North Rhino 6

I got this kite last year, at the end of season, making wind a hard thing to find. I'm actually a surfer, so I normally curse the winds name; however, since I got this bad boy, I'm praying for it every night.

The kite is great. The 06 models were the last year to be a C-kite and seeing as how this is all I've ridden, I love it.

I'm at 6'3" 185 and as long as I get 17 mph I can stay up wind with no problem at all. When I ride at a surf break I need about 19-20 to be able to stay up wind easily, due to the current.

Jumping is great on this kite. I was scared at first, but once I sacked up I learned how to place the kite and take off. Jumping off waves makes it way easier and more fun. Landings are cake as long as you keep the kite higher and don't bring it too low, otherwise I've found you can have a pretty hard fall (but that's most likely my inexperience).

Surfing is a challenge mainly cause it's a C-kite, therefore it doesnt' give the 100% depower that is necessary to REALLY surf the waves. Also, with the depower only giving about 85% (I would say about that much) in higher winds, around 25mph, you can start to feel like you have no control over when you stop. Best trick is to cut TOO far up wind with your board and let the kite slow lose speed, but sometimes it can be a pain not being able to stop right when you want to (like you could on a bow).

All in all, I love it. Again, haven't tried anything else, but this was my first kite and it has served me well. To anyone looking to get there first kite and trying to save some money, seeing as how this is a 06 C-kite, you should be able to get a sweet deal on it. I would highly suggest it.

By : ihatedannymiske