At a Glance
When we first got our hands on these new kiteboards from Xenon we were immediately impressed. The styling is just so tasteful and the finish is superb, every time we have had them down on the beach people have commented on the look and styling, which is clean and will appeal to lots of riders. With a wood core and a 3 year warranty you can be sure that inside the boards have been thought about too.
Fixtures and fittings are also to a high standard and the La Luz features an upgrade on the footpads over the Rayo, they have an air core, which compresses and helps the pad mould around your foot. The straps are super comfy and easy to adjust and the 5cm G10 fins finish off the product giving it a real feel of quality. The La Luz features a full carbon laminate too, giving it some extra stiffness and improved flex and reflex characteristics over the Rayo.
On the Water
The La Luz is stiffer than its more freeride orientated brother the Rayo, this kite board is aimed squarely at the freestyle and performance market and when you put it on your feet you can see why. It has a big top end speed and the more wind you throw at the board the faster it goes; seemingly knowing no limits. It isn’t the comfiest of rides in the chop, the stiffness which makes it fast means it crashes through lumps rather than bending around them. But the speed is intense!
Loading up the edge of the board to pop you can really feel it explode off the water. It displaces buckets and launches you into the air with a force that can catch you unaware. Make sure you are ready for it! The 132 is 40cm wide too so when you come down to land there is plenty of board underfoot to make sticking those tricks easy.
Upwind the board flies, all that speed makes it easy to load up the back leg and drive the board to windward. If you are a good rider who wants something that has limitless performance yet is still reasonably forgiving then this would be a good choice for you.
Pros
Speed, speed, speed! If you want to go high you need to go fast, the La Luz is a really quick kiteboard with excellent pop to boost you out of the water for technical freestyle manoeuvres.
Cons
Bigger riders may find the 132 a little small, and may find the 42cm wide 135 a little big in terms of the width.
Overall
A great top end performance freestyle board with awesome graphics and styling, it should appeal to plenty of riders and will offer you a solid, fast, exciting ride!
For more information visit your local dealer or visit www.xenonboards.com
Monday, 28 September 2009
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Takoon Sutra 129 x 40 Review
We haven’t seen a kiteboard from the boys at Takoon for some time here. So we were quite excited when the Sutra first arrived at the office. The graphics and design of the board make it a definite standout from the rest. The black and gold colour way making it look super smart and the matching pads and straps just being the icing on the cake.
This kite board is aimed at the higher end of the market. Experienced riders looking for a high performance board that can handle whatever they throw at it. There are four sizes in the line up a 126 x 38, 129 x 38, 129 x 40 and a 132 x 40 so there should be one out there to suit you. Especially if you are a light weight rider or someone looking for a high wind board that can hold down some power.
On the Water
Whilst the Sutra looks good we were interested to see how it performed on the water rather than how many heads it turned! The board is very lively and even though quite short compared to some of the others the width helps it to get going early enough. There is a three-stage rocker line with a flat section in the middle that also helps it to get up and going early on. This rocker line also adds to the boards top end speed. The Sutra is pretty quick in a straight line especially when powered up. It is also fairly stiff in terms of flex, which enables it to deliver some serious pop to the rider when you want it to. The tips by comparison to some boards aren’t super wide so the Sutra also lends itself well to rail to rail carving. In the waves it is also easy to throw about and the 5cm fins give you plenty of grip when you need it.
The Sutra is one of the only kiteboards in the test to have a flat bottom, this adds to its top end speed and helps it to get going early but does make it a little hard on the really powered landings. Especially with the stiff flex characteristics. Through the chop the sharp rails help you to cut through the worst of it and considering the flat rocker line and stiff flex the board feels surprisingly comfortable underfoot. It is equally at home in the freestyle arena as it is in the waves and as long as you know what you are doing you will get a lot out of the Sutra no matter what conditions you throw at it.
Fixtures and Fittings
The Sutra comes as standard with 5cm G10 fins which give you plenty of bite when you need it. The pads are of a good size and comfortable on the feet. The straps have good adjustment and match the colour of the board, so the whole package looks really well put together.
Overall
If you are experienced and want some performance in your riding then the Sutra would be well suited to both freestyle and wave riding, definitely a good all rounder with a solid lean towards the freestyle arena.
For more information visit www.takoon.com
This kite board is aimed at the higher end of the market. Experienced riders looking for a high performance board that can handle whatever they throw at it. There are four sizes in the line up a 126 x 38, 129 x 38, 129 x 40 and a 132 x 40 so there should be one out there to suit you. Especially if you are a light weight rider or someone looking for a high wind board that can hold down some power.
