Cabrinha Crossbow 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 13, 11, 9 m
Style: Seven Strut BOW kite

The Crossbow started the BOW revolution and remains a powerhouse of speed and control, versatility and security. Positioned in the formidable Cabrinha line-up, as their freeride/race kite, the Crossbow is the dominant force on the race circuit and in the hearts of free riders.

Bar and Safety Systems
Cabrinha’s IDS (Intelligent Depower System) has been upgraded this year with the landing leash line located inside the plastic tubing of the trim system. Also a welcome addition, the Overslide IDS unit acts as a stopper ball to stop the bar from travelling out of arm’s reach while un-spinning the lines. This Overslide Unit also keeps the depower trims trap adjusters within arm’s reach. The IDS safety system was a trend-setting design which adopts a two-stage approach to safety. The first stage being, the 90 per cent depower available from simply allowing the bar to travel the trim line’s full distance, or what Cabrinha calls Interactive Depower on Demand.

The secondary stage of safety, they call Absolute Depower, is engaged by pulling the quick-release trim loop, or the pin housing on it and that allows the bar to travel up the mini fifth line to 100 per cent flag the kite from the front bridle system. Cabrinha has a clean, streamlined bar design with a nicely textured and small diameter grip and the bar ends are soft and made of EVA so they help float the bar. A new retrofit pro kit is also available for the IDS system which eliminates some safety but improves the turning performance and feel of the kite.

On the Water
The Crossbow has all the elements to make it a winner on the race course and it can branch into the all-terrain/free ride category with easy-to-access flying character for any level rider.

The first thing you notice about the Cabrinha Crossbow is the rock-solid shape it delivers, with the seven struts and compact bridles it sits confidently above head and there’s absolutely no tendency of back stalling or any other funky issues.

The speed factor is immediately noticed as gusts translate instantly into speed with simple sheeting adjustments. Steering isn’t really required to keep the Crossbow in overdrive, as simple sheeting adjustments will seem to keep the kite in the fastest lane. The Crossbow sits solidly on the edge of the window and delivers excellent upwind suction. Bar pressure is moderate and ensures that the rider always knows where the kite is in the sky.

Steering the kite through transitions, the Crossbow delivers smooth and powerful pull. It doesn’t have super quick turning but the smooth pull and easy drive of this kite more than make up for it. The upward loft and long glide of the Crossbow are unmatched in the right hands, and anyone looking to stay up in the air longer than their friends should consider this kite.

Depower makes it a capable wave kite but it’s more suited to free ride blasting and big air, long float jumping. The IDS system has great safety features and quickly water re-launches the kite with a short pull of the steering lines.

Reality Check
The Crossbow is the ideal race kite but isn’t as versatile for other disciplines as some of the other kitesurfing kites in the racing field.
Bottom Line
If easy access to speed and smooth power delivery is what you’re looking for the Crossbow delivers on all fronts. Its stability and wind range are second to none.

Naish Helix 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 9, 12 m
Style: Four line, Sigma power foil

The Naish Helix has been radically redesigned for 2010 as it pushes the envelope in an attempt to produce performance that will bridge the gap between C-shaped and bridled kites.

This year’s Helix incorporates the “power foil canopy” within the sigma outline. The result is punchy speed, super fast turning and precision handling that make the Helix the exotic sports car of the kitesurfing world.

Bar and Safety Systems
The New Universal Control System is redesigned to include new safety elements of a “through the bar” front line leash system. With the leash attached to this three metre single centre line, the kite becomes completely flagged off a single front line when engaged. There is the secondary option of the new wider webbing leash connection, which depowers the kite by doubling up the long trim line.

The Smart Loop Quick-release Trim Loop is easily engaged and refitted and houses the trim cleat on its side for easy access, below-the-bar trimming. The bar is packed with industry-leading features like adjustable length bar ends, flared stainless centre hole, and comfortable ergonomic grip. The overall feel and features of this control system are among the best on the market.

On the Water
When the Helix first came out two seasons ago it set new standards of performance for fast turning, and precision steering, but many remained sceptical and found comfort in a more familiar feel. This year’s Helix is back again with a similar effect.

The Helix was probably the fastest pulling and quickest steering kite of the test. It can turn quickly and generates some aggressive power through the first half of the turn, but pivots quickly out of it. The multiple steering settings can also let you adjust the speed of the turning dramatically.

