Forums > Kitesurfing Gear Reviews

NEO/REO/NEXUS/SST Final Shootout Overview

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Created by AndreC > 9 months ago, 9 Mar 2019
AndreC
WA, 512 posts
9 Mar 2019 4:16PM
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Yeh so I had allot of fun trying all these kites back to back. Obviously its my view point which like all of us can vary and opinions may vary according to weight, ability, flying style, conditions etc etc. So I would just say that to fly different kites will teach you heaps about what you like and don't like. It was BEES doodles between these kites and by no means are these exclusively the best on the market. There is at least a bunch more kites that weigh into the Wave Kite discussion.

The big surprise kite for me was the Nexus as I hadn't heard of it, no one was flying them that I noticed. Its promoted as an 'all rounder' which usually means 'Ok at everything but not amazing at anything.' So I tried this first just to get it off my list..Boy was I wrong she was the quiet librarian that turned out to be the animal. After trying it in mixed conditions including a couple of cross off days at between 15-25 knots and watching my mates struggle a bit on 8s and 9s. My elbow has been sore but my mates also re assure me that has nothing to do with kiting.



Note the REO scored the highest but was also for me the kite that suits me the least. I kinda went like this

REO + Build Quality/Flying Speed , suit lighter riders
- Less Low End Power, heavier guys ride a size up from previous V3,V4.

NEO + Low End Power and Smooth Ease of Use, great for newbies-expert level. Ride a size down
-Wind Range at top end maybe a question? Colours look old

SST + Drift and Stability ...great Gnarloo Kite ...Doesnt look like a miami disco
-Materials need upgrading and canopy could be made lighter

Nexus + It does everything well and the 7m in particular is a jet just best balance of speed and power! Maybe not a beginner kite
- Bar and Safety bit weird, can burn your arm if you fly it allot

Thanks crew for all the positive feedback and stoke its good to see how much everyone froths on their Wave Kiting

Cheers Action Sports for lending me your gear to try (and not calling the cops) if you are in WA go see the guys pick up a demo.

Going to do some stuff around wave kiting like gear reviews and wave riding technique also just for fun...Check 'Wave Kiters WA' on Face Book also I will stick some stuff up there too.

AC

eppo
WA, 9372 posts
9 Mar 2019 6:34PM
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Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
9 Mar 2019 9:35PM
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Disagree on Reo V5 in onshore setting as it really powers up and is good down the line for larger gentlemen. All good kites not a bad one there. Good job.

smook
VIC, 196 posts
9 Mar 2019 10:00PM
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Select to expand quote
eppo said..
Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....




Yes was interesting at INDO on V4 2017 10m Fully down the line kiting observation from others from beach was how the Reo drift looked better than Neo and Airush Wave But it could of been the riders skills But Andrec great job mate Very interesting

AndreC
WA, 512 posts
9 Mar 2019 8:04PM
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Select to expand quote
smook said..

eppo said..
Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....





Yes was interesting at INDO on V4 2017 10m Fully down the line kiting observation from others from beach was how the Reo drift looked better than Neo and Airush Wave But it could of been the riders skills But Andrec great job mate Very interesting


The V4 was a better drift kite than the Airush wave. I personally liked the lithium allot more. I spent a season on both these kites. In my review I actually say that the Reo suits a down the line wave ?? like one eye. I tested these kites in 16-17kn and at times lighter. In these winds I found not quite as good. But bees ?? diks. I think the V4 was a better kite though. Few loyal Reo guys have said same. I just think go a size bigger and it would change things a bit like if I tested the 8m. But rider ability would have a larger degree of difference than these kites. They are all awsome. When are doing a trip ?? Indo this year?

DJMWA
WA, 342 posts
9 Mar 2019 9:06PM
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Thanks for nothing mate, now I've got 3 kites to choose from
But in all seriousness, thanks for taking the time to break it down, much appreciated.

dafish
NSW, 1631 posts
10 Mar 2019 8:27AM
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Nice work. It's quite an effort to take the trouble to not just fly the kites, but to document each session with each kite without any bias. Flying kites back to back in the same conditions is hard, especially if it's good and you are having fun. That takes commitment and those of us who have read your threads get a great summary of what each kite does differently. Really appreciate your effort.

smook
VIC, 196 posts
10 Mar 2019 10:23AM
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Select to expand quote
AndreC said..

smook said..


eppo said..
Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....