On the Water
Whilst the Sutra looks good we were interested to see how it performed on the water rather than how many heads it turned! The board is very lively and even though quite short compared to some of the others the width helps it to get going early enough. There is a three-stage rocker line with a flat section in the middle that also helps it to get up and going early on. This rocker line also adds to the boards top end speed. The Sutra is pretty quick in a straight line especially when powered up. It is also fairly stiff in terms of flex, which enables it to deliver some serious pop to the rider when you want it to. The tips by comparison to some boards aren’t super wide so the Sutra also lends itself well to rail to rail carving. In the waves it is also easy to throw about and the 5cm fins give you plenty of grip when you need it.The Sutra is one of the only kiteboards in the test to have a flat bottom, this adds to its top end speed and helps it to get going early but does make it a little hard on the really powered landings. Especially with the stiff flex characteristics. Through the chop the sharp rails help you to cut through the worst of it and considering the flat rocker line and stiff flex the board feels surprisingly comfortable underfoot. It is equally at home in the freestyle arena as it is in the waves and as long as you know what you are doing you will get a lot out of the Sutra no matter what conditions you throw at it.
Fixtures and Fittings
The Sutra comes as standard with 5cm G10 fins which give you plenty of bite when you need it. The pads are of a good size and comfortable on the feet. The straps have good adjustment and match the colour of the board, so the whole package looks really well put together.
Overall
If you are experienced and want some performance in your riding then the Sutra would be well suited to both freestyle and wave riding, definitely a good all rounder with a solid lean towards the freestyle arena.
For more information visit www.takoon.com
Friday, 18 September 2009
North Rhino 09 Kite Review
At a Glance
The North Rhino is one of the oldest kitesurfing kites out there in terms of pedigree. While the name has remained the same the kite has undergone many changes over the years and is a far cry from the original powerhouse Rhino first put into production back in 2001. The kite isn’t drastically different from its 2008 form however, more tweaks than glaring differences have been made here.
The kite retains the “missing” centre strut design which puts a big flat power section in the middle of the kite. The bridle is still accompanied by the 5th line, but the bridling on the kite this year has been simplified. The 6-strut design features some large battens on the trailing edge near the wingtip to aid airframe stability.
The build quality is up to the usual high North standards; plenty of reinforcement patches on the wear stress points, and quality materials have been used throughout.
The Bar
The North Rhino flies on the tried and tested North 5th Element Bar, this has been in the North kites range for a number of years and has had many tweaks and improvements over the years.
The Iron Heart safety release makes a welcome return, ensuring that if you do need to get out in a hurry you can. The trim cleat is back too, this allows you to not only adjust the depower, but also trim your lines to the right lengths by pulling the rope through the back of the cleat. This allows you to set up the bar and kite in a more personal manner and it works really well.
Naturally the bar itself is of a very high quality with comfortable bar ends to keep your hands in place during kite loops.
In the Air
The Rhino is billed as the ultimate freeride kite, but it is also used to devastating effect by the race team. One thing is for sure this kite is fast and very quick through the air. Coupled with a quick board you will be flying past your mates.
The bar pressure is positive enough to let you know where the kite is at all times without being so light you don’t get any feedback. Turning on the Rhino is also precise and direct, the kite responding quickly to input from the bar and the rider. One thing we did find was that the leading edge needs to be inflated pretty hard to avoid the wingtips folding in the turn, this is a kite you really want to fill with air. A quick note should also be made to say once inflated, leave it for a minute to let the air flow to the struts then give it some more pumps. On a couple of occasions we found the leading edge had lost pressure, of course the pressure was just spreading through the kite. Inflated properly the Rhino is a demon piece of kit. The extra turn of speed allows you to get some serious hangtime, the jumps are really floaty and you get a true sense of flying with the Rhino.
The last thing that impressed us, although we weren’t surprised, was the upwind ability. The Rhino flies upwind well and the large flat section in the middle of the kite provides plenty of power even at the bottom of the kites wind range.
Pros
Great pedigree, fantastic build quality with lots of attention to detail, fast powerful and great at jumping, the North Rhino 09 reminds of the Rhino’s of old, and that’s a good thing!
Cons
Just make sure you pump the kite up hard and ensure to add a little extra, it takes a few seconds for the air to get to the struts, and if you don’t close the valves off then you will find you lose a little pressure.
Overall
A very high performance freeride kite surfing kite, this will reward the more experienced riders out there with some huge airs and fast pace. If you want to go racing as well then this has to be the kite of choice.
The North Rhino is one of the oldest kitesurfing kites out there in terms of pedigree. While the name has remained the same the kite has undergone many changes over the years and is a far cry from the original powerhouse Rhino first put into production back in 2001. The kite isn’t drastically different from its 2008 form however, more tweaks than glaring differences have been made here.
The kite retains the “missing” centre strut design which puts a big flat power section in the middle of the kite. The bridle is still accompanied by the 5th line, but the bridling on the kite this year has been simplified. The 6-strut design features some large battens on the trailing edge near the wingtip to aid airframe stability.
The build quality is up to the usual high North standards; plenty of reinforcement patches on the wear stress points, and quality materials have been used throughout.
The Bar
The North Rhino flies on the tried and tested North 5th Element Bar, this has been in the North kites range for a number of years and has had many tweaks and improvements over the years.
