Dominator: Rise for the gusty stuff & Razor for the lighter stuff makes sense to me. I tried the 11 & 14 Rise’s as light wind kites & was much happier with my 10 Razor. (Quicker turning & more stable parked for those walks of shame )

JL,  what do you weigh?  I see we are both riding 150 makos.  I never ride in less than 15 knots so im considering just getting a 10m razor instead of a 12.  It seems like a very popular choice, at least by those posting on the forum.

I’m around 185+ ... I’ve mentioned on other threads here that winds < 15 knots a surfboard etc. would probably be more fun than a 12M. I find the 10 RAZOR generates plenty of power when sined quickly. The http://oceanrodeo.com/kiting/flite or a directional board are other options for lighter wind.

I am 185 as well.  I ride a naish helix 12m right now.  Have you tried out the 12m razor?  Just curious as to why you and others seem to like the 10m better,is it just because of maneuverability Of the smaller kite?

It’s because the Razors have such good bottom end. a 10 Razor will match you Helix.  So a 12m Razor is more like a 14m for bottom end.  The advantage is of course both fly way quicker than the bigger kite they can replace and being smaller have a better top end. As 12m used to be the go to size it is natural that the 10m is encroaching

I own the 2012 12m and 10m Razor.  In my last good wave session (6-8ft. faces and gusty sideshore) I started with the 12m and switched to the 10m asap.  Why?  I was getting frustrated using the 12m (albiet somewhat underpowered at times) in the waves. It just didn’t turn fast enough for the conditions.  It was a big adjustment from using a 2011 6m in the previous 2 sessions.  Anyway, the 12m Razor is good for a big kite, but the 10m is significantly faster and really seems to be the money kite in the razor line up.  The 12m has more ultimate low end, but in 12-14knots working the 10m hard will get you up and planning and achieve the desired result.  Personally, I really like the 10m.  It has great low end but turns fast enough to be great in the waves and loops fast enough to catch you before landing those big kiteloops.

Bottom line- if you have the wind, the 10m is more fun to ride than the 12m.

So in 12-14 knots you are powered up on the 12m and could still ride your 10 ? Will you ride the 12 in lower wind than that?
I wish I could just try them out but it’s a little too cold here now and no snow either

I’ll take the 12m out in 10-12knots and the right conditions (gust, chop, current, etc.).  Less than 10knots and the 12m doesn’t really cut it.  The 10m in 12-14knots.  Keep in mind that the board is the other 50% of the equation.  On the low end, I use a floaty 6’3” surfboard (traditional foam and glass) and it makes a big difference over using a smaller board.

I hope this helps.