Before I begin let me state the obvious. Having just spent some hard earned cash on this beast, I am not about to say bad stuff about the kite. However I am not sponsored and don’t sell these things so just honest observations to come.

Got down the beach last night and the wind was marginal to say the least. Wind stations were registering 11 knts with 14 knt gusts. Set the V2 up anyway. With the small amount of wind it did take awhile for it to self inflate but was fully inflated once the lines were set up. I weigh 80KG and ride a 128cm board.

Noticeably different things about the V2 compared to the V1 are, the trailing edge tuck and the steering adjusters. The Trailing edge tuck consists of little V shaped alterations to each cell along the rear of the kite. Apparently this give it more grunt at the low end of the range. Seems like I would try this out in these conditions! The steering adjusters and flight adjusters change the feel and performance of the kite. Being my first session with the V2 Neil at Hold the Lines advised me to set them at 50%.

The kite launched well with only a little help from a buddy at the beach to get the down-wind tip up and into the wind. By sheeting in the bar the kite hovered 6ft up until it fully inflated. Less inflation vents then on the previous model. Seemed to inflate OK anyway.

I was really surprised once the kite started flying correctly the grunt it had in such light winds. So grabbed the board and had a crack. There was only three other bow riders actually staying up on the boards

The kite flys very well and seems to turn fast even in light winds. Power develops slowly with the bar out through the dive. Once you get some apparent wind and the board up on the plane, you can sheet in, the kite didn’t stall but just increased the grunt. Managed to stay upwind and carving transitions were smooth as with no sign of kite stall.

So had a ball and I would recommend this kite to anyone, particularly because it was keeping up with the 12m2 bows. These kites are super stable and totally predictable. Park them in the corner of the wind window and they just hang there like the are hooked on a skyhook!

I also love ease of set up, solo launch and land. They don't stall like other kites but just float back to the wind window and wait for you there. Auto zenith rocks! you can take your hand and eyes off the kite and it hangs at 12oclock. This makes fixing board straps, having a sandwich or a drink a dream.

Can’t wait to get it out in 25knots+!!!!!

Mate, sounds pretty good, How does it go in the surf, do you have enough
pull instantly to get away from big close outs when you have to ?

Hows the depower in 25 knts ?
Did you fly c kites befor or always on venoms, I have a wipika matrix 11m and am thinking about getting a venom 2, just after more feedback from other users....cheers
Phil

waves are why i use Venoms.no waves and i couldn't be bothered really.I am heavy and like to get out in the predominantly light to moderate winds that we get
Why ?peace of mind that if i stuff up a the kite is unlikely to crash and b if it does it is unlikely to be damaged and will usually relaunch easily.Before the Venom 19 my big kites were LEi and they were great but I destroyed and rebuilt them and they were never the same.
Board is an important factor .I have ben using a 152 x 42 UG FLX .now I use a UG FLX 152 x 44 (thanks Bob and Steve)and have one bi fin on my back foot heelside.Gave a guy a go on it and he commented that it had a feel very close to a surfboard yet the manouverabilty and light weight of a twin tip.(Flat raocker is important with the ability to push out power when needed
my 19 has been modified up to very similar to V 2 .there is an advantage over std v 1 (subtle)but these subtleties such as slightly quicker turn and power give a couple more knots at the bottom end and more fun.
WHere are you ?Give one a try and give it a good 2 hr session.this will give you a good idea

Hey Phil

Yep would agree with all that Mr Float has said. I used to be a die-hard LEI rider, until I tried a Peter Lynn two months ago. Yer they look funny but are super stable and super easy to use.

I havn't had the V2 in the surf yet but it seem super fast and responsive, would imagine you could get away from close outs in a snap. The auto zenith is great, because if you wipe out, the kite waits for you at 12oclock until you are ready. There has been stuff all wind in the west the last week, so have not had it out in anything descent >20. But buy all reports, they have great depower.

Get on one for a couple of hours and make up your own mind. They do fly different and develop power from apparent wind. Will take you about 30 minutes to get used to it, but then, you wont look back!

Good luck and let us know your impressions.

I live in noosa....Dont know anyone round here with one but they sure look like a very good alternative to pump ups.
What size v2 would suit 70 kg, wind range iesies13-25knt?
I have 136 Jimmy Lewis directional board also thinkin about putting straps on one of my ols surfboards....Can you get good boosts with v2

I am also interested in 06 gk sonic. because of its wind range an depower capabilities.

Instant power on demand is what I am looking for..can you guys get that from your v2's.

aron jarman is your man .he specialises in waves and is at Maroochydoor
0422789212

Blownaway

These things get massive air! Because they are so efficient the hang time is unbelievable. Super soft landings also. Your weight and wind range, I reckon a 13m2 would be perfect.

Hi Phil,

Gotta agree with Ratty, the 13m2 should suit you to a tee. I am a newbie (about 3 months of on average once per week) and have been flying the Series 1 V13. I weigh 70kg and have been up planing in 12-13 knots and even had great sessions upto about 25 knots (at this level of experience though, I wouldn't want to take this puppy out in stronger winds than that).

Best of luck with the Venom, I really think using one from the start has helped in keeping up my confidence in kiting - especially in the first few sessions when face plants were common. Auto-zenith rocks - just let go of the bar in a stack, get your composure, find your board, look up and she is still hovering above your head.

Hi Rat
Have you tryed the v2 out in the surf yet ?
I am going to try out a v1 today hopefuly, justwaiting for the wind to kick in. yes i got on to Aron thanks very much.
I will keep you posted !

Hey Blownaway

Nope have not had this baby in the surf yet. However had a awesome session on it yesterday. Wind was blowing 22 to 25 knots. Picture this, hords of kiters going back and forth mowing the lawn. Im up wind thinking this is getting boring. Go for a massive down wind run way past the crowds for some clear water. Then in one tack, Im back up wind of everyone again! This thing goes up-wind better then anything I have ridden. Kite loops are controlled and easy as.

You can follow the kite straight down wind and it just does not stall!

Had to share my awesome session, let us know how you get on with the V1 demo.

Ratlizard.