The Iron Heart safety release makes a welcome return, ensuring that if you do need to get out in a hurry you can. The trim cleat is back too, this allows you to not only adjust the depower, but also trim your lines to the right lengths by pulling the rope through the back of the cleat. This allows you to set up the bar and kite in a more personal manner and it works really well.
Naturally the bar itself is of a very high quality with comfortable bar ends to keep your hands in place during kite loops.
In the Air
The Rhino is billed as the ultimate freeride kite, but it is also used to devastating effect by the race team. One thing is for sure this kite is fast and very quick through the air. Coupled with a quick board you will be flying past your mates.
The bar pressure is positive enough to let you know where the kite is at all times without being so light you don’t get any feedback. Turning on the Rhino is also precise and direct, the kite responding quickly to input from the bar and the rider. One thing we did find was that the leading edge needs to be inflated pretty hard to avoid the wingtips folding in the turn, this is a kite you really want to fill with air. A quick note should also be made to say once inflated, leave it for a minute to let the air flow to the struts then give it some more pumps. On a couple of occasions we found the leading edge had lost pressure, of course the pressure was just spreading through the kite. Inflated properly the Rhino is a demon piece of kit. The extra turn of speed allows you to get some serious hangtime, the jumps are really floaty and you get a true sense of flying with the Rhino.The last thing that impressed us, although we weren’t surprised, was the upwind ability. The Rhino flies upwind well and the large flat section in the middle of the kite provides plenty of power even at the bottom of the kites wind range.
Pros
Great pedigree, fantastic build quality with lots of attention to detail, fast powerful and great at jumping, the North Rhino 09 reminds of the Rhino’s of old, and that’s a good thing!
Cons
Just make sure you pump the kite up hard and ensure to add a little extra, it takes a few seconds for the air to get to the struts, and if you don’t close the valves off then you will find you lose a little pressure.
Overall
A very high performance freeride kite surfing kite, this will reward the more experienced riders out there with some huge airs and fast pace. If you want to go racing as well then this has to be the kite of choice.
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Best Waroo 09 Kite Review
At a Glance
The Best Waroo has been one of the most popular kitesurfing kites on the market for some time, and with good reason. It has in recent years become one of the kites that just “works” whatever you decide to throw at it. The low price made it a hit with kiters and word spread.
Last year, in 2008, the kite was somewhat of a revelation, kiteloops, freestyle, waves, freeride you name it, whatever you threw at it the kite performed. This year the 09 Waroo has a tweaked bridle aimed at giving you more depower and the usual beefy construction, something that in recent years has really come on leaps and bounds. With the Waroo you can be assured it will survive a nasty wipeout or two with enough reinforcements to install confidence in the canopy.
The Bar
The new Best bar is really something to pay attention too, one of the best thought out set ups we have seen in a while. It is packed with features; there are landing handles on both front lines allowing you to land the kite safely on your own. Oh Shit handles on the rear lines add extra safety, the chicken loop release is also very easy to activate and to reset. The chicken loop uses male/female shaping to ensure it won’t twist when you unhook and the bar ends are super comfy for kite loop tricks. It really does ooze quality.
In the Air
Last year the Waroo really set the benchmark in terms of a freeride kite surfing kite. We were keen to see how it would fair this year and can report we were not disappointed!
The kite comes with plenty of user settings to enable you to set it up how you want it to ride. You really can set it to be slow or fast and also vary the bar pressure. We set it on the fast turning points and were very impressed with the speed of the kite this year; it really does turn with a blistering pace. This translates into some huge air and hangtime. The kite really rips you off the water and boosts you super high. You can hover the kite over head and still have time to redirect it forwards in time for the landing. The bar pressure while adjustable on the kite felt fine on the fast settings, not too hard or too soft. Giving you enough feedback to know where the kite was at all times.
Upwind the Waroo also flies well with the thin leading edge allowing it to really penetrate the window and drag you upwind with it. Unhooking with the new bar is excellent as the chicken loop sits exactly where you would expect it too in just the right place to pull the bar in and hook back in. We were also pleased to see the kite delivers a good loop too; one of our favourite features from the 08 kite. Pull on the bar and send it through the window to find a decent consistent pull on the kite.
Pros
The 09 Waroo is an awesome freeride kite, great jumps, easy to unhook and excellent upwind. With good depower too the Waroo won’t disappoint.
Cons
We have said it before and we’ll say it again, we love one pump, We have heard for 2010 Best may be introducing an external style system as opposed to the internal one they used on some kites in 2008. We would love to see a one pump Waroo.
Overall
Fantastic bar, great kite, what else is there to say, once again the Waroo does exactly what you ask it to, pure and simple.
For more information go to your local dealer or visit www.bestkiteboarding.com
The Best Waroo has been one of the most popular kitesurfing kites on the market for some time, and with good reason. It has in recent years become one of the kites that just “works” whatever you decide to throw at it. The low price made it a hit with kiters and word spread.
