they don't have just two brands that they're trying to cram down your throat) replacement items, and just help in choosing the right gear, there is no better shop out there. So unless EK starts carrying Royal again, and they give me there thumbs up on what they think....I could be an Airush guy from here on out. I originally bought you gear cause I thought you guys brought a new appeal to the sport (with the artwork and cool factor) created an awesome kite, and made it affordable to the majority. Then after that first release....it got kinda sketchy for a while. The website is horrendous, and no shops were carrying your gear. Nobody would rather see you guys succeed more than me, but not sure how that's gonna go yet...lets hope you guys can get it together! I'm rooting for you!!!
Great that you have the opportunity to take some gear for a spin... great way to dial in what will suit you best.
I totally understand your concern with Royal and I respect AND ENCOURAGE loyalty to a good shop. The last few years were rough for the brand in the US because of lack of a solid base here. Please allow me to introduce myself as the new US distributor for Royal Kiteboarding. I love the brand for all the same positive reasons you have mentioned in this thread and am excited to be a part of the team. With Simone Vannucci still our design extraordinaire, the latest Royal designs are as cutting edge as ever and carry on that mystique that says Royal! There has also been some changes within Royal Kiteboarding and more being implemented to make the brand more solid. The factory has been revamped for better quality control, etc, and we have a new webmaster... keep watch in March for the new site. These are just a couple examples. It is my intention to provide a foundation for Royal right here in the US that our US dealers can rely on and offer the bar none service that a dealer who sells the brand deserves. All this is really the only way that a good shop can take care of their customers properly.
Stay tuned as I have been talking to Brian & Daryl and hope to get some demos of the new gear to them soon enough!
I do appreciate the feedback from dedicated Royal users like you and hope to help rekindle what made you love the Royal Kiteboarding gear in the 1st place.
