Griffin 2013 TRX Review

Rider: 76 kg and about intermediate level with 12 years experience
Style: Surf
Weather: 12 to 30+knots
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: Griffin Kite supporter for several years on: Griffin, Argo, Chimera, Argo again and now TRX for 2012 and 2013 (9, 10.5 and 12m).


2013 TRX Review

These days I kite on surfboards strapped and strapless but mostly with front strap only.
Over the years I have owned; Slingshot, North, Gaastra, Best, Globe Ride plus I have kited on a few others.

What do I think of the Griffin TRX 2013 Kites?

For me the 2013 TRX is the most user friendly kite of the Griffin kites to date. The 2013 TRX is ideal for a kiter with some experience and with surf kiting as the priority however still may want to kite in other conditions.

I have had the 9m in 15 to 30+kn and 10.5m in 12 to about 25kn. Both kites have adequate low end power in the surf. The 10.5 is easy to fly in this wind range and performs one handed kite manoeuvrers with ease - it does not feel like a big kite. Both kites have excellent drift and much better than other Griffin kites I have owned.

The TRX feels light to medium at the kite bar; it is very responsive to input and fast through the window enabling the rider to get the kite to do whatever they want. For me the TRX is a very stable kite capable of a wide range of kiting conditions and excels at wave riding including down the line.

Line lengths - this is interesting as the designer recommends the longer line set up there is the option to remove about a 4m extension. Both line lengths work well and a Guy I know will only use the short line set up for wave riding - he is a very experienced strapless surfboard kiter and knows what works for him. I have used both and think each rider will have their own preference.

Another consideration for me is that when buying a kite is - what will be the cost be to update?? The change over cost of these kites will let you update more often - there is nothing like getting a new kite.

A few other important features of the Griffin TRX are: high quality tough construction; excellent support that would suit most kiters with advice on how to get the most out of your kite on the Griffin web site; launch/relaunch is much improved and easy; the kite is well tuned requiring only minimal adjustment to suit the rider; the kite bag will suit most as it has all the bits guys want and the bar is OK as well.

Give these 2013 TRX kites a demo before making any comment. The TRX 2013 will not disappoint most levels of kiters IMO.

Seems to be a common theme that these kites are hard to buy from people I've talked to and in the web. Anyone know what's going on?

I requested demo's of 12 and 17m trx, took a few weeks but understandable as there was a change in factories this year which caused some delays. I didnt mind waiting if it meant higher quality construction.
The argo and trx are both quite different to fly. I had the same power issue initially as I had used the argo and similar kites previously. I called Chris at Griffin and he happily explained how the trx is flown for best performance,(I was sheeting out too much). Next session, similar conditions, I was stoked with the performance. Used my 2012 Argo 11.5m and 2013 trx 12m back to back and although I love the argo, the trx is considerably better in every department, wind range, upwind, boost, drift, build quality and just downright great fun to use. I purchased both kites.
In my experience Griffin have been extremely good with service and I appreciate being able to call or text and get a fast reply for the most part.

Likewise Is there a demo contact in WA

Had a go on a TRX, let's just say I was very glad to get me REO back.
They are the best (its official) surf kite for a reason...

Surfingboye, what year kite was it? What size and what were the conditions. Just saying that you like your purchase better is okay, but tell us why. I have not flown the Reo, but know others who have and had a different response to you. The Reo from what I hear will not jump, which is what I insist on in a great kite, but first and foremost it must perform and excel in the surf. The Reo does do that for sure.
Also, how long did you get to ride it for?
No bashing, just curious

lol, yeah he rode mine b2b with his 2013 TRX. he was also the first person to crash my new REO when he rode it that day, haha.
it wasnt very windy for the 9m, and my REO is a 10m so hard to compare there I guess. waves were also ankle biting height.
in the time I rode it I could tell it wasn't the style of kite i like.
it felt in-direct, and heavy on the front lines.
it turned quick, and through a different arc than the REO.
quick release and chicken loop felt cheap, chunky and unrefined.

as for the REO i feel the 2013 jumps better and also has much better bottom end than the previous year...

of course all down to personal opinion, and Pete is clearly stoked with his kite and shredds on it.

yeah? i have never had a problem with it jamming up after a couple of seasons on two of the ozone bars. used plenty of times, intended and unintended (quite coming to release it when tried to hook back in when your in a hurry)! i feel the design is not 100% (quality is though), but prefer it over the TRX bar.

I will say this: Uberfrank shapes beautiful boards and we have chatted about kites in the past. He is also a very skilled rider as Surfingboye says. I tried to talk him into flying the TRx and told him what I thought about the kites and what I really liked about them. He payed me lip service and WAS VERY skeptical. He then got a loan on a 9 trx and needless to say we had a very nice long talk afterwards about what he loved about the kite, and it confirmed everything I had said about the performance. This is no bull**** internet troll session, honest hard riders who demand certain elements from their kites.
As far as the bar is concerned, Surfingboye's comments are right. I too have held the same opinion on the bar, however it works. It is the only component of the kit that needs refinement, and that is happening as we speak. I have seen drawings of the new bar and we will all be stoked when they come out. Chris does take riders opinions to heart and works hard at getting a great product out. As I have said many times before, there are loads of great kites out there, but not too many Australian designed kites. I love to support local people doing good things and keeping the cash in the economy, but first and foremost the product has to be of high quality.
Carry on....

I'm on the sunshine coast and anyone that would like a try on this kite is more than welcome to try mine.

Is there anyone in WA who has a demo TRX