December 2009 - The Kiteboarder Magazine

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designer’s corner cont. analyze this Liquid force envy Tested: 12m Type of kite: Delta/SLE Sizes available: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15m FROM THe MANuFACTurer The Envy has power on tap but is manageable, due to the Delta profile, it has great low end but due to the design, great depower also. The Envy blends the popular benefits of the Delta type kites but adds the proven *LF Diamond Wingtips and USB- 2.0 Bridle system to improve them beyond anything currently on the market. The Envy works with a 3 strut configuration and inflatable wing tips, the reduction of the struts reduces the overall weight by a whole pound (0.5kg) in the 12m size, this is really noticeable when flying as the kite is far more reactive and quicker through the sky. The Liquid Force Envy is around 20% lighter than the average SLE which provides a fun light feel. The reduction of the struts reduces back stall to a minimum in light winds, encourages better drifting and offers superior stability, it is also faster to inflate/ deflate. The reduction of weight is completed from removing the struts but has meant the construction has not suffered from the ‘diet’. THE KITEBOARDER RepORT We had a chance to see Liquid Force’s new Envy at the AWSI Demo in Hood River as there was a lot of curiosity about their new 3-strut delta/SLE kite. First off, the bar is all new for 2010. The control system sports a new quick release added to the chicken loop called the CPR System. It’s a push away release that can be activated with either hand from the front or back of the chicken loop. The new system also offers a flag line safety option giving you 100% depower when engaged, or 90% when connected to the main line. The overall bar system is simple yet comfortable and efficient and the thinner chicken loop line also helps to offer a smoother range of travel with the bar. The Envy is a very easy and fast kite to inflate due to the Union single point inflation system and the fact that the Envy is only designed with 3-struts. By taking away the 5th and 4th struts, Liquid Force was able to make a lighter kite. We’re not sure if this helped our test team ride through lulls with ease but the new Envy did have good low-end power. The Envy’s overall construction is solid and visually it has very cool graphics. Upon close inspection, you will see that LF beefed up the high wear and tear areas and incorporated Dacron along the LE to ensure the kite remains stable and rigid after multiple smack downs. We tested the Envy in 20+ knot conditions and definitely crashed it a lot. The Envy relaunched effortlessly every time with little input. The Envy isn’t lightning fast but it has a really nice direct feel and is quick and smooth, even though the bar pressure is extremely light. The Envy’s long chicken loop throw also allows it to offer a huge wind range, especially towards the top end. An upwind machine, we noticed it performed better with back line tension, so make sure you tune it properly before your session. The Envy jumped well, especially when powered up. Boosting wasn’t as big as with the high performance Havoc, but still very nice and floaty with solid lift and a very gentle feel when jumping. Overall, the Envy is a great kite for riders progressing from the beginner to intermediate/advanced levels who just want a super fun, easy kite that turns efficiently with good feedback through the bar, boosts high, offers light bar pressure, has super reliable relaunch ability, and provides a wide power range. bar end floats Control System Tips: REPORT CARD Inflation System: Union single point inflation Control bar: Small diameter comfortable hold Control bar accessories: Easy, below the bar depower Safety system: New push away “CPR System” Bridle: Medium length bridle, simple to rig Stability: Performs best with some back line tension Power: Smooth range of low end power Turning: Efficient turning with good feedback through the bar Pop: Strap on your seat belt, likes to launch high Bar pressure: Easy to turn with good control Depower: Excellent wind range, especially near top end Relaunch: Nearly effortless! Durability: Well built kite with reinforced LE Kitebag: N/A Pump: N/A Tips: 8 Keep your hands close to the middle of the bar during jumps to keep from over steering. 8 Trim the kite as needed before unhooking for tricks. CONSUMER FEEDBACK: tommyb www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=52940 I had a go of the Envy the other day at Wello, it was insane. So fast and stable. It is great for unhooking and would be good for riding in the waves. The graphics look awesome on it as well. The bar setup has changed completely and it looks great. I would definitely recommend this kite. I cannot wait to try the new Havoc and HifFi Comp as well. All I need is some wind!! diamond wingtip design Above Average Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Above Average Excellent Excellent Excellent Light Excellent Excellent Excellent sheeting line pulley Control System REPORT CARD Inflation System: One pump SPS inflation system Control bar: Great grip and comfortable to grab Control bar accessories: Above the bar depower with a below the bar leash and QR Safety system: Two below the bar connection points for a leash with a QR Bridle: Long bridle with attachments for replacing worn out parts Stability: Very solid stability Power: Really good low end power Turning: Fast but pivots around the wingtips a bit Pop: Great pop good for freestyle Bar pressure: Medium with good feedback through the bar Depower: Depower cleat above the bar with full depower in chicken loop Relaunch: Simple and very quick to relaunch Durability: Super solid build Kitebag: Great bag with plenty of room for all of you needs and equipment Pump: N/A Tips: 8 Be sure to check the outside power adjustments under the bar float as they are easy to miss. 8 To suit your riding style RRD incorporated two safety leash attachment points below the bar. CONSUMER FEEDBACK: j1finnn1 www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2360060&p=617370 I’ve tried the 10.5 and 13.5. The 10.5 is a good bit faster, but just as stable. Also, it generates more power even though it has a shorter leading edge this year. I think this is because it flies faster. I definitely felt like I was going faster on the water. Jumping is good, unhooked is great, kiteloops are punchy and predictable. The 13.5 is right on the cusp of a big kite in terms of feel. It still gets the small guys upwind and has tons of power. I have an instructor down here (Southern California) who won’t let go of my demo! Bar pressure is lighter than last year, but bar feel is still excellent and the kites have more of an axial turn than a pivot around the center kind of turn. This is what lends them punch in a