Last year, in 2008, the kite was somewhat of a revelation, kiteloops, freestyle, waves, freeride you name it, whatever you threw at it the kite performed. This year the 09 Waroo has a tweaked bridle aimed at giving you more depower and the usual beefy construction, something that in recent years has really come on leaps and bounds. With the Waroo you can be assured it will survive a nasty wipeout or two with enough reinforcements to install confidence in the canopy.
The Bar
The new Best bar is really something to pay attention too, one of the best thought out set ups we have seen in a while. It is packed with features; there are landing handles on both front lines allowing you to land the kite safely on your own. Oh Shit handles on the rear lines add extra safety, the chicken loop release is also very easy to activate and to reset. The chicken loop uses male/female shaping to ensure it won’t twist when you unhook and the bar ends are super comfy for kite loop tricks. It really does ooze quality.
In the Air
Last year the Waroo really set the benchmark in terms of a freeride kite surfing kite. We were keen to see how it would fair this year and can report we were not disappointed!
The kite comes with plenty of user settings to enable you to set it up how you want it to ride. You really can set it to be slow or fast and also vary the bar pressure. We set it on the fast turning points and were very impressed with the speed of the kite this year; it really does turn with a blistering pace. This translates into some huge air and hangtime. The kite really rips you off the water and boosts you super high. You can hover the kite over head and still have time to redirect it forwards in time for the landing. The bar pressure while adjustable on the kite felt fine on the fast settings, not too hard or too soft. Giving you enough feedback to know where the kite was at all times.Upwind the Waroo also flies well with the thin leading edge allowing it to really penetrate the window and drag you upwind with it. Unhooking with the new bar is excellent as the chicken loop sits exactly where you would expect it too in just the right place to pull the bar in and hook back in. We were also pleased to see the kite delivers a good loop too; one of our favourite features from the 08 kite. Pull on the bar and send it through the window to find a decent consistent pull on the kite.
Pros
The 09 Waroo is an awesome freeride kite, great jumps, easy to unhook and excellent upwind. With good depower too the Waroo won’t disappoint.
Cons
We have said it before and we’ll say it again, we love one pump, We have heard for 2010 Best may be introducing an external style system as opposed to the internal one they used on some kites in 2008. We would love to see a one pump Waroo.
Overall
Fantastic bar, great kite, what else is there to say, once again the Waroo does exactly what you ask it to, pure and simple.
For more information go to your local dealer or visit www.bestkiteboarding.com
Monday, 14 September 2009
Slingshot Lunacy 132 x 41 2009 Review
At A GlanceRuben Lenten has been riding the Fuel from Slingshot for seven years! Famously he was riding Brunotti kiteboards for a while, but a couple of years ago he switched to Slingshot sticks and last year they produced his first ever Pro Model kiteboard, the Slingshot Lunacy.
This year the board has undergone some changes and improvements. The main one being the technology that has been borrowed from Slingshot’s wakeboard construction techniques. The kite boards are actually made at the Slingshot wakeboard factory in the USA and come in three sizes, the 129, 132, and 135.
The construction used is dubbed FRT, which stands for Future Response Technology. This kite board promises to have improved flex, rebound and pop over previous models. The graphics have undergone a major change too and you can’t argue with the appearance of the board; the white and gold looks pimp.
The outline and shape is similar to last year and you can tell from the super wide tips that this board has been shaped with freestyle firmly in mind.
On the Water
The Slingshot Lunacy is a thorough bred freestyle machine, and you must remember this board has been designed with one person in mind. When you consider that person is none other than Ruben Lenten, one of the most hardcore and aggressive riders out there, you will get some idea as to what this board is like.
First up it is very fast in a straight line. You almost don’t notice just how quick you are going until you load up the edge and explode off the water. But it isn’t as simple as that. The board needs to be ridden very aggressively to achieve the maximum performance. It isn’t a forgiving ride at all and we found it quite hard to get the most out of it. On flat water though, one you are tuned in, there really isn’t a limit to its performance, except perhaps your own riding ability! Landing tricks is really easy on the super wide platform, but getting into them when the board is going at Mach 10 can be a little tricky!
Out of the flat water and into serious chop the Lunacy isn’t quite as at home. The stiff mid section makes it an effort on your knees and this kiteboard is by no means easy to ride.
Experts only need really apply here. In fact if you’re young, dumb and Dutch it is probably perfect, which of course is the whole reason for its existence. As older, slower riders we still prefer the Misfit, as it is easier to ride and much more forgiving than the Lunacy.
Pros
Insane performance - it’s called the Lunacy after all! If you are an expert rider looking for the ultimate then search no further. Especially if you like to ride super fast and powered.
Cons
Very specific freestyle machine and definitely not for the mere mortals out there!
Overall
If you like the way Ruben rides and you think you have the balls to ride like him, give the Slingshot Lunacy a go.
