Intermediate rider, 76kg, Cardboards 133. Wind probably 16knts northerly, gusting 14-20knts, others were out on 11m Sonics and 12/14 Rebels.

+
Build quality is first-class, everything seemed high quality and functional, little things like the netting and the Velcro system on the valves show great attention to detail. The leading edge and all 7 struts are pretty small in diameter. Lines were also noticeably thinner than the norm.

Was told not to choke the kite, let the bar out and let it fly, however still didn’t stall as much as I thought if sheeted all the way in. Really smooth power delivery, didn’t seem to give a huge depower range when sheeting the bar all the way out, was really progressive and not on/off at all. Really loved how direct it felt. Bar pressure was very light, especially after the XBOW 3, almost too light.

Has quite a bit of energy and loves to fly fast. Turned nice and quick, some might find it a bit twitchy but I loved it how it responded. Jumps were great nice and floaty, not as good as the XBOW3, but I’m sure if I had a chance to get used to it a bit more it could be improved. Had to direct it back down a bit later when coming down, as it caught me out a couple of times. Surprised with the stability of such a high aspect / great performing kite.

Upwind was AMAZING, the kite went straight to the edge of the wind window and hauled, best of any kite that I have ridden so far.

All in all left me with a big grin on my face.


-
Bar grip was too smooth, I prefer at bit of texture, just personal preference though.

5th line and the bridle are something extra to worry about when setting up, I prefer a simple 4 line setup.

$$$, RRP seems to be a bit more expensive than other kites, though you can see where your money is going.


Thanks heaps to John from Kitepower Geelong, for coming down to Point Henry after he had finished riding and helping me out.
Kite is now on my might buy list, still have to try quite a few others, Instinct Sport, REV, ’08 Rebel, Nemesis HP, Bularoo, Helix, Ion 2.
Cheers.