Slingshot Fuel 2008 Kite Test Surface2Air Sports

Surface2Air Sports test the new 2008 Slingshot Fuel Kite.

Ok so we have been waiting for this kite for so long most of the Surface2Air Sports team ride the Slingshot Fuel 2007 model and everyone was fighting to get out on this first! here is what the Surface2Air Team thought of the 2008 Slingshot Fuel




Slingshot Fuel 9m

At a Glance
The 2008 Slingshot Fuel is a kite with more pedigree packed into it than a tin of chum! Over 5 years of development have gone into this kite and over the years it has won some faithful followers. It is an out and out freestyle kite and is still a C shape with a fifth line system. Last year was one of the most popular editions of the Fuel and this year you will be pleased to know they haven’t changed too much on the kite. It still has the deep profile that gives it all its power, the bar with the long depower throw that gave the kite such impressive range has hardly changed either. The panel layout has changed slightly with some extra panels around the struts, which also look a little slimmed down. The stitching and build quality has been beefed up even more and the leading edge has 6-inch overlaps where the segments are. We are guessing the bag will be similar to last year; this kite was so fresh though it just arrived in a cardboard box!

In the Air
When brands spend a long time developing the one kite they tend to get it pretty spot on. The Slingshot 08 Fuel is a super rigid and super stable airframe that turns with such precision it is impressive. Even just small movements on the bar create a direct and solid movement in the kite. Kite loops are as ever smooth and stable yet still giving the rider one of the best tugs around. The responsive steering makes the jumps huge and once you have the timing dialled in the Fuel will be putting a big smile on your face. Upwind the kite penetrates the window and is eager to haul the rider back to where they started. Perhaps the most impressive thing was the kites’ stability in strong gusty winds. Even when seriously overpowered the Fuel feels solid invokes confidence in the rider. Perhaps our only grumble would be the chicken loop is pretty busy with the depower cleat, the 5th Line cleat and the solid state quick release all fighting for limited space. This is fine when you are just cruising but as soon as you unhook there is a lot going on right next to your hands!

For
Impressive stability, great upwind, huge top end range, good jumps and an impressive heritage.

Against
Just the busy chicken loop really; fine for cruisers but can bash the hands when riding with the kite set up for unhooking.

OverallAnother great edition to the Fuel family from Slingshot kites!

Other Items that Slingshot Kiteboarding offer:

Slingshot Kitesurf kites:

Slingshot Turbo 2
Slingshot Rev
Slingshot Fuel

Slingshot Kiteboards:

Slingshot Fuse
Slingshot sx
Slingshot Misfit
Slingshot SRT
Slingshot SST
Slingshot Glide

Surface2Air Sports Team

Surface2Air Sports Test the new 2008 F-ONE BANDIT delta kite

Surface2Air Sports have been out on the water testing more 2008 kitesurf kites



F-One Bandit 11m

At a Glance
The F-One Bandit is like no other kite F-One have made before, it is yet another new concept for the 2008 season which aims to deliver better performance and safety features. There is a lot going on with the Fone Bandit, billed as a Delta shape and not a Bow or SLE it still retains a fairly curved arc as opposed to the flatter shape of the Naish Helix. F-One spent an extensive amount of time working on the new shape and found the Delta plan form gave the best stability when the kite was fully depowered. It also means more of the canopy is in use as the wingtips are smaller so you can get more power from a smaller kite. By putting the front line connections further up the leading edge you also bring the tipping point closer to the front of the canopy, which will eliminate inversion and turbulent air when depowered. The Fone Bandit utilises a new bridle called the EVO, which has to be the simplest we have seen yet. Just two simple V bridles connect the kite to the front lines. A pulley at the bottom of the V allows movement and improved depower. A really clever feature is the safety system; a small 15 foot line runs through the bar and connects to the front line, which is single most of the way up until it splits to join the bridle. When the safety on chicken loop is activated this pulls both the front lines and totally depowers the kite till it lands on its back on the water. You can then easily pull on a rear line to get the kite to relaunch as you would with a bow style kite.

The Bar
In the past I have to admit I haven’t been a massive fan of F-one bars, I have always felt they have a bit too much going on and lines and bits everywhere. This year though they have really stepped up their game simplicity is the word here, with the mini safety system and simple decent sized chicken loop there isn’t too much going on when you are riding. There is a clam cleat-depower system that works well and the usual back line trimming options seen on previous F-One kite bars. In the hands the bar feels very comfortable and easy on the hands.

