what are the helix kites like because sun people say they are good but others say r bad
ouch! i smell a sh!t-storm a brewin ... duck and cover time, or is that seagull and cover?
we'll here goes i'll do my best to describe what they are like...
G'day Jacob - I'm a first time poster as well, so I expect I'll cop the same sort of treatment from the old-timers as you have... I have been kiting for 6 months in Perth and have a 2008 12m Naish Cult and a 9m Helix... The Cult is a really good kite, and is really stable and smooth. I love it and have used it in everything from 14 knots Easterly at Point Walter to 28 knots SSW at Penguin Island. It has great depower and I always feel really safe and in control with it, even when I'm having to edge really hard to avoid getting smashed!
The 2008 Helix is a freak-show and I thoroughly recommend you don't get one if you are a beginner or inexperienced like me... I really haven't had much success with it when I've tried to fly it. It flipped inside itself twice in gusty (18-30 on the anemometer) Melville a couple of months ago and I had to self-rescue back to the beach. I flew it again on the 28 knot day at Penguin Island and it did the same. I managed to relaunch it and get back to the beach, packed it away and put the Cult up and then had no more prob's...
I believe the 2009 and 2010 Helix's are much better, but haven't flown either. I'm thinking of getting rid of the 9m Helix and getting a 9m Cult.
Hope this helps (time to duck the incoming vitriol from the old-timers)!!!
You use a leash. Now you`re really asking for it! 
lol
As for the Naish. Well, like with any brand of kite these days alot of people will say and alot will say . Your best bet is to try out for yourself.
I`ve flown a helix 12m 08 for the last year and a bit starting from a beginner. And I have no complaints. My progression was pretty quick and easy. Never had problems relaunching, the wind range was very good and controlling the kite was easy. A bit slow turning, but maybe that`s just the size 12m??? One important thing and I`m sure this goes with all the sigma kites is if you don`t pump it up enough it will definitely flap like a sea gull. I`m due for a new kite and now that I`m a bit more experienced keen to try a different make. But you wont believe how many different brands I`ve been recommended and how many brands others slag off. In my experience every kiter is genuinely trying to help. But no two kiters ride, fly the kite, and want the exact same experience from this sport. So your best bet is if possible try a few brands and what ever feels right for YOU is right for YOU. And hey, there`s always next years kites to worry about wich is best, that`s half the fun.
Interesting that the flipping inside out problem has been mentioned. It's happened to me twice on my 09 9m helix after a biggish crash into the water when practicing tricks in about 28 knots. My old boxer and ozone have never done this - it's the only strange thing my helixes have done. I've got 09 helixes a 9m and 12m and they are awesome.
I ride the 09 helix and i love them, they really should have changed the name from 08 to 09 because the kite was a completely new kite and a huge improvement.
You know what the say, once you go sigma you dont go back.
Jacko
The problem with these forums is there are alot of anonymous log ins and people with hidden agendas......
That said- go and fly a few different kites, what works for one person may not suit another- there is not one perfect kite for everyone.....
In my experience the Naish kite is of high quality build and was easy and fun to ride until I found something that suited me better....
i learnt on a '08 cult 9m, similar feedback to dunk, dont recommend using a leash though.
i like the cult. and as it happens i am selling the 12m. i have used others, and also own an ozone sport 13m. so no hidden agenda. i am keeping the 9m for now. pm if you are interested.
pros good depower, felt in control. good wind range. bar is simple and tidy.
cons inflation system works, but the slingshot design is better.
So what your trying to say is the octopussy system is probably the worst idea ever.
I fly a 12m Alliance and love it, best kite I've had so far for what I want it to do. As stated before, you do have to make sure they are inflated enough. Fly all the kites you can, then decide.
D
Depends on your level.
If I could rate the Naish kites from 0 to 100 this will be my opinion
Intermediate:.................Torch: 102
Beginner:.......................Cult: 85
Beginner to intermediate:..09 Helix: I don't know
Beginner to intermediate:..08 Helix: 25