Yes was interesting at INDO on V4 2017 10m Fully down the line kiting observation from others from beach was how the Reo drift looked better than Neo and Airush Wave But it could of been the riders skills But Andrec great job mate Very interesting



The V4 was a better drift kite than the Airush wave. I personally liked the lithium allot more. I spent a season on both these kites. In my review I actually say that the Reo suits a down the line wave ?? like one eye. I tested these kites in 16-17kn and at times lighter. In these winds I found not quite as good. But bees ?? diks. I think the V4 was a better kite though. Few loyal Reo guys have said same. I just think go a size bigger and it would change things a bit like if I tested the 8m. But rider ability would have a larger degree of difference than these kites. They are all awsome. When are doing a trip ?? Indo this year?


Great reviews mate Keep it up I agree and disagree But all good We All have different techniques , wind conditions and boards Yes we are booked and going early September

AndreC
WA, 512 posts
10 Mar 2019 8:48AM
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Select to expand quote
smook said..

AndreC said..


smook said..



eppo said..
Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....







Yes was interesting at INDO on V4 2017 10m Fully down the line kiting observation from others from beach was how the Reo drift looked better than Neo and Airush Wave But it could of been the riders skills But Andrec great job mate Very interesting




The V4 was a better drift kite than the Airush wave. I personally liked the lithium allot more. I spent a season on both these kites. In my review I actually say that the Reo suits a down the line wave ?? like one eye. I tested these kites in 16-17kn and at times lighter. In these winds I found not quite as good. But bees ?? diks. I think the V4 was a better kite though. Few loyal Reo guys have said same. I just think go a size bigger and it would change things a bit like if I tested the 8m. But rider ability would have a larger degree of difference than these kites. They are all awsome. When are doing a trip ?? Indo this year?



Great reviews mate Keep it up I agree and disagree But all good We All have different techniques , wind conditions and boards Yes we are booked and going early September


I concur champ...Cool keep me posted re Indo...I know Ry keen too!

simon78
NSW, 115 posts
10 Mar 2019 12:25PM
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Excellent review AC. Thank you for all your hard work.


just wondering;

Which kite had the shortest depower stroke?

Are you suggesting the nexus had the largest 'effective' wind range? If not, I would be interested to hear your opinion.

AndreC
WA, 512 posts
10 Mar 2019 3:01PM
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simon78 said..
Excellent review AC. Thank you for all your hard work.


just wondering;

Which kite had the shortest depower stroke?

Are you suggesting the nexus had the largest 'effective' wind range? If not, I would be interested to hear your opinion.


SLingy is adjustable but can be long..BUt I think the NEO was with the click bar..

Yes the 7m Nexus pretty much killed the 6m and 8m I just bought...I havn't seen a kite that bridges the gaps so well. But if you had a spot that was consistent between 16 and 24knots you would only need one kite. A few crew have questioned this on the low end but I think we get a bit more density in in the wind in WA. Like WA I ride a 6m and 8m all season from 14kn-30kn. If i was living on the sunny coast I might have a grunty 7m and 9/10m. Sunny coast is such nice kiting actually keen to get back there.

pearl
NSW, 984 posts
11 Mar 2019 8:48AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
AndreC said..

smook said..


eppo said..
Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....






Yes was interesting at INDO on V4 2017 10m Fully down the line kiting observation from others from beach was how the Reo drift looked better than Neo and Airush Wave But it could of been the riders skills But Andrec great job mate Very interesting



The V4 was a better drift kite than the Airush wave. I personally liked the lithium allot more. I spent a season on both these kites. In my review I actually say that the Reo suits a down the line wave ?? like one eye. I tested these kites in 16-17kn and at times lighter. In these winds I found not quite as good. But bees ?? diks. I think the V4 was a better kite though. Few loyal Reo guys have said same. I just think go a size bigger and it would change things a bit like if I tested the 8m. But rider ability would have a larger degree of difference than these kites. They are all awsome. When are doing a trip ?? Indo this year?


Good review. Ozone new bar/ lines 10/10. Jury still out for me on V5 reo; although I have not played around with settings back to back. Don't get me wrong it's a great kite but it does not feel as refined as the V4 (to me); probably only noticeable to those that have spent considerable time on both.

