Can anyone who has ridden both comment on the difference between flat kites with pulleys on the bar(ie. Crossbow, Turbo Diesel) and kites which do not (ie. Sonic, One)? What are the pros and cons of each and what are there flying characteristics? Thanks in advance.

JD

It is all personal preference, but here is my 2 cents: I still ride "C shape kites" and prefer them over bow kites. So, if I am going to ride a bow kite, I like the ones without pulleys on the bar(sonic and waroo). They feel lighter and have a more direct feel to the kite. To me, the pulleys on a bar gives it a "mechanical type feel" and I don't feel that connected to the kite. Plus, the less pulleys, the less that you have going on and you will have to replace.

Thanks for the quick response! Do you feel that the kites without pulleys turn slower or would be difficult to depower if you have short arms? Also when will the OR One 12m and 16m kites be in stock? Thanks again.

JD

I have ridden and tested every flat kite including crossbow, turbo diesel, wahroo, shockwave and sonic. There is definately a difference in the kites performance and bar pressure. The kites without pulleys feel and act more like a C kite. The bar pressure is less and you feel more connected to the kite especially performing tricks. Although flat kites have some advantages, ie depower and wider range, the C kites still are more responsive. The new North Vegas though has the depower and range of a flat kite but feels like a C kite. A must to demo.

What about Ocean Rodeo One ? Which one is acting like a C kite or just a Bow ? What about One bar pressure? feeling like Crossbow or Turbo Diesel?

The pulleys give you 2:1 depower range so by sheting out 1 inch, you are sheeting out 2 inches. This means more bar pressure. If you don;t like bar pressure, remove the pulleys9or defeat them). voila! no bar pressure.

I have ridden sonic 14 and it has little bar pressure. So if you have bad shoulder or weak arms, go with the sonic. I have also ridden shochwave and shockbar. Lots of bar pressure.

Coming off a C-kite, bare pressure is weird at first. But after a few sesions you get to crave it. Like the old days unhooked on the two line kites, something about all that power at your command. It's addictive. If my arms get tired, i sometimes ride againt the stopper or throw on a bungie...