Depower comes on quickly enough, but not as smoothly as this year’s Naish Cult. The steering is faster than the Cult and there’s more direct positional feedback from the control lines. This a kite that speeds forward to the edge of the window very fast and often needs to be tamed with some steering input.

For jumping the Helix requires the right timing, but when you get it right jumps are high and long. Powerful, Raleys, Kite Loops and unhooked pop make the Helix a capable new school freestyle kite but not for the light of heart. The sweet spot is narrower and the precision steering requires an experienced rider’s input. The turning is fast and there is plenty of depower to catch the odd wave session. Water re-launch is very quick, as the rounder shapes lets it pivot and roll easily. The Helix can deliver aggressive performance it but it takes time to dial in the precision power ban and overall turning quickness of this kite. It will be admired by the more advanced riders that will use the Helix to push their capability to new levels.

Reality Check
In severely gusty conditions the Helix is not as smooth to control as some of its rivals. This is a kite flyer’s kite and it likes to be flown by the aggressive rider.

Bottom Line
The fast driving, and lightning fast steering of the Helix will appeal to the advanced riders that want to challenge their skills with a kitesurfing kite that can outperform them.

Nobile N62 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 10 m
Style: Delta shape, three strut hybrid

Voted Best Relaunch!

The N62 is the second generation of the Nobile kite that guarantees its riders maximum safety and confidence as they take their riding to the next level. The Delta Evolution shape gives a reduced aspect ratio, and a lightweight three strut design offer superior stability, direct handling, and instant re-launch.

Control Bar and Safety Systems
The Nobile four line control bar is covered in our review of the Nobile T5; for more information click here to read that review.

On the Water
The Nobile N62 feels direct and responsive, with quick pivotal turns and depower that comes on within arm’s reach. This kite really proves why the delta shape has gained such popularity over the past couple of years. It feels solid and comfortable in flight and builds confidence quickly with its ease of use. Compared to some delta designs the N62 has less length and sweep in the wing tips and uses a lower aspect three strut frame. The result is a kite with a good balance of top-end performance and simple point-and-go flying character.

The long centre strut with its deep chord and canopy depth give the N62 good low-end power and grunt and lends stability even through gusty winds or erratic bar input. With great stability, the N62 flies with a smooth predictable style. It sits back in the window slightly keeping stable and giving constant feedback from the kite. This is also a great kite for wave riding. With the quick pivotal turning and the excellent drift and sink back character the N62 simple control can let you concentrate on riding the waves.

With less wing tip than some of the other Delta shapes out there, there is a crisp and direct feel to the pivotal turning of the N62. It will drive you to the right spot on the wave and keep you there. Water re-launch is super fast also, with easy pivoting of the N62 wide centred body. Quick and nimble with plenty of get-up-and-go, the N62 is ideal for both progressing rider and advanced wave riders.

Reality Check
The N62 design doesn’t boost the biggest height jumps, and it isn’t as quick upwind as some of the faster pulling, and higher aspect deltas.

Bottom Line
The N62 is a grunty point-and-go kitesurfing kite that lets the rider concentrate on simply riding. It has sufficient versatility and performance to satisfy the progressing rider into more advanced stages.

Nobile T5 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 10 m
Style: Four line SLE hybrid

The latest incarnation of the Nobile 555 line has been renamed the Nobile T5 and is equipped with a new look and new bridle configuration to optimize direct steering, re-launch capability and balanced bar pressure. This kite is suited to a wide range of riders that want access to big jumping, high powered manoeuvres, good levels of depower and delta-like re-launch capability.

Bar and Safety Systems
The Nobile four line control bar is boldly colour coded with comfortably smooth EVA grip and some finger shaping. The bar ends are cushioned with a silicone bristle, which protects the hands nicely. There are inside connection points on the bar ends to shorten the bar length for the convenience to fly large and smaller kites on the same bar.

The system uses the above-the-trim strap system with a pull/pull configuration with an easy to grab to repower handle that is covered in PVC tubing. The unique fulcrum trim loop is the industries’ only 100 per cent moulded trim loop; designed to disassemble with the same force even as the load increases. The construction of the loop has the advantage of never deforming, and the donkey stick is easy to move out of the way for freestyle.

