Ive had my 2016 9m out for two days now whilst on holiday here in Sri Lanka. Im an intermediate rider, 95kgs with a 140cm board. The wind has been around 20-25 knots.

The wind range is great. Ive been up to low 30 knots with 5 inches of depower and still feeling good, and down to mid to high teens and still able to hold my direction. Optimal wind for my weight is in the 20-30 knots.

There's lots to love. Medium bar pressure with great response, huge wind range, exceptional speed as you build up apparent wind. Good boost and hang time (not quite as much as my switchblade) and you do need to fly the kite more when up high. The turns are great with less powered loops which is why i think a lot of people feel more confident to try tricks. If i stuffed up a loop on my Switchy id be 40m downwind, bouncing on the water like a rag doll waiting for it to stop. Halve that distance and skipping on the pivot!

We have quite gusty conditions here and the pivot is able to soak them up well. The extended bar throw helps too. Im not an unhooker nor a wave rider so i cant comment on these aspects sorry.

My only negative feedback so far is the inflate valve which i find is situated too far under the leading edge and the valve connector is still a tube you have to poke in which can come out whilst inflating.

Ive read the 2015s were prone to back stalling. I havent experienced that however the kite will not stay at 12 unassisted for more than a second.

Im very happy with the purchase overall. Given it to a few friends to fly and they loved it too