I've just spent the last couple of days testing the new ASV 14, 11 and 9 metre kites. They are a new kite company dedicated entirely to kite racing.
Initial thoughts:
• Looks very well made.
• No one pump system ( saving on weight)
• Nice bar with deep grip
• Looks a lot like the ozone edge possibly a little bit lower aspect.
My first ride was on the 14m in about 6-7 knots of wind. In comparison to the 13m Ozone edge the ASV felt a little slower to turn but the power difference was incredible. The ASV has so much grunt, been 60kgs there's no way I would need any more power in light wind So I didn't try the 17.5m. It got up to about 13 knots and I was over powered.
The other thing I noticed is that tacking was so much easier I nailed a lot more tacks then I normally do.
I tried the 11m in about 10-12 knots and the 9m in about 18- 25 knots they sat nicely upwind, right forward in the wind window maximizing my upwind angle. The kite didn't flap when dumping power in the gusts just flew beautifully. Downwind it didn't shoot forward like other kites I've tried, maximizing the downwind angle.
Final thoughts so far:
I'll let you know more as I get to try them a bit more in different conditions. But I think ASV are producing a top product here. Due to having more grunt then most kites I believe riders will be able to ride these kites in smaller sizes and smaller line lengths then normal, reducing drag etc making them faster. I really recommend trying ASV kites and judge for yourself… I'm impressed
kiteracer
> 9 months ago, 11 Feb 2013