Ozone Kites Aus
NSW, 884 posts
Site Sponsor
11 Mar 2019 8:58AM
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hilly said..
Disagree on Reo V5 in onshore setting as it really powers up and is good down the line for larger gentlemen. All good kites not a bad one there. Good job.


Yep I disagree too, onshore setting make a big difference and there has been no mention of the bridle adjustment in your review Andre? Did you actually adjust it? Do you know which setting it was on when you tested it?
You were also well underpowered during the review you wrote on the Reo V5, so that would explain the underpowered feel and less ability upwind.

Yesterday I deliberately left my kite in the offshore setting, but wind was cross on similar to WA city beach to trigg direction, Lasted about 1klm and came in to quickly switch it back to onshore. Significantly better drift down the line, and with a more powerful feel. In the offshore setting (which is where it comes from the factory) the kite feels less powerful, and it gets in front of you and has less power, and has less bar pressure which I think adds to the feeling of "less power".

I've been flying Reos in waves since I move to Lennox, and I'm very familiar with them. The V5 in the onshore setting is a very different kite to the V4, but in the offshore setting, you could be fooled to think that the V5 is less powerful.

shi thouse
WA, 1129 posts
11 Mar 2019 11:17AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
pearl said..

AndreC said..


smook said..



eppo said..
Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....







Yes was interesting at INDO on V4 2017 10m Fully down the line kiting observation from others from beach was how the Reo drift looked better than Neo and Airush Wave But it could of been the riders skills But Andrec great job mate Very interesting




The V4 was a better drift kite than the Airush wave. I personally liked the lithium allot more. I spent a season on both these kites. In my review I actually say that the Reo suits a down the line wave ?? like one eye. I tested these kites in 16-17kn and at times lighter. In these winds I found not quite as good. But bees ?? diks. I think the V4 was a better kite though. Few loyal Reo guys have said same. I just think go a size bigger and it would change things a bit like if I tested the 8m. But rider ability would have a larger degree of difference than these kites. They are all awsome. When are doing a trip ?? Indo this year?



Good review. Ozone new bar/ lines 10/10. Jury still out for me on V5 reo; although I have not played around with settings back to back. Don't get me wrong it's a great kite but it does not feel as refined as the V4 (to me); probably only noticeable to those that have spent considerable time on both.


Hopefully flags onto the safety better than the 2017 bar and lines. I picked up a second hand (in good quality) Ozone bar and lines for my son a couple of weeks ago. When he had his first ever waves session at Augusta last weekend he punched out due to a bit of uncertainty, and here I am on the beach watching my son getting dragged through the water by a non-flagging set of lines as the kite stayed powered up. I got out onto the water and helped him, but when I later checked the lines the safety does not pull through the chicken loop as it gets stuck by a knot (formed by two joining lines). Why some brands think it is acceptable to have a potential catch point on a line being pulled through a small hole is ridiculous.

Bar and lines should flag onto the safety 100% of the time without any issue.

AndreC
WA, 512 posts
11 Mar 2019 1:34PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
shi thouse said..

pearl said..


AndreC said..



smook said..




eppo said..
Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....








Yes was interesting at INDO on V4 2017 10m Fully down the line kiting observation from others from beach was how the Reo drift looked better than Neo and Airush Wave But it could of been the riders skills But Andrec great job mate Very interesting





The V4 was a better drift kite than the Airush wave. I personally liked the lithium allot more. I spent a season on both these kites. In my review I actually say that the Reo suits a down the line wave ?? like one eye. I tested these kites in 16-17kn and at times lighter. In these winds I found not quite as good. But bees ?? diks. I think the V4 was a better kite though. Few loyal Reo guys have said same. I just think go a size bigger and it would change things a bit like if I tested the 8m. But rider ability would have a larger degree of difference than these kites. They are all awsome. When are doing a trip ?? Indo this year?




Good review. Ozone new bar/ lines 10/10. Jury still out for me on V5 reo; although I have not played around with settings back to back. Don't get me wrong it's a great kite but it does not feel as refined as the V4 (to me); probably only noticeable to those that have spent considerable time on both.



Hopefully flags onto the safety better than the 2017 bar and lines. I picked up a second hand (in good quality) Ozone bar and lines for my son a couple of weeks ago. When he had his first ever waves session at Augusta last weekend he punched out due to a bit of uncertainty, and here I am on the beach watching my son getting dragged through the water by a non-flagging set of lines as the kite stayed powered up. I got out onto the water and helped him, but when I later checked the lines the safety does not pull through the chicken loop as it gets stuck by a knot (formed by two joining lines). Why some brands think it is acceptable to have a potential catch point on a line being pulled through a small hole is ridiculous.

