The new S-BOW 08 is a unique breed of polyvalent kite for progressive riders willing to explore and progress in most of kite styles such as wave riding, big air and even freestyle. Either for strapless wave riding or freestyle and big air competitions, they love its reactivity, stability and huge de-power.

Sizes: 3, 5, 8, 11, 13 and 15 (m2)
Bar: 50cm fits all S-BOW08
Lines: 24 meters Dyneema 8 braid lines (1.5mm)
Wind range: 7kn - 38+kn
Construction: very good
Material: polyvalent
Extras: Donkey dick, Stopper ball, Bag, Pump, Leash
Website: Starkites
Product sheet: Can't post a link (Server Error) ;)

Impression:

Very nice and smooth kite, gives you a unbelievable hang time (I tried the 11 and 8). Goes very nice up wind and it is nice and stable in the air. There is no bar pressure, what sometimes makes it a bit different to feel where the kite is. After more hours with this kite, I have to say, freaking good! It needs a bit time to get a feeling about the kite, but now it is just a good kite.

Tested the 8m SBow yesterday, in what no more than 5-8kts of wind. Surprising stability in such marginal conditions. Very impressed with the material, quality of built and performance. I think this could be the best learner/school kite made in 2008, shifting Airush DNA proudly to 2nd place, and Liquid Force Session in 3rd. There are so few durable good strong beginners kites out there ay.

The SBow has medium bar pressure, its low aspect ratio may not suit those who prefer a fast turning kite, but for those starting or looking for stability, this could be one to try. I would prefer the bar to have a little bit more depower for the beginners in mind, and a more modern depower system than the old school straps. The stopper ball/quick release whilst seem effective, looks a bit plastic-ish.

The 1.5m trainer kite was a little disappointed, didnt fly anywhere near as well as the 8m in the same condition. The bar is also a little on the small side also. Perhaps the 2.5m flies a little better. Built quality however is best of all trainers I have come across, with good enforcement all round.

Overall the SBow has won me over for my school. Just placed order. Cant wait to try the 5m when it gets here. You should try it, its nice and easy to fly and will win many from first fly.

haha "polyvalent"

do they even know what that means? i'm guess none of the marketing people are chemical scientists......

pol·y·va·lent (pl-vlnt)
adj.
1. Acting against or interacting with more than one kind of antigen, antibody, toxin, or microorganism.
2. Chemistry
a. Having more than one valence.
b. Having a valence of 3 or higher.

Polyvalent is a synonym for multivalent and denotes something which has many values, meanings or appeals. The metaphoric origin of ~valent is derived from valency in chemistry and by metaphoric attribution, may now connote a "subtle, polyvalent allegory".

Man, you have to love Wikipedia.

So, in other words - will appeal to many different people and styles of riding.
A bit ****y for my liking.

nah wikipedia is gay, it's a chemistry term meaning multiple valencies which refers to electron arrangement around the atom

either way though, pretty dumb word to describe the material of the kite?

i'd be dead keen to give on a try on saturday up here (if there's any wind, which there won't be)

Select to expand quote

sunseeker said...

Polyvalent is a synonym for multivalent and denotes something which has many values, meanings or appeals. The metaphoric origin of ~valent is derived from valency in chemistry and by metaphoric attribution, may now connote a "subtle, polyvalent allegory".

Man, you have to love Wikipedia.

So, in other words - will appeal to many different people and styles of riding.
A bit ****y for my liking.

The 11m2 and beneath you can use for everything (Freestyle, Waves, Unhooked), all kites give you a lot of hangtime and big air. The bigger kites are perfect for light wind 13m2 and 15m2.

But what you want? I want to have one kite (brand, model) for riding everything. I travel a lot and it is just not possible to carry 5 kites.

I wasn't bagging the kite at all - I'm all for a 1 kite setup. Had a look at the website and I reckon they look great.

I just think that using marketing words that would be better placed in a shampoo advert doesn't appeal to most kitboarders.

post 2006 you probibly only need 2 kites

New Dates:

19 and 20 May (Morning) -> Elliot Heads
21 (afternoon), 22 and 23 May -> Mackay
24 maybe 25 May -> Airlie Beach (Whitehaven Beach)

Try!!!

You were in Mackay??

Why didnt you drop into the shop?

We could have organised a demo.

Hmmm, I send emails to all the shop and schools and some just didn't respond. I was in Blacks Beach and East Point.

Sorry for missing it...

If you are in Mackay again, Please call on the telephone.