That being said, I have two SDs (
). The standard is a wonderful kite, and it has taught me all I know. Build is top notch, no questions asked. It's also tough as nails...broke the spine ( 
) on the second day I had it in way too much wind. That's been it. The weight provided is probably a bit light, but that's an easy mod. I fly with 15 grams on the tail right now. And it flies like a dream for me. It has great pressure at all times, and is very consistent through a nice wind range around 3 to 12 mph. It can be taken much higher (near 20) and a bit lower (2mph consistent wind), but it's priceless in the latter range. However, since the autumn and winter months bring stronger winds, I decided I needed a vented, but didn't want to lose too much of what the standard has.
Enter the mid-vent. From the start, I would suggest to anyone who doesn't have an SD and wants one to start here. I fly it stock, with 20 grams on the tail as Lam set it up. It's practically the same kite as the std, but with a wind range sweet spot far wider (somewhere around 7-20mph). It handles bumpy and gusty wind much better, and breaks out of flight with a lighter pop. I can't get enough of this kite. I put it on my lines whenever there is enough wind, even if the the std will also fly. Right now, anything above 10mph is a mid vent day. That's quite a luxury, but I could push it lower if I didn't have the std. I can pull beautifully sharp halfs, rolling susans, tight aggressive cascades, and instant fades in gusty 15-20mph without more than a step forward. I have been flying this kite a great deal lately, and I have nothing but awe for it. Furthermore, with the screens on, it's a beast capable of flying in even +25mph...although tricks are still awful tough then...even with this wing. At least one better pilot has also really rung this kite out in pretty stiff wind. It's just wonderful, and quite frankly better than the standard. If you must have only one...it should be the mid-vent.
Nevermind that mine is a custom black icarex sail, with red and white waves with green eyes and blue vents. It might sound a bit busy, but it's so sharp in the sky, it's not be believed (photos on web site below). I have a white standard, thus the black vented. However, I have seen vented white sails, and the stitching maybe stands out even better on them...very nice.
This is a tip top kite. Currently I am busy with getting flat 540s well in hand...lots of slack needed with this kite. The slot machine is also coming along...sorta the same trick family.
I just felt it was time for me to say how much I like these kites. If you are ever in Amsterdam...come fly them!
FA is your hook up for the Sea Devil...just so you know.
, or at least hopes he does. 
