Have the 08 sb still a bit of life in it but am thinking of upgrading to an 09 but was wondering how it actually compares in performance, bottom end, and how does that material stand the test of time? Is it worth upgrading to ? Cheers
Dont have much experience with the 09 but I believe it has a little less bottom end but turns faster and is generally a little sharper.
its got a few extra pulleys which some people have had some problems with breaking
If you mean the SB3 v SB4 (this year's, the 2010 is the SB5) I would tend to agree as your Sb3 is prob not worth much ($400-500 in good nick)
The SB3 was the gruntiest of all the SB. The 10m was the biggest kite you needed and heaps better than the slow 12.
The 6 and 8 were sweet kites but then again arent all littler kites nice.
Grunt isnt everything, I reckon the SB4 was about 10-15% better than the SB3 overall.
Given that you would have to fork out another 4-500 to upgrade prob not worth it.
In a couple of months I will sell you my SB5 quiver, at least they will be new-ish.
SB4 - 09 - really sweet kite - light bar pressure, zips around the sky and really awesome boost and hang time. I dig it
I currently have an 09 Switchy IDS (SB4) and it's without a doubt the best kite I've ever owned. However, everyone I know who has owned an SB4 and who have upgraded to the SB5 swear that the latter is an even better kite. It might pay to hang on to your SB3 for a few more months and then pick up a discounted SB5 when the 2011 kites come in.