In the Air
This kite definitely looks different once in the sky, the Fone Delta shape is quite noticeable, even more so if you are standing on the beach looking at it! It also feels very powerful, the 11m was pulling us about with ease while others were on 14 and 16m kites. But perhaps the best thing is the very short throw on the bar that switches the power on and off. It really is just a short movement and the kite is depowered. So while the 11m has plenty of guts you can easily trim the depower strap to handle even the harshest of conditions. This new shape really does give the Fone Bandit phenomenal range. The other characteristic you will notice is just how easy the kite is to fly and how predictable is. We test new kites all the time and some take a little while to get used to, the Bandit however just feels right in your hands straight away. Getting some serious air is easy and the kite delivers a lot of float in the jumps. It also rides really well unhooked, a testimony to this is that the entire F-One team will be using this kite at their freestyle competitions from now on! What F-One have done is create a kite that really is good in a lot of different scenarios. If you want to cruise and get big air its great, if you want to unhook and ride freestyle its fantastic too. It also turns really fast and is very responsive which should make it a great kite for the waves. Sadly we were in the Med when we tested it so there wasn’t much rough stuff to play with! Bar pressure is good the bar gives the rider enough feedback to know where the kite is at all times without being so heavy it gets tiring on the arms. The relaunch is really great too and with the kite being so easy to fly it wouldn’t be a bad choice for someone who has had a few lessons and is looking to take the sport up seriously.

Surface2Air Sports say:

For
Easy to fly, perfect for freeride, freestyle and waves. Good jumping and fun kite loops. Will suit confident beginners right through to expert riders.

Against
The EVO bridle whilst simple is long; you’ll need to pack it away with a bit of care to ensure it hasn’t knotted itself in time for your next session!

Overall
A great kite with so many applications; it will be sure to put a smile on your face whatever you decide to use it for!

For Product info on the new 2008 F-One Bandit Kite

Surface2Air Sports Team

Flexifoil Atom 08 kitesurf kite Test

Surface2Air Sports kite test on the new 2008 Flexifoil Atom 9mtr kite


Flexifoil Atom 08 9m

At a Glance

Last year the Atom was a new kite from Flexifoil that was aimed at the mass freeride market. A kite for riders that wanted simplicity matched with effectiveness. If you rode an Atom 07 then we are preaching to the converted as it was a great kite, easy to rig, easy to fly and also delivering some impressive performance to boot. This year the design thankfully hasn’t changed too much, the wingtips are the most noticeable difference, a more angled shape and fuller in the tips. Elsewhere the panel layout has been changed slightly but overall the kite is similar, a good thing too as lots of people loved the original. The bridle is one of the simplest on the market; truly a no fuss kite, riders who remember 4 line c kites will love the ease with which the Atom is rigged. The bar has changed slightly but not much, again simplicity is the key, the grip is softer than last year and a little easier on the hands.

In the Air

One of the most impressive things about the Flexifoil Atom is the direct and responsive handling characteristics. The kite uses a direct attachment from the back lines to the back of the kite, no pulleys at all. And the really simple bridle has just the one pulley on the front of the kite. This helps the Flexi Atom to be super responsive in the hands, the rider knows where it is at all times and can easily steer the kite with an almost instantaneous reaction at the kite end. The Flexifoil Atom isn’t the performance kite in Flexifoils range, billed more as an all round kite with something to offer everyone. But in the right hands the kite has heaps of performance hidden within, jumping is easy and the kite delivers impressive power when you send it back through the window. It really launches the rider of the water with an impressive yank. Float and glide are good too and all that control over the steering makes it easy to feel the kite throughout the jump and land with ease. Unhooked the kite is very stable too and whilst freestyle junkies out there still swear by C shapes they should maybe give the Flexifoil Atom a go, still one of the closest feelings to a true c shape kite that you can get. The kite last year appealed to lots of different riders, and this year it will do the same. For those of us who like to ride the waves will love the fast responsive turn rate, freestylers will enjoy the unhooked stability and everyone else will just enjoy a really simple design working at its best.

Surface2Air Sports Say:

For
Super simple hybrid design, exceedingly proficient in all disciplines of kitesurfing, awesome kiteloops and performance in the right hands.

Against
Even though it has a short bar throw, the depower strap can be a little tricky to reach with ease.

Overall
A great kite from Flexifoil and one to watch this season if you want excellent performance coupled with ease of use.