Bar and lines should flag onto the safety 100% of the time without any issue.


Yup had this happen to me with a couple of different kites...can be dangerous in wrong situation..glad your son was ok mate.

AndreC
WA, 512 posts
11 Mar 2019 1:40PM
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Select to expand quote
Ozone Kites Aus said..

hilly said..
Disagree on Reo V5 in onshore setting as it really powers up and is good down the line for larger gentlemen. All good kites not a bad one there. Good job.



Yep I disagree too, onshore setting make a big difference and there has been no mention of the bridle adjustment in your review Andre? Did you actually adjust it? Do you know which setting it was on when you tested it?
You were also well underpowered during the review you wrote on the Reo V5, so that would explain the underpowered feel and less ability upwind.

Yesterday I deliberately left my kite in the offshore setting, but wind was cross on similar to WA city beach to trigg direction, Lasted about 1klm and came in to quickly switch it back to onshore. Significantly better drift down the line, and with a more powerful feel. In the offshore setting (which is where it comes from the factory) the kite feels less powerful, and it gets in front of you and has less power, and has less bar pressure which I think adds to the feeling of "less power".

I've been flying Reos in waves since I move to Lennox, and I'm very familiar with them. The V5 in the onshore setting is a very different kite to the V4, but in the offshore setting, you could be fooled to think that the V5 is less powerful.


Hi Steve, yeh I checked it I had it in the onshore setting. Its a great kite I would just fly it up a size or 2 its got the lightness, performance and speed so going up a size or two wouldn't be an issue. I was testing 7m kites all in the same conditions. The reality is you cant have the best top end with the best low end. The kites are all pretty close but different and most difference would fall back on rider ability and personal preferences.

ActionSportsWA
WA, 950 posts
11 Mar 2019 1:47PM
Thumbs Up

I think the moral of this story is that AndreC scored and reviewed the kites based on HIS needs from a wave kite, based on HIS riding skills, in the conditions HE normally kites in, and based on HIS body weight and HIS board choices.

Everyone is different and has different priorities and this gives us a pretty diverse pool of potential riders, and kite companies respond by producing different kites based on the segment of the market they are trying to 'cater' for (if you will ignore the pun).

This is why as a retailer based in Perth we have 20+ different models from 5 different manufacturers and have 30+ kites in demo so that you can write your own review (even if its just mentally) and make an informed choice, before you buy.

Toddy ASWA

KPSS Used
NSW, 372 posts
Site Sponsor
11 Mar 2019 6:31PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
shi thouse said..

pearl said..


AndreC said..



smook said..




eppo said..
Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....








Yes was interesting at INDO on V4 2017 10m Fully down the line kiting observation from others from beach was how the Reo drift looked better than Neo and Airush Wave But it could of been the riders skills But Andrec great job mate Very interesting





The V4 was a better drift kite than the Airush wave. I personally liked the lithium allot more. I spent a season on both these kites. In my review I actually say that the Reo suits a down the line wave ?? like one eye. I tested these kites in 16-17kn and at times lighter. In these winds I found not quite as good. But bees ?? diks. I think the V4 was a better kite though. Few loyal Reo guys have said same. I just think go a size bigger and it would change things a bit like if I tested the 8m. But rider ability would have a larger degree of difference than these kites. They are all awsome. When are doing a trip ?? Indo this year?




Good review. Ozone new bar/ lines 10/10. Jury still out for me on V5 reo; although I have not played around with settings back to back. Don't get me wrong it's a great kite but it does not feel as refined as the V4 (to me); probably only noticeable to those that have spent considerable time on both.



Hopefully flags onto the safety better than the 2017 bar and lines. I picked up a second hand (in good quality) Ozone bar and lines for my son a couple of weeks ago. When he had his first ever waves session at Augusta last weekend he punched out due to a bit of uncertainty, and here I am on the beach watching my son getting dragged through the water by a non-flagging set of lines as the kite stayed powered up. I got out onto the water and helped him, but when I later checked the lines the safety does not pull through the chicken loop as it gets stuck by a knot (formed by two joining lines). Why some brands think it is acceptable to have a potential catch point on a line being pulled through a small hole is ridiculous.