The primary safety leash is a fifth line running through the depower stopper ball and up to Nobile’s exclusive INOX swivel which then flags a single front line for 100 per cent depower. There are also emergency kill handles on both bar ends for that added safety. Overall, Nobile has all the safety basics covered in a streamlined system that’s easy to use and maintain.

On the Water
The Nobile T5 has much improved low-end power over its predecessors and that kite was a powerhouse in its size range. The T5 delivers direct steering and moderate bar pressure with good positional feedback from the back lines at all times. Even when depowered, the kite responds well and can continue to steer the kite with better precision than some comparative models. The new direct connection bridle system has no pulleys and separated rear and front bridles system, which makes this year’s T5 quicker turning, with more direct power and response than its predecessor.

The new T5 emerges as the high-powered, big-boosting kite of this category. It also has some decent unhooked capability but is not a true park throw down freestyle SLE. Depower is acceptable and comes on progressively within arm’s reach. The short throw of the trim line also keeps the adjustment straps within easy reach. A quick adjustment of the front trim lines and the T5 sits forward in the window for some good unhooked fun.

Water re-launch works effectively with appropriate wind levels, the kite respond easily to a quick steering line pull. Of all the all-terrain free ride kites in the test the T5 may seat itself at the head of the pro powered freestyle jumping machine table. Free riders that want some good low-end power and real boosting capability should look to the T5. The good low-end power of these kitesurfing kites and overall wind range can reduce the number of kites you need in your quiver.

Reality Check
Having a narrower shaped harness hook is more ideal for the shape of the fulcrum trim hook. The style and function of this fully plastic moulded loop is loved by some and puzzles others.

Bottom Line
The Nobile T5 is a high-powered and big-boosting SLE that will satisfy the demands of the more advanced rider. Great improvements over the last model with better direct handling and faster turn initiation.

Original review from our friends at IKSurfmag

North Fuse 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 10 m
Style: Four line SLE Delta Hybrid

The new North Fuse is the latest creation in four-line performance from the North design team.

The Fuse is a four-line kite that promises a huge wind range, direct steering, precise maneuverability and huge jumping capability. The Fuse has a similar shape and feel to popular North Rebel model but incorporates the Attack Control Bridle for four line simplicity.

Control Bar and Safety Systems
The new North Truth Quad Control Bar configuration has some industry-leading features that include a new sticky bar grip, the roto head centre, the new iron heart three trim release system and two leashing options for standard 100 per cent depower flagging or suicide leash configuration for advanced riders.

The roto head works in conjunction with the metal centre part keeping the trim loop readily erect for hooking in, while it also acts to reduce abrasion on the centre lines by allowing you to back rotate twists in the lines.

The new iron heart three trim loop is also redesigned with the industry’s first reverse pin configuration that ensures easy release while under load. The Fuse mini fifth line leash system engages both sides of the attack bridle to completely flag the kite onto its back. This new North bar is a polished, well-engineered design with smooth working systems and safety system that inspires confidence.

On the Water
The North Fuse kite has well-rounded performance that must be admired for its easy handling, excellent upwind drive and lofty jumping capability.

The Fuse lights your fire early and you get used to it quickly. It has great stability with no back stalling issues. The bar pressure is lighter than the North Rebel but with good positional feedback the Fuse reacts with a direct feel and no lag in turn initiation.

Depower comes on progressively and this kite sits back in the window slightly more than the five line Rebel, giving it constant drive. It’s always easy to find where the power is coming from as the Fuse has big sweet spot with smooth and consistent pull through the gusts. Depower is still accessible and progresses at arm’s length and the trim system is within easy reach to engage more depower. The North safety system works well when engaged and ensures the 100 per cent depower flagging safety with the mini fifth line system.

Water re-launch is quick and easy as the swept canopy shape reacts easily to steering line pull and bridles initiate the re-launch. The Fuse has a good combination of quick pivotal turning speed and with some moderate power generation through the turns. It’s well suited to the cruising free ride crowd that wants to boost some lofty jumps and have the simple set-up and safety of a four line bridled set-up. It has good depower and is more than capable wave weapon.

Reality Check
The bridle lines are not as compact as some of the other more evolved bridle systems of other kitesurfing kites.

Bottom Line
The Fuse is a welcome addition to the formidable North line. It offers an easy-to-set-up four line bridled system that delivers the all-round performance and versatility that’s ideal for the everyday rider.

