Power Kite Forum

PL Vapor 7.8 replacement - What should I get?

lunchbox - 15-7-2013 at 09:12 PM

So I'm thinking of getting another kite to replace my beloved Vapor 7.8. It's still in really good shape and probably has a few years left but I guess I'm just looking to mix things up a little bit and keep it fresh. Here's what I was thinking:

1. Ozone Yakuza GT
2. Wait for Ozone's new race kite (don't know the name)
3. Combat
4. Century 2
5. HQ Prodigy
6. Reactor III (aka 2013)

If you were me, what would you get? And if you have ridden any of these, I would love to hear your opinion.

Thanks.


lives2fly - 16-7-2013 at 04:27 AM

You just want a new toy! No need to justify it.

Keep the vapor and buy some surfing kites - that will mix it up for you :D

sunset-Jim - 16-7-2013 at 06:23 AM

Last year I started looking for something with a bit more performance. My JoJo rm+'s are great kites and hold there own quite well, but after flying those for a number of years I couldn't help but think that there is something better out there. So I started looking around. What I ended up with, to my surprise was actually a model that was as dated as my rm+'s. The PKD Combats. For me, they out perform the rm+'s just enough to make a difference. A wise and well respected buggier once told me how it's the little things added together that make a big difference. They aren't for everybody because you do have to fly them. For those that prefer to just park their kite and cruise, I would suggest the Century II's. Close to the performance and yet very stable. I truly believe the Century II's to be the best compromise of performance and stability out there. But if you are wanting that little extra more, Combats.

If it's a used kite you are looking for, I do have a few rm+'s available (5,6,7,8)

Bladerunner - 16-7-2013 at 06:28 AM

These Opals are about the coolest kite I have seen in a long time.
It's time somebody tried on over here ?

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=25894

lunchbox - 16-7-2013 at 10:09 AM

Quote:

Keep the vapor and buy some surfing kites


Funny you should mention that...got my eye on the CH2's ;)

Quote:

These Opals are about the coolest kite I have seen in a long time.


Gotta agree...they look pretty damn cool. Don't know how I missed that post. Wonder how they fly...

@sunset-jim - Appreciate your feedback on the Combats. I remember flying the 6m (I think it was) from Pablo back in the day when he did the 'pass the kite'. Unfortunately and I can't remember why (probably lack of wind and time), I only got to static fly it. I remember really liking it and always having the urge to try it again in the buggy.

BeamerBob - 16-7-2013 at 10:28 AM

I'm seriously considering some reactors to supplement vapors in the smaller sizes for when the wind quality is lower than I want to fly vapors in.

Hmmmmnnnn....

skimtwashington - 16-7-2013 at 01:06 PM



Okay just for the heck of it... What about a comparison between the Century II and the Reactor II(or the new III)....?


Factors:

Power per meter
Upwind ability
stability
quality



RonH - 16-7-2013 at 06:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lunchbox  
So I'm thinking of getting another kite to replace my beloved Vapor 7.8. It's still in really good shape and probably has a few years left but I guess I'm just looking to mix things up a little bit and keep it fresh. Here's what I was thinking:

1. Ozone Yakuza GT
2. Wait for Ozone's new race kite (don't know the name)
3. Combat
4. Century 2
5. HQ Prodigy
6. Reactor III (aka 2013)

If you were me, what would you get? And if you have ridden any of these, I would love to hear your opinion.


7.8 Vapor is my favorite kite...

I would think you would be disappointed with anything less than a race kite as a replacement...

Just get a new Vapor - in custom colors :cool::cool:

lunchbox - 16-7-2013 at 06:15 PM

Quote:

Okay just for the heck of it... What about a comparison between the Century II and the Reactor II(or the new III)....?


I've been thinking of that very thing for a long time. That would be a very fun and interesting comparison. If someone on this forums already tried both kites, I would love to hear your feedback :D

Quote:

I would think you would be disappointed with anything less than a race kite as a replacement...


Yeah, I've definitely thought about that. If I were to get a non race kite replacement it would definitely have to be a slightly bigger size. I might still miss the adrenaline rush that I get from those race kites...oh, what to do :P

Demoknight - 17-7-2013 at 09:22 AM

HQ Toxic 8.0 sounds like what you need :P It isn't a race kite, but it is meant specifically for buggies. It is so much bang for your buck!

pyro22487 - 17-7-2013 at 12:51 PM

Man I would love that 7.8 for my quiver.

soliver - 17-7-2013 at 05:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Demoknight  
HQ Toxic 8.0 sounds like what you need :P It isn't a race kite, but it is meant specifically for buggies. It is so much bang for your buck!



I've been considering the same thing, however, for someone who is used to (and loves) flying RACE KITES, I think that a Toxic might be a step down.

Not to say that Toxic is a bad kite, its just a different breed... More like a fast cruiser than a race kite... I REALLY WANT a Toxic 8m, but I'm more into cruising than going fast,... And quite frankly am intimidated by Vapors.

I might have tried one have Jeff's Century Soulfly's at JIBE, but just got wrapped up in doing other stuff and kinda wish I had tried one... Oh well

IMHO I've always thought as race kites go, that the Yaks are uber awesome looking and have seen some vids of guys really whipping those things around.

erratic winds - 17-7-2013 at 06:21 PM

Just to stir the pot I'll say you shouldn't replace the Vapor 7.8 but you should buy a CH2! De power is De best! ;D

lunchbox - 18-7-2013 at 08:26 AM

Quote:

Man I would love that 7.8 for my quiver.


Yeah...it's a great kite and size...definitely my go to buggy kite for the normal light winds we get here.

Quote:

I've been considering the same thing, however, for someone who is used to (and loves) flying RACE KITES, I think that a Toxic might be a step down.


Yeah...nothing against the Toxic and don't get me wrong, I would love to try it, but that would be my fear as well.

Quote:

Just to stir the pot I'll say you shouldn't replace the Vapor 7.8 but you should buy a CH2! De power is De best!


I am seriously looking at replacing my Charger I 15m with a new Charger 2 for the water...heard a lot of good things about them. However, the primary place where I buggy is very small, really light wind, a little gusty, holey and because I use this kite to buggy during my lunch hour, quick set up is the utmost important...don't think a Ch2 would work to well in these conditions....but I do love depower :thumbup: