Had a few sessions on a 19m Venom 2, so I thought I might write a review.

My details are:- 93 kg, been kiting for about 12 months. Currently ride an 11m Sonic, 18m GK Curl and 147 Stonker board.

Had a few fly’s of the kite on the beach to get it set up properly and was not overly impressed, but a nice easy to fly kite. Decided to change the trim line set up to similar to the sonic but with a slingshot QR and a trapeze trim cleat up at the top of the trim line.

Finally got it out on the water (read surf) on Friday for a fly in gusty NW to N winds 10 to 17 knots averaging about 14 knots. Had all the internal straps up tight to increase power and turning speed with the trade off being upwind ability and depower. It appears the kite sits further back in the window with the straps done up tight.

Kite was amazing, had plenty of power, turned well and took me upwind with no problem at all, I even did a couple of down wind runs to get back where I started from.

Power:- Has about the same low end as a 18m C kite, top end unknown as yet, never felt overpowered even though the closest wind meter read gusts of 24 knots. Did I mention that you hardly feel the gusts and has heaps of depower.

Turning:- You got to fly it like it’s stolen to get the best out of it. It turns as quick if not quicker than a similar sized C kite deep in the window, however turns slower than a C kite at the edge of the window.

Jumping:- First jump was supposed to be a small one just to get the feel for it, It scared the crap out of me, I came down way to close to the beach and trees. Remember to put extra sunscreen on because you will be getting a lot closer to the sun.

Overall the kite was fantastic, putting your board on has never been easier and the kite is so stable in the air you actually forget its there. The auto zenith is great so it never falls in the water. Never did a relaunch ‘cause I didn’t try too hard, I was about 500m off the beach at times and some big sharks hang around the area.

It’s very different kite to fly compared to LEI’s, still haven’t worked out where to put it while riding waves, but that’ll come.

Self launching and landing is pretty easy, however while launching for a second session after a break, a turbulent gust caught it, it collapsed, turned and flew into the trees, putting a 7 inch tear in the canopy….. BUGGER. Got home and repaired it within an hour, how good is that? You couldn’t do that with a LEI!!!

My groin fizzes like sherbert at the thought of riding this kite in the surf again. I love this kite.

Crakas.

Hey Barry,
Good review!! Never thought we'd see you away from your Sonic!!!
See ya at the passage!!

PS email me your email address so you can go on the Social Club list for bbq's n stuff.

I love the sonic but wanted something for between 12 and 20 knots for the surf and the venom fits the bill perfectly.

How did the barbie go? Could not make it due to the fun police being on the warpath and I wasn't game to mention anything about kiting.

Bazza.