For more information visit www.s2as.com or go to www.slingshotsports.com
from iksurf mag..
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Best Ouija 134 x 41.5 Kiteboard Review
Last year the Drive kite boards were firm favourites in the Best kite board line up; aimed at the rider looking for a high performance board that wasn’t too technical to ride. We rode the Drive 131 Ltd and we were very impressed with it this time last year. It was fast, one of the fastest boards we rode last year in fact and delivered excellent pop.
This year the Drive series of boards have been replaced by the Ouija line up. There are just two kiteboards this year in the Ouija range, a 129 x 39 and this 134 x 41.5. Last year one comment we had about the 131 Drive was that it was a bit small for the larger freestyle rider. Seeing a 134 is a very welcome thing, especially if you’re bigger than the average kiter!
The board is made using lightweight snowboard construction with an ABS rail; a gloss top sheet sets it apart from the rest in terms of finish. A CNC machined wood core sits inside and the top deck is simple and smooth, no cut outs or step caps here!
On the Water
The Ouija is the one of the widest kite boards in this recent test and this helps it to really get going early on. Even for the heavier riders out there the 134 will have you up and on the plane super quick in the lightest of airs.
The rocker line is fairly flat, although it is continuous. This again helps the board eagerly get going when the wind isn’t howling and helps it maintain its speed through the lulls. The outline of the board I fairly square with wide tips, this shape really lends itself to getting good pop off the water. You can really load up these tips and the edges to resist a serious amount of pull from the kite. Then when you release you really get thrown up into the air on the Ouija. The flex is fairly stiff with a little more flex in the tips and this again helps to launch the board and the rider. The super wide outline and size of the board make landing tricks really easy, there is just so much platform to come down on that you’ll be landing tricks you have been crashing for ages in no time.
One of our favourite features of last year’s kiteboard was the speed and we are pleased to say the Ouija is still quick in a straight line. The flat rocker and sharp rails allow it to accelerate with some pace and when it is at speed the concave bottom help to give the rider a little more control. The board handles the chop well too, the sharp rails really cutting through the roughest of stuff. The width of the board doesn’t lend itself to rail-to-rail carving but there is the Spark line up that caters more for the freeride market.
The Ouija is definitely a freestyle beast and in the right conditions it will impress even the most hardcore of riders. Some of you out there are still riding small boards, and the size of the Ouija may seem off putting. But with modern style kites and the depower we now have you no longer need a small board and something this size will just allow you to pop harder and to land you tricks far easier. If you are a lightweight then perhaps go for the smaller model. But otherwise go big; you’ll definitely love it!
Fixtures and Fittings
The straps and fins are excellent and easy to fit onto the board. The foam pads are comfortable but are quite small. If you have big feet you may want to change them to save your toes or heels hanging off the edges!
Overall
A definite improvement over last years Drive 131, the extra size is very welcome indeed. The Ouija is definitely more suited to freestyle than freeride but it has a huge range being able to get going very early on and still hold down buckets of power. The speed and pop will be sure to excite.
For more information go to your local dealer or visit www.bestkiteboarding.com
This year the Drive series of boards have been replaced by the Ouija line up. There are just two kiteboards this year in the Ouija range, a 129 x 39 and this 134 x 41.5. Last year one comment we had about the 131 Drive was that it was a bit small for the larger freestyle rider. Seeing a 134 is a very welcome thing, especially if you’re bigger than the average kiter!
The board is made using lightweight snowboard construction with an ABS rail; a gloss top sheet sets it apart from the rest in terms of finish. A CNC machined wood core sits inside and the top deck is simple and smooth, no cut outs or step caps here!
On the Water
The Ouija is the one of the widest kite boards in this recent test and this helps it to really get going early on. Even for the heavier riders out there the 134 will have you up and on the plane super quick in the lightest of airs.
The rocker line is fairly flat, although it is continuous. This again helps the board eagerly get going when the wind isn’t howling and helps it maintain its speed through the lulls. The outline of the board I fairly square with wide tips, this shape really lends itself to getting good pop off the water. You can really load up these tips and the edges to resist a serious amount of pull from the kite. Then when you release you really get thrown up into the air on the Ouija. The flex is fairly stiff with a little more flex in the tips and this again helps to launch the board and the rider. The super wide outline and size of the board make landing tricks really easy, there is just so much platform to come down on that you’ll be landing tricks you have been crashing for ages in no time.One of our favourite features of last year’s kiteboard was the speed and we are pleased to say the Ouija is still quick in a straight line. The flat rocker and sharp rails allow it to accelerate with some pace and when it is at speed the concave bottom help to give the rider a little more control. The board handles the chop well too, the sharp rails really cutting through the roughest of stuff. The width of the board doesn’t lend itself to rail-to-rail carving but there is the Spark line up that caters more for the freeride market.