Bar and lines should flag onto the safety 100% of the time without any issue.


This doesn't sound right... there should be no "knots" just two loops joined together. I have never had/seen/heard of a factory ozone safety line not being able to pass through the hole in the megatron loop.

shi thouse
WA, 1129 posts
11 Mar 2019 5:13PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
KPSS Used said..

shi thouse said..


pearl said..



AndreC said..




smook said..





eppo said..
Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....









Yes was interesting at INDO on V4 2017 10m Fully down the line kiting observation from others from beach was how the Reo drift looked better than Neo and Airush Wave But it could of been the riders skills But Andrec great job mate Very interesting






The V4 was a better drift kite than the Airush wave. I personally liked the lithium allot more. I spent a season on both these kites. In my review I actually say that the Reo suits a down the line wave ?? like one eye. I tested these kites in 16-17kn and at times lighter. In these winds I found not quite as good. But bees ?? diks. I think the V4 was a better kite though. Few loyal Reo guys have said same. I just think go a size bigger and it would change things a bit like if I tested the 8m. But rider ability would have a larger degree of difference than these kites. They are all awsome. When are doing a trip ?? Indo this year?





Good review. Ozone new bar/ lines 10/10. Jury still out for me on V5 reo; although I have not played around with settings back to back. Don't get me wrong it's a great kite but it does not feel as refined as the V4 (to me); probably only noticeable to those that have spent considerable time on both.




Hopefully flags onto the safety better than the 2017 bar and lines. I picked up a second hand (in good quality) Ozone bar and lines for my son a couple of weeks ago. When he had his first ever waves session at Augusta last weekend he punched out due to a bit of uncertainty, and here I am on the beach watching my son getting dragged through the water by a non-flagging set of lines as the kite stayed powered up. I got out onto the water and helped him, but when I later checked the lines the safety does not pull through the chicken loop as it gets stuck by a knot (formed by two joining lines). Why some brands think it is acceptable to have a potential catch point on a line being pulled through a small hole is ridiculous.

Bar and lines should flag onto the safety 100% of the time without any issue.



This doesn't sound right... there should be no "knots" just two loops joined together. I have never had/seen/heard of a factory ozone safety line not being able to pass through the hole in the megatron loop.


Yes and no. Correct, you are right in saying it is not a true knot, but no it is a joining of 2 different pieces of line using the figure 8/loops. This still creates a "lump" in the line at the join, and yes it was enough to catch on the hole in the chicken loop hole. Admittedly my son only weighs 30kg so maybe more resistance is needed to pull the knot through the hole, but irrespective this should not occur.

I checked my Core bar and lines and it is one continuous bit of line without any joins.





AndreC
WA, 512 posts
11 Mar 2019 9:30PM
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Select to expand quote
ActionSportsWA said..
I think the moral of this story is that AndreC scored and reviewed the kites based on HIS needs from a wave kite, based on HIS riding skills, in the conditions HE normally kites in, and based on HIS body weight and HIS board choices.

Everyone is different and has different priorities and this gives us a pretty diverse pool of potential riders, and kite companies respond by producing different kites based on the segment of the market they are trying to 'cater' for (if you will ignore the pun).

This is why as a retailer based in Perth we have 20+ different models from 5 different manufacturers and have 30+ kites in demo so that you can write your own review (even if its just mentally) and make an informed choice, before you buy.

Toddy ASWA


It's true Toddy that's what makes it interesting. It was lucky you guys had these kites in same sizes so could try them back to back. I have flown a lot of different kites and boards and you learn heaps from trying new gear.

Adam''KiteRepair
NSW, 104 posts
12 Mar 2019 9:22AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
shi thouse said..

KPSS Used said..


shi thouse said..



pearl said..




AndreC said..





smook said..






eppo said..
Interesting the reo scored lowest on drift....










Yes was interesting at INDO on V4 2017 10m Fully down the line kiting observation from others from beach was how the Reo drift looked better than Neo and Airush Wave But it could of been the riders skills But Andrec great job mate Very interesting







The V4 was a better drift kite than the Airush wave. I personally liked the lithium allot more. I spent a season on both these kites. In my review I actually say that the Reo suits a down the line wave ?? like one eye. I tested these kites in 16-17kn and at times lighter. In these winds I found not quite as good. But bees ?? diks. I think the V4 was a better kite though. Few loyal Reo guys have said same. I just think go a size bigger and it would change things a bit like if I tested the 8m. But rider ability would have a larger degree of difference than these kites. They are all awsome. When are doing a trip ?? Indo this year?