Original review from our friends at IKSurfmag

North Rebel 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 11m
Style: Five line hybrid

The 2010 is the fourth generation of the North Rebel. This loaded five line Delta hybrid design kitesurfing kite has performance for multiple disciplines of wave, freeride and race.

The Rebel has regained a centre floating strut so it’s back to a five strut set-up this year which improves depower and handling in higher winds. New segment shaping and revised backline V attachment have increased handling and delivers even more unique control for great performance in waves, flat-water or race.

On the Water
The North Rebel is direct and responsive in flight with a fast pulling feel that angles upwind better than most on the test. It has an almost unlawful ability to sit on autopilot at the edge of the window, and when you want it to change direction the response time is instant. The bar pressure is heavier and the feel more direct than some, but after a period of riding you get used to it and it’s not a fatiguing feature to most.

For unhooking the Rebel sits solidly on the edge of the window and has enough pull to satisfy the odd unhooked manoeuvre. The smooth-working and easy-to-adjust above-the-bar cleat system makes trimming the kite for unhooking or depowering in strong winds quick and effortless.

On the wave the Rebel is at home, with excellent stability and superior drift capability, it really lets the rider concentrate on linking turns on the wave. With quick pivotal steering it reacts even while depowered and comes across the top really quick, which helps for quick transitions in the waves or on the race course.

The Rebel seems better at water re-launch for 2010 and the added safety of the fifth line lends confidence to any situation. The Rebel would be an ideal travel companion to any wave destination and continues to be a favourite on the race course.

Reality Check
There is some lack of tuneable steering options for the Rebel, which some riders prefer.

Bottom Line
The Rebel is an ideal choice for anyone that wants a kite that delivers perfect control for linking powerful bottom turns and blasting upwind. It has enough versatility for the free rider, part-time freestyle enthusiast, and doubles as formidable race weapon.

Original review from our friends at IKSurfmag

RRD Obsession 2010 Review

Size Tested: 10m, 8m
Style: Four line SLE Hybrid

The Obsession is RRD’s only SLE kitesurfing kite, and has great access to solid power, nimble manoeuvrability, direct steering and excellent unhooked performance.

Building on the success of the 2009, this year’s Obsession has been revised with a wider canopy shape and more direct connection to the wing tips resulting in smooth power delivery, increased stability and good amount of depower.

Control Bar
The Global Control bar has a simple design that gets the job done and has ample safety features. The smooth EVA grip is contoured nicely with reduced diameter on either side of the metal centre insert. The plastic coated trim line ensures durability and smooth adjustability. Bar length can be adjusted on the beefy bar ends and there is the added safety of double OS handles on the steering lines.

The standard leash connects to a mini fifth line system below the bar and flags both front lines to a stopper ball on main trim line. The above-the-bar trim system uses an easy sliding cleat within a stretched arm’s length.

On the Water
The Obsession’s smooth unhooked power delivery and nimble steering puts it in the top of the field of the powered freestyle category. It has the distinct C kite feel that many of the Test Team members prefer and gravitate towards. With a compact single pulley on each bridle and direct connection to the wing tips on the back lines, there is plenty of grunt through the turns and access to smooth, powerful turning.

The positional feedback is ideal for unhooked tricks and the kite sits forward in the window and delivers smooth pull that builds confidence for throwing down some new moves. There is also access to good amount of depower, which comes on at arm’s length. The solid stability, ample depower and nimble steering of this kite gives acceptable performance for side on or side shore wave riding. It was a kite that the more advanced riders of the test really enjoyed and were impressed with its powerful grunt, and high end performance.


Reality Check
The trim loop is dated and mini fifth line should integrate so that the safety doesn’t just dangle through the centre.

Bottom Line
The RRD Obsession is a high-powered, mega-Looping machine that has C-kite pull and the direct control that many advanced riders are looking for.

Original review from our friends at IKSurfmag

Slingshot Octane 2010 Review

Size Tested: 11m, 9m
Style: Hybrid SLE

Replacing the popular Rev 2, the Slingshot Octane represents the next generation of SLE performers and merges the successful design traits of its predecessor, the Rev, with the DNA of the original Octane.

The Octane is the answer for the kiter who’s looking for the C kite performance with instant depower and range of an SLE. Compared to the Rev, the Octane has increased width of the wing tips and the canopy, ensuring a more direct feel in steering, better low-end power, and massive boost capability.