The Ouija is definitely a freestyle beast and in the right conditions it will impress even the most hardcore of riders. Some of you out there are still riding small boards, and the size of the Ouija may seem off putting. But with modern style kites and the depower we now have you no longer need a small board and something this size will just allow you to pop harder and to land you tricks far easier. If you are a lightweight then perhaps go for the smaller model. But otherwise go big; you’ll definitely love it!
Fixtures and Fittings
The straps and fins are excellent and easy to fit onto the board. The foam pads are comfortable but are quite small. If you have big feet you may want to change them to save your toes or heels hanging off the edges!
Overall
A definite improvement over last years Drive 131, the extra size is very welcome indeed. The Ouija is definitely more suited to freestyle than freeride but it has a huge range being able to get going very early on and still hold down buckets of power. The speed and pop will be sure to excite.
For more information go to your local dealer or visit www.bestkiteboarding.com
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
JN Prima Donna 3 Kite Review
At a Glance
The Prima Donna 3 is a pure freestyle machine from JN, aimed at the kiter looking for consistent reliable top end performance. In its third year the Prima Donna has undergone some more tweaks to keep it at the top of its game. The profile for this kitesurfing kite has been opened out a little to give it more low-end power; wider larger wingtips help the kite to turn faster and the Floating Batten Technology is back to help create the ultimate profile shape even when the wind is gusty.
The construction has also stepped up a gear too; this year the kite features One Pump which is a really good addition, there is also a new patented cutting technique that allows for less seams at the tips of the kite, allowing for better rigidity and improved airflow, it also increases durability.
Available in 6 different sizes 5m, 7m, 9m, 11m, 13m and 15m there should be a size to suit every quiver when it comes to this kite surfing kite.
The Bar
We were supplied with a JN Switchcraft bar, there is a new one coming out soon which has different colours for the grips, but the features remain the same. There are O Shit handles on the rear lines for added safety and of course the Prima Donna is a 5th line affair so you have all the security you need should things go wrong. The quick release is a well built and thoroughly engineered affair and it works well even when it is sandy. The interesting thing about the Switchcraft bar is that you can changed the length of the bar by loosening the ends with a screwdriver and twisting them, by using the different rear line attachment points you can actually get 4 different lengths out of the 1 bar; great if you want to have several kites and just use one bar. There is also a stopper ball which you can adjust using a hexagonal key.
In the Air
Last year we enjoyed riding the Prima Donna 2 as it had a very smooth predictable feel about it; the C shape giving it a direct feel in the turns that was very responsive. To the naked eye the kite doesn’t look all that different this year but there are quite a few tweaks so we were keen to see how it would perform.
In lighter airs you can really feel the wider arc profile working to create even more low end power, which was something last years kite never lacked. The 11m is very powerful and we were out riding it when others were on 12 and 13m kites and still tearing it up. The turning is precise and direct and a little faster than last year. It is the turning speed that makes this kite so fun to ride. You really can put it exactly where you want to for every trick and also generate huge lift when you send it back through the window. The jumping and hang-time on the JN is fantastic and sure to put a smile on anyone’s face who dares to push it as hard as they can.
Unhooked the Prima Donna 3 really comes into its own. It is so stable and well behaved when you unhook it really inspires confidence, allowing you to push even harder knowing the only barrier to improving is yourself and not the kite. Definitely a kite for the more experienced free rider or freestyle junky, as the performance will easily be tapped into. If you are an intermediate looking for something a little different to the usual bridled style kites then the Prima Donna 3 has a forgiving side that you will enjoy too.
Pros
Low end power, smooth direct turning and response, immense hang-time and perfect for freestyle tricks!
Cons
We’d love to see a stopper ball that you could adjust a little easier; sometimes it is great to be able to use this feature on the fly. That said though the de-power throw on the JN is quite short, so it isn’t too much of an issue.
Overall
The construction is much improved and features like One Pump and the great bar set up will be sure to attract a lot of riders. With top end performance that you’ll struggle to run out of, this kite should be putting smiles on the faces of riders all season long.
For more information go to www.jn-kites.com and for info on kites, kitesurfing lessons and everything about kite surfing, come to www.s2as.com
The Prima Donna 3 is a pure freestyle machine from JN, aimed at the kiter looking for consistent reliable top end performance. In its third year the Prima Donna has undergone some more tweaks to keep it at the top of its game. The profile for this kitesurfing kite has been opened out a little to give it more low-end power; wider larger wingtips help the kite to turn faster and the Floating Batten Technology is back to help create the ultimate profile shape even when the wind is gusty.The construction has also stepped up a gear too; this year the kite features One Pump which is a really good addition, there is also a new patented cutting technique that allows for less seams at the tips of the kite, allowing for better rigidity and improved airflow, it also increases durability.
Available in 6 different sizes 5m, 7m, 9m, 11m, 13m and 15m there should be a size to suit every quiver when it comes to this kite surfing kite.