Good review. Ozone new bar/ lines 10/10. Jury still out for me on V5 reo; although I have not played around with settings back to back. Don't get me wrong it's a great kite but it does not feel as refined as the V4 (to me); probably only noticeable to those that have spent considerable time on both.





Hopefully flags onto the safety better than the 2017 bar and lines. I picked up a second hand (in good quality) Ozone bar and lines for my son a couple of weeks ago. When he had his first ever waves session at Augusta last weekend he punched out due to a bit of uncertainty, and here I am on the beach watching my son getting dragged through the water by a non-flagging set of lines as the kite stayed powered up. I got out onto the water and helped him, but when I later checked the lines the safety does not pull through the chicken loop as it gets stuck by a knot (formed by two joining lines). Why some brands think it is acceptable to have a potential catch point on a line being pulled through a small hole is ridiculous.

Bar and lines should flag onto the safety 100% of the time without any issue.




This doesn't sound right... there should be no "knots" just two loops joined together. I have never had/seen/heard of a factory ozone safety line not being able to pass through the hole in the megatron loop.



Yes and no. Correct, you are right in saying it is not a true knot, but no it is a joining of 2 different pieces of line using the figure 8/loops. This still creates a "lump" in the line at the join, and yes it was enough to catch on the hole in the chicken loop hole. Admittedly my son only weighs 30kg so maybe more resistance is needed to pull the knot through the hole, but irrespective this should not occur.

I checked my Core bar and lines and it is one continuous bit of line without any joins.






That qr top peice has alot of wear and tear mate. I'd service that if I were you. Smooth up the edges going into the hole. General maintenance is always needed to keep saftey devices working. Im sure you wouldnt find that issue again once the task is completed.

Ozone Kites Aus
NSW, 884 posts
Site Sponsor
12 Mar 2019 11:28AM
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Select to expand quote

KPSS Used said..


shi thouse said..







When they get this worn, the hole can get a burr. Remove the flag out line and clean out the hole, a countersink tool works really well otherwise just work you way around the edge of the hole with a stanley knife and create a bevelled entry to the hole. A heavier rider would have pulled the knot through, we have not had any issues with this system and have sold tens of thousands.

The mainline covering is cracked too. This can be removed and repaired with some heat shrink tube or easily replaced. We have mainlines as spare parts in stock.

KPSS Used
NSW, 372 posts
Site Sponsor
12 Mar 2019 11:34AM
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Select to expand quote


shi thouse said..











That mainline PU is broken... the black plastic is meant to go all the way through the body, finishing on the other side where the knot is. This could have caused the loop to be on a funny angle when releasing and snagging. See if your local ozone dealer has them in stock, its called - Ozone Push Away Chickenloop PU/Amsteel Line, should be around $20 - $25

shi thouse
WA, 1129 posts
12 Mar 2019 9:04AM
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Cheers!! Will get straight onto it.

ReefWalker
WA, 115 posts
12 Mar 2019 9:45AM
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ok, not jumping on the Reo low-power bandwagon here, but I do have a legit question...

If the Reo should be ridden 1 size up, and the Neo one size down. Does that make the equivalent sizes 7m Neo vs 9m Reo??

Sounds like a pretty big gap.

Adam''KiteRepair
NSW, 104 posts
12 Mar 2019 1:41PM
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Select to expand quote
ReefWalker said..
ok, not jumping on the Reo low-power bandwagon here, but I do have a legit question...

If the Reo should be ridden 1 size up, and the Neo one size down. Does that make the equivalent sizes 7m Neo vs 9m Reo??

Sounds like a pretty big gap.


I can't comment on the neo,it's the only wave kite I havnt spent many hours on. None to be exact. Also worth mentioning, IV only spent 2 hours on my 6m v5. Worth pointing out though, that only 3ish people here said the reo was a size to small. Pretty sure a fair few more then that have been sold. Might be better off talking to folks you know, and your shop that demos them rather than basing a purchase off of 1 peer review, and 2 comments. Not to discredit what they found ofcourse, just that the more opinions you get from people you know, the better.

smook
VIC, 196 posts
12 Mar 2019 1:41PM
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Select to expand quote
ReefWalker said..
ok, not jumping on the Reo low-power bandwagon here, but I do have a legit question...

