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