The Bar
We were supplied with a JN Switchcraft bar, there is a new one coming out soon which has different colours for the grips, but the features remain the same. There are O Shit handles on the rear lines for added safety and of course the Prima Donna is a 5th line affair so you have all the security you need should things go wrong. The quick release is a well built and thoroughly engineered affair and it works well even when it is sandy. The interesting thing about the Switchcraft bar is that you can changed the length of the bar by loosening the ends with a screwdriver and twisting them, by using the different rear line attachment points you can actually get 4 different lengths out of the 1 bar; great if you want to have several kites and just use one bar. There is also a stopper ball which you can adjust using a hexagonal key.
In the Air
Last year we enjoyed riding the Prima Donna 2 as it had a very smooth predictable feel about it; the C shape giving it a direct feel in the turns that was very responsive. To the naked eye the kite doesn’t look all that different this year but there are quite a few tweaks so we were keen to see how it would perform.
In lighter airs you can really feel the wider arc profile working to create even more low end power, which was something last years kite never lacked. The 11m is very powerful and we were out riding it when others were on 12 and 13m kites and still tearing it up. The turning is precise and direct and a little faster than last year. It is the turning speed that makes this kite so fun to ride. You really can put it exactly where you want to for every trick and also generate huge lift when you send it back through the window. The jumping and hang-time on the JN is fantastic and sure to put a smile on anyone’s face who dares to push it as hard as they can.
Unhooked the Prima Donna 3 really comes into its own. It is so stable and well behaved when you unhook it really inspires confidence, allowing you to push even harder knowing the only barrier to improving is yourself and not the kite. Definitely a kite for the more experienced free rider or freestyle junky, as the performance will easily be tapped into. If you are an intermediate looking for something a little different to the usual bridled style kites then the Prima Donna 3 has a forgiving side that you will enjoy too.
Pros
Low end power, smooth direct turning and response, immense hang-time and perfect for freestyle tricks!
Cons
We’d love to see a stopper ball that you could adjust a little easier; sometimes it is great to be able to use this feature on the fly. That said though the de-power throw on the JN is quite short, so it isn’t too much of an issue.
Overall
The construction is much improved and features like One Pump and the great bar set up will be sure to attract a lot of riders. With top end performance that you’ll struggle to run out of, this kite should be putting smiles on the faces of riders all season long.
For more information go to www.jn-kites.com and for info on kites, kitesurfing lessons and everything about kite surfing, come to www.s2as.com
Friday, 4 September 2009
North Evo 9m 2009 Kite Review
At a Glance
North is a brand synonymous with quality and even though the Evo is their budget kitesurfing kite, it is still head and shoulders above the smaller brands in terms of build quality.
Last year the Evo was launched and it was a grunty powerhouse that needed a little care and attention when it came to the set up. This year the kite has been tweaked some more to improve it even further. The bridle has been made much simpler and shorter, the strut connections are even beefier, and easily the most solid connection we have ever seen for a strut. And the kite has been made 5th line compatible meaning you can chose between a standard 4 line set up, or opt for the added safety of a 5th line set up.
The graphics look really good on the Evo and there are some nice attentions to detail in regard to the reinforcement. The kite has been very well made and any stress points have been over-engineered to ensure a long life for the kite.
The Bar
You can choose between the standard 5th Element bar, which has been a favourite of North riders for years now, or opt for the 4-line Scepter bar. Going for the 5th line option adds the extra safety, makes the leading edge even more stable and also gives the kite a slightly more direct feel. In 4 line mode on the Scepter bar the kite has a softer easier feel to it. There is a new front line safety system on the 4 line set up so if it does all go wrong you can easily get the kite to flag out and completely depower. After trying the kite in both set-ups we preferred the 4 line setting purely for ease of use. We often feel that having a bridle and a 5th line is just extra hassle. One of the biggest complaints riders have about hybrid kits is the bridle, so why over complicate by adding a 5th line to it too? We didn’t notice any real performance advantages and with the front line safety system in place on the 4 line set up we felt it perfectly adequate. But it is personal preference of course!
In the Air
Last year we grumbled that the North Evo took a bit of setting up to get it flying right straight out of the bag. We are pleased to report that this year the kite works on the standard Scepter bar right from the word go. No need to play around with the cleat to get the line lengths just right. The 2009 Evo is set up perfectly at the factory.
The Evo is often overlooked as a performance kite. In a range that includes the Rebel, Rhino and the Vegas it sometimes doesn’t appear on a rider’s radar. And that is a shame. Because the Evo is an awesome freeride kite, in fact it is pretty amazing at just about everything you throw at it. The kite has lots of low-end power, which means you can get away with using a smaller size, and a smaller size means you get a faster kite that you can throw around the window much quicker. A faster kite means the kite will move quicker through the air and this leads to some epic jumping capabilities. But whilst the kite is very quick it is also very stable and will happily track along in a straight line when left to its own devices.