Other Kitesurf Kites from Flexifoil:
Flexifoil Ion 2 - from £540
Flexifoil Atom 08 - from £359

Kitesurf Boards from Flexifoil:
Flexifoil Alpha Kiteboard - £389
Flexifoil Delta Kiteboard - £429
Flexifoil Omega Kiteboard - £469


Other Land Kites from Flexifoil:
Flexifoil Buzz - £40
Flexifoil Big Buzz - £55
Flexifoil Proteam 8 - £99.95
Flexifoil Sting - from £75
Flexifoil rage - from £150
Flexifoil Blade 4 - from £240
Flexifoil Sabre - from £530

For more reviews go to Surface2Air Sports

Surface2Air sports Team

S2AS Cabrinha Crossbow 3 Test

Surface2Air Sports have been out testing again and boy do we have some great kites for 2008!

Cabrinha Xbow 3 12m

At A Glance:

For the last three years the Crossbow, or X Bow as it is now known has been leading the charge at the head of Cabrinha’s kite line up. At the end of 2005 when it was first released it was on of the most ground breaking kites of its time, starting the whole bow kite revolution. Then last year the X Bow 2 came out and improved in many areas where the Crossbow was lacking. Improving performance and adding features like the Sprint one pump system. The bar was also greatly improved and the overall response to the kite was very positive. This year the shape is very similar to last years excellent design. It looks totally different though with a new panel layout and a bold step away from the traditional colours that have long been associated with Cabrinha. The effect is a funkier more striking kite that really stands out from the crowd. Cabrinha have also done a good job on beefing up their kites for the 2008 season, the entire canopy has been flat seamed and taped before the stitching process and there are loads of heaver weighted materials in the high stress areas. The leading edge and struts have also been heavily reinforced for the coming season, creating a kite that should prove very durable.

In the Air:

The X Bow 3 comes standard with the top of the range 2N1 control bar, which is a 2:1 pulley bar, which offers unrivalled control over the power of the kite. It effectively doubles the sheeting range you have at your finger tips and eliminates the need for a long throw in order to fully depower the kite. When you are flying the X Bow you really do feel in control and the kite is very steady and stable in the window. The bar pressure is quite positive and you will certainly feel the heavier bar if you are not used to riding with a pulley system. The low end power that the 12m delivers is very impressive indeed, in the lightest of airs the X Bow will get you up and riding. The steering of the kite is progressive, the pulleys remove the direct feel you get with a standard bar, but once you have initiated the turn then the kite really starts to arc round with a solid pull. Un hooked the kite is very stable indeed, in fact it is almost like kiting behind a boat the kite is that solid in its power delivery and positioning. It will also excite you when you kite loop it, giving the rider a definite yank as the kite goes around. Lastly the re-launch on the X Bow 3 is just as good as it was last year, and back then it really was leading the pack. The 2:1 at the bar means you can really depower the kite as it flips up onto its wingtip which helps with a fast easy re-launch.

What Surface2Air Sports say:

For:
Improved durability, outright performance and control. Awesome wind range and exciting hangtime.

Against:
Not quite as responsive in the turn as some kites out there

In Short:
A well thought out design with lots of great improvements. In the air it is a very high performance kite that has great light wind ability.

Cabrinha Crossbow 3 Cabrinha Xbow 3

S2AS Team

Dakline Skate Trainers 60-70% off!!!

Surface2Air Sports have slashed the prices on all skate trainers in store for 20 days only!! The Brand DAKLINE is a massive skate trainer brand in the usa and also now in the uk,

We only have a few pairs left in stock but we do have good sizes from 6uk - 11uk so if your looking for a cheap xmas gift look no more! because at these prices you will be vary happy indeed.

The list below is all the DAKLINE trainers we have in stock and on sale.

Very Cheap and discounted skate trainers:

Dakline Villain Black/Green = Was £49.99 now £19.99

Dakline Villain Black/White = Was £49.99 now £19.99

Dakline Villain Black/Red = Was £49.99 now £19.99

Dakline Deuce Black/White = Was £59.99 now £19.99

Dakline Deuce Black/Green = Was £59.99 now £19.99

As far as a skate trainer goes this brand Dakline is up there with Vans / DC and others.

Surface2Air Sports team also wear Dakline Trainers

S2AS Team

Dakine Travel Luggage 2020 in S2AS stores now

DAKINE Luggage 2020  

For those of you who are planning on escaping the UK for somewhere warmer or windier or just getting ready for a winter trip, 

You need to get your hands on the impressive and stylish new Dakine Travel Luggage that we have in Surface2Air Sports and available now with FREE SHIPPING!

The DAKINE Ladies section is enormous and includes-

Dakine Toiletry Bags,

Dakine Backpacks

Dakine Duffle bags

And not to mention the new eye-catching DAKINE Split Roller Bags.

