Got sent some pics of the 2012 Fluids. Look quite nice. The split strut style look reminds me a little of the Slingy's.

/images/misc/forum-image-missing.gif

/images/misc/forum-image-missing.gif

Looking forward to trying some of the 2012 stuff.

split strut I do like the open c kites with big wingtips but I hope they haven't got a pulley on the bottom of that bridle

I have bought last years model, I think it is atleast, had a very short light wind ride with it but the wind was very moderate so it didnt really count but the kite felt very responsive and light to the feel.

Now the model I have is rated as a free ride/wave kite but the newer models are rated as purely freeride, what are the differences between this model and the previous?

I can't wait for some decent wind to try it out, the high depower setting compared to the 'C' setting were quite different in the marginal wind I tried it in.

Cheers
Rich

I had this kite for a few days to test and it's everything I have been wanting in an all-round kite! It Is not a split strut system like SS but more simply a Dacron panel is there to promote rigidity and offer protection, surprisingly the canopy is very light but strong as an ox with many other improvements.
I flew the 10m in wind from 15 - 37knts, it has amazing range but i was way out of my comfort zone at the topend, no jelly fishing or weird behavior when flying fully depowered.

Ill write up a full review once I get my quiver!
New sizing is 6,8,10,12

Hi Pro Merc,

Can you give us a comparison against the previous years Ego kites?

Looking at the birdle, can't make out if there are any pulleys on the "intermediate web" otherthan on the front line pulley, is this the case and if so what are the benefits?

Cheers
Rich

They look alot like the naish parks.

Rich i only had a few days on this kite and i was lit 95% of the time!
The idea of this kite was to simplify,lighten and make it more solid. This design criteria has definitely been met. I feel the 10m has way more range than last year and fly's much better depowered. There is no way I could have held on to the 2011 ego in 30knts.
Both models fly similar, i need more time on the kite before I can honestly give you a proper comparison.
Yes there is one pulley on the bridle, i like the feeling of the single
Pulley, it's a good quality ronstan which I have never seen fail. As long as the
Pulleys as ronstan you don't have much to worry about.

From the few sessions i had on the kite I'm excited and can't wait to get the full set, I'll get a review done as soon as I get the kites and spend time on them.

^^^maybe you should mention your affiliation along with the gushing reviews

Who cares, you should always demo before buying anyway!

Merc,

Would that bridle work on the previous years kite?

Cheers
Rich

Select to expand quote

stamp said...

^^^maybe you should mention your affiliation along with the gushing reviews

Always do in my reviews!

Sorry the new bridle will not work on last years kite

I have been on the fluid atv for the last few yrs and they have been great kites. Have found they improve each year. The new ego looks pretty sweet. Looking forward to demo the ego and new atv ASAP.

Select to expand quote

rob1977 said...

I have been on the fluid atv for the last few yrs and they have been great kites. Have found they improve each year. The new ego looks pretty sweet. Looking forward to demo the ego and new atv ASAP.

+1. Got last year's ATV in 8 and 12 and been pretty impressed with them. Looking forward to the bar changes and giving the Ego a test run. Will see when I can get leave to go try it out.

i tested the 2012 egos 10 days ago in altona and they were great!!
i have a 2011 vice 9 and 11 m and i was always happy with them.
i tested the 8 and the 10. both were a lot of fun, easy to handle and really fast.
when i was out on the 8, i was riding while other guys were out on tens or even twelves, and i am "around" eighty kilos..;)
i also like the new design. they look better than the last ones, my opinion.
i like the fluid kites, cant wait to test the new vice!