Of course while the Evo packs a great performance punch it is also a very easy kite to fly. It is stable and forgiving, which means the beginners out there shouldn’t overlook it. You could quite easily learn with this kite, especially as it is so easy to relaunch. And yet once you had mastered the art of getting up on the board you could keep on using this kite for a few seasons to come and never really grow out of it. Of course the fantastic workmanship in the build will also ensure that it lasts that long too! Unhooked the kite works well and as a freestyle machine it excels again, giving the rider a c kite feel, especially when rigged in the 5th line mode. If you want to freeride and go big, stick with the 4 line set up, but if you want something with Vegas like qualities, with the added bonus of a super easy relaunch then the Evo in 5th line mode should do the trick.
Pros
Fantastic build quality, very stable and easy to fly with a simple relaunch. The Evo also has a bucket load of performance just waiting to be unleashed.
Cons
The Evo still doesn’t have one pump, which is a shame as although it is a budget kite, there are far cheaper kitesurfing kites that come with one pump as standard. Yes it is very well made, but one pump would turn this into a package that we wouldn’t be able to find fault with.
Overall
Perhaps the perfect all round kite, from beginner to expert the North Evo has something to offer. You won’t find quality like this on many other kites, the bar is excellent and the whole package is perfectly finished off.
For more info visit www.S2AS.com or www.northkites.com
North is a brand synonymous with quality and even though the Evo is their budget kitesurfing kite, it is still head and shoulders above the smaller brands in terms of build quality.
Last year the Evo was launched and it was a grunty powerhouse that needed a little care and attention when it came to the set up. This year the kite has been tweaked some more to improve it even further. The bridle has been made much simpler and shorter, the strut connections are even beefier, and easily the most solid connection we have ever seen for a strut. And the kite has been made 5th line compatible meaning you can chose between a standard 4 line set up, or opt for the added safety of a 5th line set up.
The graphics look really good on the Evo and there are some nice attentions to detail in regard to the reinforcement. The kite has been very well made and any stress points have been over-engineered to ensure a long life for the kite.
The Bar
You can choose between the standard 5th Element bar, which has been a favourite of North riders for years now, or opt for the 4-line Scepter bar. Going for the 5th line option adds the extra safety, makes the leading edge even more stable and also gives the kite a slightly more direct feel. In 4 line mode on the Scepter bar the kite has a softer easier feel to it. There is a new front line safety system on the 4 line set up so if it does all go wrong you can easily get the kite to flag out and completely depower. After trying the kite in both set-ups we preferred the 4 line setting purely for ease of use. We often feel that having a bridle and a 5th line is just extra hassle. One of the biggest complaints riders have about hybrid kits is the bridle, so why over complicate by adding a 5th line to it too? We didn’t notice any real performance advantages and with the front line safety system in place on the 4 line set up we felt it perfectly adequate. But it is personal preference of course!In the Air
Last year we grumbled that the North Evo took a bit of setting up to get it flying right straight out of the bag. We are pleased to report that this year the kite works on the standard Scepter bar right from the word go. No need to play around with the cleat to get the line lengths just right. The 2009 Evo is set up perfectly at the factory.
The Evo is often overlooked as a performance kite. In a range that includes the Rebel, Rhino and the Vegas it sometimes doesn’t appear on a rider’s radar. And that is a shame. Because the Evo is an awesome freeride kite, in fact it is pretty amazing at just about everything you throw at it. The kite has lots of low-end power, which means you can get away with using a smaller size, and a smaller size means you get a faster kite that you can throw around the window much quicker. A faster kite means the kite will move quicker through the air and this leads to some epic jumping capabilities. But whilst the kite is very quick it is also very stable and will happily track along in a straight line when left to its own devices.
Of course while the Evo packs a great performance punch it is also a very easy kite to fly. It is stable and forgiving, which means the beginners out there shouldn’t overlook it. You could quite easily learn with this kite, especially as it is so easy to relaunch. And yet once you had mastered the art of getting up on the board you could keep on using this kite for a few seasons to come and never really grow out of it. Of course the fantastic workmanship in the build will also ensure that it lasts that long too! Unhooked the kite works well and as a freestyle machine it excels again, giving the rider a c kite feel, especially when rigged in the 5th line mode. If you want to freeride and go big, stick with the 4 line set up, but if you want something with Vegas like qualities, with the added bonus of a super easy relaunch then the Evo in 5th line mode should do the trick.
Pros
Fantastic build quality, very stable and easy to fly with a simple relaunch. The Evo also has a bucket load of performance just waiting to be unleashed.
Cons
The Evo still doesn’t have one pump, which is a shame as although it is a budget kite, there are far cheaper kitesurfing kites that come with one pump as standard. Yes it is very well made, but one pump would turn this into a package that we wouldn’t be able to find fault with.
Overall
Perhaps the perfect all round kite, from beginner to expert the North Evo has something to offer. You won’t find quality like this on many other kites, the bar is excellent and the whole package is perfectly finished off.
For more info visit www.S2AS.com or www.northkites.com
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