I'm considering a wave specific kite for small to medium onshore waves and maybe some foiling. I was intrigued by the North Code Zero. Seems like it has some decent low end power, good relaunch, quick steering and is light weight/has good drift.
What are the arguments for considering a three strut wave kite like the neo sls or the north carve over a kite like this? Durability? Wider wind range?
Thanks!
I'm in the same boat. I'm considering sticking with my 3 strut 7m or smaller for most of my wave riding as in WA wind is usually pretty solid, but getting a single strut 9m for those days when the wind is a bit dicey, as I regularly kite reef breaks and tricky coast, and something designed to stay up in the air a bit easier seems like a good option. I was recently on a trip down in the SW of WA and several wave riders had single strut Airush One and seemed pretty happy with these kites. Good upwind and could take a reasonable wind range especially when conditions were inconsistent. Sorry I can't offer any advice, but good luck :)
I have been using a 12m single strut kite in waves for 4 years, it is a 2018 so my thoughts may no longer be valid.In my experience there are 3 advantages of a single strut kite- packs up very small, drifts in less wind, and light bar pressure.
The biggest advantage of more struts is wind range. More struts support the canopy creating a smoother flow through the kite turn and provide more precise bar feed back.
bar feed back massively improves my jump timing. I find the bar feel of a single strut slightly sloppy/sticky so I fail to make micro adjustments and jump height consistency suffers. A little less bar feedback makes no difference to me when riding a wave.
I have had no durability issues my kite is still in fair condition with no repairs and i have dropped the kite in waves a few times.