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.
