Ive been riding the 09 Waroo 13 for a few weeks now.
When I first saw the new Waroo in Spain I was sure that there wasn't to many evident changes made in this years model. So I focused my attention quite heavily on the new Nemesis HP, as this kite had all the changes and new technology.
But over the last few weeks I have managed to test the Waroo more as all my Nemesis HP demos are around the country, and have found that the Waroo kicks ass. It has everything for all riding styles.
There has been some changes made on the Waroo, but these are more tweaks then changes, simply to make the already perfect Waroo from 2008 into a better 2009 model.
CHANGESThe bridle system has been modified, even though it looks the same at a glance, it has changed the behaviour of the kite and enhanced 2 main things. Turning Speed and relaunch. The 13mtr turns noticebly quicker then last year making it a more responsive kite. In comparison I would say that the 13mtr turns almost as quick as the 11 2008 waroo. Nice change, especially in the larger sizes.
Relaunching the kite in 2008 was easy, but I feel it has improved further this year. The technique used is simply pull one of the back lines towards you and the kite stands on the wing and launches as aggressive as you let it, meaning if keep the pressure on the back line the kite will launch almost directly down wind, or if you get in on the wing tip then slacken the pull the kite will track to the edge of the window and launch with ease. There is no issue that I can see with this kite not launching as I have done it in all wind conditions lately.
After flying the 08 waroo back to back with the 09 I also noticed that there was firmer bar pressure on the 09. This is not firmer turning pressure, but more of a better bar feel. You can feel the weight on each side of the bar better when initiating the turn, and as a result helps the kite to be more reactive allowing instant turning response.
The 09 waroo lift and hangtime has improved. These kites jump as big as the Nemesis HP, nice surprise. And for those who havent flown or jumped a Nemesis HP yet, thats high..
CONSTRUCTIONBest products have come a long way since the beggining and last year there were very few warranty returns globally. Construction on this years Waroo is very similar to last, an extra internal reinforcement on the LE seam is evident again this year and this eliminates any construction failure. Everything is pretty much the same as last years.
Bladders are perfect. They have a membrane valve instead of a ball valve. These membrane valves are only on the struts and have zero failure. Pump - take the hose out and no air leaks at all. There is a little stick sewn on the valcro to insert when deflating.
The Kite bag is an improved version of last years, the hood actually is attached to the bag and cannot be removed. Similar material to the last and are sized correctly that the kite actually fits.
OVERALLOverall this kite would suit 90% of kiters. The other 10% would be "C" kite riders and High end Freestyle
guyspeople.
There is 3 things that I believe the Nemesis HP has over the Waroo
The Nemesis HP 09 has:
- a more immediate smack of power, Meaning the kite produces an aggressive power through the window to assist in better kiteloops, off the mark power and the ability to produce snappier jumps.
- better bottom end. Not by much but with the new Twister tech it allows the kite to turn quicker without losing much power. There is no underpowered
surging effectthat is associated with standard construction kites.
- more C kite feel. Meaning when you are attempting an aerial handlepass move, your body catches up with the kite (at the apex of the move) allowing a lul period where the weight on the bar becomes lighter allowing you to pull to your hip and pass the bar. The Nemesis HP from last year had this ability and it is the same this year, really only effects 5-10% of riders, but is an effect that is needed to help pull these moves off.
Last of all the graphics are sic.
gkflying
> 9 months ago, 10 Sep 2008
