At Nitinat I had the opportunity to log a lot of hours on the 09 kites, primarily on the 6,8 and 10M so I'm now in a better position to comment on the differences between the 08 vs 09. We sent out a wish list to our customers and team riders and asked them what they would like changed or improved on the 09 model. The overwhelming response was that we not mess with success, but make subtle refinements instead. So, in a nutshell:

1) The 09 Rise has more range overall, most of it being gained on the top end. I really noticed this difference on the race course. On Sunday we had a ton of wind and one rider came straight off the 12m and jumped on the 6m, and if anything, the wind lightened up!

2) The 09 Rise flys further into the window and as such goes even better to windward than the 08. If you prefer it to sit a bit deeper the bridle set-up is easily adjusted to accommodate this.

3) The bar pressure is a bit higher so there is much more positive feedback. Overall, it is still light but I really like the new feel.

4) The 09 kite has more depower - this request came largely from our waveriders and racers.

5) The majority of the range and depower is accessed through a much shorter range of throw on the bar.

6) The 09 Rise is much less trim sensitive, especially in the smaller sizes.