If the Reo should be ridden 1 size up, and the Neo one size down. Does that make the equivalent sizes 7m Neo vs 9m Reo??

Sounds like a pretty big gap.




I kite with team and others Neo Kiters It verys weight of rider , surfboard size and in light or strong wind .Normally I am on one size bigger but I am on only on 21 Lt board in lighter wind and he's on 23 Lt board We are on same size kite if fully lit /stronger wind ,Note we are the same weight

ActionSportsWA
WA, 950 posts
12 Mar 2019 11:58AM
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Hi Smook,

I'm not questioning your experience, however, a kite surfboards volume has nothing to do with how it rides. Volume is very important in a surfboard as you need the volume to float you a bit higher to make the take off a bit easier and give you a little more paddling power. As you don't paddle to take off on a kite board, the volume is irrelevent.

Surface area, tail width and shape, rail shape, rocker, tail lift, length, width and channels all effect the ride. The Kipuna from Axis and the Spleene surfboards are all testimony that volume doesn't make a lick of difference. So long as you are planing, the volume matters not.

Surf boards, SUP boards and wind surfers all rely on volume to help when you are not planing. When these boards are planing, the volume becomes inconsequential too.

FWIW

DM

eppo
WA, 9372 posts
12 Mar 2019 12:50PM
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Yeh I'm not so sure myself of this REO / neo sizing difference...well it depends...

The Neo has more obvious plug and play power... It will chase the windows edge a little more...it therefore feels a little more grunty - well obvious grunt...

The reo requires a little more rider input, a little more active flying and hence can seem size per size less powerful...especially when there is a current running etc.

But from my experience you can cut off that reo power far quicker than the neo...for a more traditional down the line surfing feel with cross on ....Reo was better from my perspective...

I also found the Reo with its much lighter build and sitting back a little more in the window drifted far easily than the neo...

But there is a bees dick in it.

But this being all said if I was to buy a wave kite I may choose the Neo because I'm a tragic North rider... notice I said North.

So it comes down to personal feel. I've watched crew rip on Reos, Neos, RRD's, BWS, SST's, even Wainmens. ...no nexus as yet but its in its first gen'.

I suppose we will see AC ripping the northern perth beaches to shreds over winter :)

shi thouse
WA, 1129 posts
12 Mar 2019 12:55PM
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Select to expand quote
eppo said..




Yeh I'm not so sure myself of this REO / neo sizing difference...well it depends...

The Neo has more obvious plug and play power... It will chase the windows edge a little more...it therefore feels a little more grunty - well obvious grunt...

The reo requires a little more rider input, a little more active flying and hence can seem size per size less powerful...especially when there is a current running etc.

But from my experience you can cut off that reo power far quicker than the neo...for a more traditional down the line surfing feel with cross on ....Reo was better from my perspective...

I also found the Reo with its much lighter build and sitting back a little more in the window drifted far easily than the neo...

But there is a bees dick in it.

But this being all said if I was to buy a wave kite I may choose the Neo because I'm a tragic North rider... notice I said North.

So it comes down to personal feel. I've watched crew rip on Reos, Neos, RRD's, BWS, SST's, even Wainmens. ...no nexus as yet but its in its first gen'.


Actually the Nexus is not in its first gen. The Nexus is a re-named (version 2) of Core's previous "Free" kite.

smook
VIC, 196 posts
12 Mar 2019 3:58PM
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ActionSportsWA said..
Hi Smook,

I'm not questioning your experience, however, a kite surfboards volume has nothing to do with how it rides. Volume is very important in a surfboard as you need the volume to float you a bit higher to make the take off a bit easier and give you a little more paddling power. As you don't paddle to take off on a kite board, the volume is irrelevent.

Surface area, tail width and shape, rail shape, rocker, tail lift, length, width and channels all effect the ride. The Kipuna from Axis and the Spleene surfboards are all testimony that volume doesn't make a lick of difference. So long as you are planing, the volume matters not.

Surf boards, SUP boards and wind surfers all rely on volume to help when you are not planing. When these boards are planing, the volume becomes inconsequential too.

FWIW

DM


Sorry you may miss understood I was talking about kite size not kite performance??? And board size and hull surface are etc plays a big part in light and strong wind with kite size , I can talk further about it but we may be getting our wires crossed



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