I have been riding the Takoon Furia LTD 11m & 7m for the past 4 months now, so I think its time for a review. As soon as I took the kites out of their bags I checked them over and they are very well constructed with the usual reinforcements where needed (leading edge, wingtips, ect). The kite is one-pump but also can be easily changed to none one-pump with the stoppers provided.The kite has 3 rear attachment points which allow you to change turning responsiveness. The front bridle also has 2 attachment points which change bar pressure, depower rate and low wind ability.
The bar comes comes with 22m lines which I really like. The chicken loop is nice and big so perfect for un-hooked riding. The chicken loop is also self aligning so when you unhook it is aligned ready to hook back in.
The trim system on the bar is a mini clam cleat which works really well. however after 4 months of use there is some slight wear, which is expected from clam cleat systems. There is also some velcro on the trailing end which allows you to keep it out of the way when riding.
The main centre line/depower rope is covered in a PU coating which stops the wear you normally get on DP ropes.
The bar can change between 45 cm and 55 cm simply by swapping the larks head on the end of the leader lines.
In the air the kite is really stable and you can just let the kite sit above your head and it doesn't overfly/hindenburg even in gusty winds. The kite turns very fast this may be because I have come from flexi atoms which are slow. The kite also seems to travel through the window very fast aswell.I have the kite set on the slowest turning setting and the 45 cm bar and it is perfect for wakestyle.
The wind range of these kitesurfing kites are pretty impressive too. With the 11m I can ride from about 13knts to about 28knts but by this point I would be hanging on. (im 73kg and ride a 133x40). I can ride the 7m from 18knts too 35knts, It probably has a bit more top end but I haven't had chance to see because the wind has been pretty poor recently. The bar has allot of de-power at the bar and there is a stopperball to allow you to adjust the bar throw.
The kite boosts huge and there is loads of float. I have the front bridle set on the low wind setting which is great for parking the kite and popping. Un-hooked it feels nice and stable and doesn't need much trimming. Relaunch from the water is pretty easy, pull one of the rear lines and over it goes, obviously it takes a bit more persuasion in lighter winds.
The safety releases onto a single front line. I have only used it twice and on both these occasions it has worked really well.
Overall Id say this is a great kite, the best kite i've flown up to date. Would suit intermediates onwards, however Id say if you are a beginner looking for a kite to grow into then you should be fine as there is heaps of de-power and is nice and stable. One thing I would change is have a suicide attachment point maybe something like on the ozone bars.
For more info take a look at
www.s2as.com
takoonuk.blogspot.com
Jamie