Control Bar and Safety System
The control bar is the same as the one use on the Slingshot RPM, meaning the new Comp Stick Control Bar. For more information on the control bar see our review of the RPM, or click here.

On the Water
The Slingshot Octane delivers the performance riders are looking from a kitesurfing kite that can handle a wide range of ridings styles, skill levels and water conditions. Great graphic style and colour combos complement the sturdy build quality, and feature-packed new bar set-up.

The well-rounded performance of the Octane will satisfy the large group of riders that want a do-it-all kite for their quiver. Test Team members were impressed with its smooth power delivery while unhooked. The steering was predictable and direct with good combinations of backline pressure for positional feedback. This kite is very tuneable with noticeable differences in steering speeds and bar pressure as the back lines are moved forward and aft. The kite wasn’t the fastest pivotal turning kite of the group, but it did have good power available for transitional carving turns, and good amounts of low-end power were noted in the 13 m. Jumping and hang time were more than sufficient for the average rider and the kite reacted well to bar input with no lag time in turn initiation.

The Octane was also one of the easier kites to water re-launch in light wind conditions and the ability to use the OS handles for back line steering pull helps in this regard. Smooth depower at arm’s length gives the kite acceptable performance for wave riding. Intermediate riders that value versatility over top-end performance in a specific discipline will gravitate towards the Octane. It has enough performance to carry a rider from the early stages to advanced levels.

Reality Check
Some stability issues were found in back stalling and canopy distortion when aggressively flying the kite.

Bottom Line
The Octane will easily take you from the early stages of riding to shredding waves, boosting big air or throwing down the latest freestyle tricks in your bag. Its versatile character will encourage intermediates to push the limits and experience new levels, styles and disciplines of riding.

Original review from our friends at IKSurfmag

Slingshot RPM 2010 Review

Size Tested: 8m and 10 m
Style: Four line SLE Open Canopy

Voted Most Tuneable!

The new Slingshot RPM delivers maximum versatility without sacrificing an ounce of performance. The highly tuneable and compact bridle system is framed by the new open “C” canopy giving the RPM a chameleon like capability of a kite that can excel at unhooked freestyle riding, yet transform in conditions to hit the free ride wave and terrain park.

Control Bar and Safety System
Slingshot paves the way with some industry leading innovation on the new Comp Stick control bar. The new quick-release trim loop has a slick, streamlined design and it’s quick to activate and reassemble. The main trim line cleat is housed on the side and has smooth pull through to control the kite power.

Slingshot also receives top marks for the beefy and easy rotating, front line swivel, which keeps the lines untwisted and also houses the mini fifth line leash system which connects below the bar and ensures 100 per cent depower by flagging off the front line. OS emergency flagging handles are fitted on both back lines increasing the safety factor. Overall, the Comp Stick represents a solidly designed and streamlined set-up that rivals the best on the market for safety and simplicity.

On The Water
The RPM steps up to the plate for unhooked performance that rivals the top C kitesurfing kites on the market. Compared to the Octane, the RPM feels livelier and is definitely attractive to the advanced wakestyle or freestyle rider.

The new bar works effectively with the RPM and it really offers the quick and smooth adjustments of the trim line and the beefy swivel works effortlessly. The squared wing tips and powerful open C canopy deliver direct steering, good power generation through the turns and smooth kite loop action. The multiple bridle and wing tip attachment points transform the RPM feel for a greater range of performance set-up this year.

For unhooked sessions, the team preferred the freestyle setting with medium amounts of bar pressure and turning speed. The RPM has tremendous amounts of pop and great pull unhooked, giving good drift and loft with smooth landings on unhooked jumps. The RPM sits well forward in the wind window and has plenty of depower to make this a more than capable unhooked wave kite. It could also easily compete against the full-on wakestyle realm with its smooth unhooked pull and good amounts of control. This is a great kite for unhooked park riding, unhooked wave riding and powered freestyle. It has all the elements of control of the most popular C kites on the market but brings versatility with good tuning character which can enhance the depower and wind range.

Reality Check
The RPM delivers on its promises but some found the bar’s grip was harder on the hands than others.

Bottom Line
The RPM delivers excellent C-kite pull and unhooked performance for the most demanding freestyle riders. It has enough depower and good quick steering to make it a versatile travel companion in your quiver.

Original review from our friends at IKSurfmag