A lot of people compared these 2 kites BUT really the dynamics change related to kite sizing, wind and wave conditions.
So this is the scenario:
rider: 68 kg rider, 6 years experience kitesurfing, 1 year experience in waves
conditions: 27-33 knots, side on-shore wind, mushy waves, quad surfboard
First though is lithium 6m BUT WHAT I WORRY ABOUT IS whether side on-shore conditions are not good for lower aspect ratio kite that flies back in the window...meaning you dont get good upwind and drags you a lot downwind to the shore? am i thinking correctly? Is Lithium really bad on going upwind?
Is varial 6m a better option under this conditions? Varial flies further front in the window, it is a racing kite...really is it an option for wave riding compare to the Lithium which pivots more and helps when wave riding? A 6m Varial might be too "aggressive" for wave riding at 30 knots? The fact that varial has a forward turn will it help in these conditions...is it a plus?
Hi Neil,
I would get the Varial 7 and shorten the lines when it gets real windy.
I love the feel on short lines and the top end would be about the same as 6.
6 is getting pretty small.
I've flown the Lithium 8 a few times, no probs getting back up wind. great little kite.
Give short lines ago in waves, totally new feel.
i think it comes down to what your other kites are, get the kite that is most similar to your current quiver (or at least the next size up) so you dont have to adjust your kite flying so much when on the new smaller kite.
i ride the 6m & 8m lithiums and my brother uses the 7m varial in the same conditions in the surf. no real advantage one over the other for upwind, kite manoeuvrability or kite drift. just a personal preference on kite feel.