I absolutely love the new blade 3 8.5. I weigh 175 lbs and riding a takoon 160 cm board I can ride stay upwind and pull small (3-5ft) jumps in 8 mph wind... now.. when the wind comes up! Yes sir! This... is when this kite is awesome... I change out to a Hana Crew Stealth Slim (136) and can ride up 20mph long as the gust don't get much over 24-25 smaller board and I might be ok... but I surely going to buy the 6.4 when the wind comes up... the 8.5 fly's in less wind than my 18 North Toro LEI and into the same winds as my 14 Storm 2.
Did I mention I loved my blade 3?