Dakine Backpacks

The guy's DAKINE luggage is also huge, With the new DAKINE Ashcroft graphic designs giving a sleek and tidy look to the robust and roomy Dakine Split Roller Bag 110L and the Dakine Split Roller Bag 85L.

As well as this comes, the ultimate in travel luggage Carry on's These are Legal size carry on bags that you can take on the aircraft with you so perfect for those short trips. These bags are ideal for the hardened traveller or the business traveller that does not have time to wait for the hold baggage to come off the aircraft.
Also, it will help save money as you do not have to pay for Carry on bags so each trip you will be saving money. The Dakine Carry on is one handy wheeled bag that will roll through all vigours of travel.

Dakine Carry on Case in action

We have all of these DAKINE bags in store right now, as well as many others that are on the website. So don't miss out!

Dakine History

Dakine's History:
'Dakine got its start on Maui's North Shore in 1979. Rob Kaplan was a surfer first, but he was also a tinkerer who loved building stuff. In 1980, Dakine introduced windsurfing's first adjustable foot strap, followed in 1982 by a waist harness and a whole bunch of travel bags, then the Sport's first seat harness in 1983, and then the now-ubiquitous thermo-moulded waist harness. These advances in equipment design helped Windsurfers sail faster, jump higher and ride in more intense conditions. They also established Dakine as one of the new Sport's most trusted brands. By 1986, windsurfing's center of gravity had shifted to Hood River, Oregon. While Dakine would keep a presence on Maui, its headquarters moved to the mainland. Hood River also sits on the base of Mount Hood, snowboarders and skiers from all over the world train here in the summer. Now, not only were we talking to some of the world's best surfers and windsurfers, but we also had world-class snowboarders and skiers coming in and out of the office too. It was one of those snowboarders that led us to the first Heli Pack. Forty-one years later, Dakine continues to make the most progressive equipment to take you from the water to the mountains and everywhere in between.'
The newest Sport has to be Kitesurfing, DAKINE Have really pushed the Sport to new levels since 2001 and produced some of the worlds best kitesurfing harnesses from the Seat harness to the new Dakine Wasit harnesses. As an accessories brand, Dakine is as good as it gets from Snowboarding to Kitesurfing Dakine will help get you on the Snow or water with a product that works when you need it to.


Surface2Air Sports

Slingshot Rev Takes the world by storm

Slingshot Rev Kitesurf Kite

So the word on the beach is that Slingshot Kite boarding are due to release a new kitesurf kite called the Slingshot Rev now this is true we now have 4 Slingshot Rev's here in the uk both our surface2Air Kent shop and Surface2Air Poole shop have a 9mtr Slingshot Rev and 11m Slingshot Rev each ready for Demo.
What is different about the new Slingshot Rev than other kites?
Well the new Slingshot Rev is for sure the best kite I have ever flown! I own Slingshot fuels at the moment and love them but the Slingshot fuels are now up for sale as I will be getting 9 & 13m Slingshot rev's, I tried everything when testing this kite.
I did my best to make it over fly and drop from the sky but with no joy I unhooked from the kite and ran under the Rev and the kite just rocked back above my head super stable!
Re-launch now this was so easy, you can drop the kite and every time the kite re-launches with ease by just pulling on one of the steering lines (just like a bow kite)
Slingshot have also put a new Safety system on the new Rev and this makes it possible to let the kite go on the re-ride safety system, now all other kites I have flown if you do this forget re-launching the kite your on a swim into the beach.
I was told by slingshot that I could re-launch the kite after I let the bar go and flag the kite out, I was not so sure but I had a go,
I unhooked the kite and let the bar go...off it went up the lines about 15mtrs and the kite laid out flat a dropped from the sky onto the water, now I was very unsure that this Slingshot rev was going to re-launch from the water.
I started to put the safety line in until I could reach the control bar hooked back in and then I heard the safety line whizzing back though the bar when it stopped the kite had put it's self back in the leading edge down position with no tangles in any of the 4 lines, I was amazed and I pulled on the steering line and off the kite went into the air, I could not believe it! so I went out and done it over 8 times to see if I could make the lines tangle but no joy it worked every time.
so I would say the Slingshot Rev kitesurf kite has the stability of the Slingshot Turbo 2 and the power of the Slingshot Fuel with build quality to boot, What more do we want?

These kites will be available to buy mid-end of August the first shipment will come via air and only 60 Slingshot Rev kites will be on this flight Surface2Air will have 36 of these kites so we should have good stock, however after your demo or as soon as you know you want one call us to pre-order

For more info on the Slingshot Rev Kitesurf Kite

call us on 01202 738448

Angelo

S2AS Team