The Addiction was a new kitesurfing kite for RRD in 2009 and it is their interpretation of the Delta concept.
These kites are becoming more and more popular and with good reason; they offer some very plug-and-play characteristics. RRD have added their own interpretations of course; the bridle is very short with just two pulleys and they still use the multi kite - one bar solution that works well.
There are plenty of PVC wear patches where you would expect them and the leading edge looks very solidly constructed with parallel seams and plenty of extra stitching in the load areas. As usual, the RRD flair for colours and graphics is here and the Addiction is as bold as ever.
There is also plenty of attention to detail with pieces such as Velcro fixers for your bridle to make packing the kite away a tidy affair, as well as webbing strips on the end of the struts to prevent the lines and bridle getting caught in the kite during re-launch.
The Bar
All RRD kites work off the same bar, so you can just buy one bar for your entire quiver - which is a pretty neat idea; the new 2010 bar is still in development so we were riding with the bar from 2009. It comes packed full of features including an excellent above-bar clam cleat depower strap. The bar itself is made from carbon fibre and the centre hole features an aluminium block that has been polished to reduce friction on the depower rope. There are also O’Shit handles for added safety and the bar ends are covered in a softer material so they are easy on your hands and non-slip for kite loops.
In the Air
Once you take your eyes off the Addiction’s great looks and get down to the serious business of flying it you’ll unearth some impressive characteristics.The 9m turns on a dime and is so responsive to bar movements that you can have it whipping about the window with ease. The bar pressure itself is quite light, but the kite still provides good rider feedback. The speed of turning on the 9m make the kite excellent in waves where you need the it to be fast, direct and precise. It is also great for free riders looking to boost some big jumps; the Addiction really pulls you off the water with some force.
The glide of the kite, as with all delta shapes, is very impressive too, giving you plenty of time when in the air. If you do mess up and ditch the kite though then don’t worry as the relaunch is fantastic, the curved leading edge doesn’t stick to the surface tension of the water at all and the Addiction is really easy to relaunch even in the lightest of airs. It does lose a little of its stability when unhooked, but it still works well and this is a very small niggle. Hardcore freestylers should be looking towards the Obsession, which is much better unhooked.
Pros
Heaps of low-end power and a great top end gives the kite a massive range. The turning is lightening sharp and super precise, a pleasure to ride.
Cons
Not the greatest kite unhooked, but it is aimed more towards the freeride market and the Obsession is the kite for the hardcore freestylers.
Overall
The Delta characteristics of the RRD Addiction give it some great capabilities, easy relaunch and great hangtime in the air. Add in some super fast turning light bar pressure and a huge wind range and you have a winner.