kite loop. Also, the people who try them are hanging on to them, which is a great sign. Tejin T9600 Canopy 2mm Ready to Use Elastic Safety Line Excellent above Average Above Average Excellent Above Average Excellent Excellent Above Average Excellent Medium Excellent excellent Excellent Excellent RRD Obsession TeSTed: 12m Type OF KITe: SLE Sizes AVAILABLe: 5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12 and 15m FROM THe MANuFACTurer The only SLE kite in our lineup, we consider the Obsession to be a freestyle kite out of the “4-line C-shape box.” The KWPT world tour 2007 winner Seb Garat from an initial scepticism on the type 9, has found the perfect tool to express himself at the highest level of freedom and performance in freestyling. The Obsession 2010 is based on the type 9 2009 with revised shape, tips width and outline design. The result is an even more stable kite, faster in the big sizes and slower in the small ones, with an incredible amount of power and easiness to ride “unhooked.” The new trendsetter in speed and progressive smooth power in all areas of the flying window. Perfect for kiteloops and waveriding. THE KITEBOARDER RepORT We first viewed the RRD 2010 Obsession back in Oregon at the AWSI Demo Event. With its unique SLE shape, the Obsession inspires both skepticism and curiosity upon first glance. We received the Obsession and it sat in our office during a week of no wind. There is no doubt people will see you coming with this kite – we couldn’t help but be attracted to the colorful graphics of the kite and bag. Upon setting up the Obsession, one of the most noticeable things we found was its long bridle, however, it seems to work perfectly with this kite design. We Also crashed available this kite a at lot the to test TKB it out store and never – Check had a out wingtip the wrap sub or offers! problems of any kind relaunching. www.thekiteboarder.com The overall construction of Obsession is very nice and well put together. The control system that came with the kite was the 2009 setup but was very straightforward with a below the bar center line kill which is designed to work like a 5th line. Also below the bar you can find a second point to hook your leash up to for a straight suicide leash connection. In the sky, the Obsession proved to be a very stable kite generating solid power throughout the range. Quite honestly, we were surprised at how much power this kite could generate! The SLE design turns very fast and pivots on a wingtip but also provides consistent power throughout the turns. This was very useful during fast transitions. When it came to jumping, the Obsession had great lift and hang time. It took us a while to get the kite dialed in for jumps, but once we got the timing down and could hit that sweet spot in the kite it took our session to a whole other high. The unhooked riders liked the medium bar pressure and stability of the Obsession, but it did need a bit of tuning to get it just right for some. With one year under their belt, the RRD Obsession is the next evolution of SLE kites with a refined package from the 2009 model. RRD makes solid kites and they claim the Obsession is geared for beginners to advanced riders. We can definitely say that beginners will enjoy the Obsession, but the reality is that intermediate and advanced riders will truly appreciate the performance of this kite the most. Roll-up line ends 62 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 63
designer’s corner cont. designer’s corner cont. Tested: 12m Type of kite: Sigma Series Sizes available: 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5 and 15m From the Manufacturer The test-winning Cult returns as the ultimate user friendly all-terrain kite. For 2010, “Geo Tech Generated C-shape” and simplified bridles provide a more direct bar feel. The amount of Sigma has been increased to improve turning characteristics and linear bar feel. With the addition of Geo Tech Generated C-shape, the Cult now boasts an even larger sweet spot, ideal pull through the turns and enhanced smoothness.Whether you are a beginner looking for a kite that’s safe, stable and reliable, or a seasoned veteran looking for one kite that does everything, the Cult is the choice. THE KITEBOARDER REPORT We have been wanting to ride the new Cult since the moment we heard about it. Would this sigma shape last, and is there something magical in this newly designed kite? We were sent a 12m Cult and rode it in 20+ mph winds. Inflating the Cult is simple and fast with the Octopus single point inflation system. The overall quality of the Cult is one of a kind with solid construction throughout the kite. The Aramid Patches along the leading edge segments are to protect the seams while the Internal Aramid Reinforcement supports at all the leading edge angles helps to add strength to the Geo Tech construction. The “Universal Control System” is well thought out with a very comfortable grip and their Smart Loop, which combines a release system and depower cleat all in one, is very clean and simple. After using many other brands’ below the bar depower cleats, Naish deserves props for making one that is super easy and smooth to sheet. Naish also gives you the option for a standard loop. In the sky, the Sigma shape is definitely a head turner. Its unique shape is designed to deliver stability, light but direct steering bar pressure, smooth turning and easy relaunch. The first noticeable performance characteristic we felt was the kite’s large wind range. The Cult turned exceptionally smooth and proved itself to be a very stable kite. Relaunching the Cult was no problem and the Smart Loop allowed for simple, on the fly trim adjustments when needed. Naish incorporated the direct steering and wingtips of the 2009 Helix into the 2010 Cult. The Cult’s overall feel was a very smooth and fast turning kite with a great high end depower range, and an improved but not super grunty low end. The light bar pressure and range of depower makes it an easy and forgiving kite to ride. Jumping the Cult took a little getting used to. The kite has great lift and responsive turning, but the light bar pressure took some testers a few jumps to get their timing down. The stability of the Cult was exceptional, which Naish says is due to the exaggerated sigma shape of the 2010 model. We handed the Cult off to a few local riders when we were testing and they did immediately notice its solid and stable feel and felt it was a very easy, forgiving kite. The majority of riders will love the smoothness stability and depower of the Cult, but more aggressive riders might enjoy the higher performance Helix from Naish. For a kite that looks different than the rest of the mix, the Cult performs and holds up with the best of the kites out on the market today. analyze thisNaish Cult Control System Tips: REPORT CARD Inflation System: Octopus inflation system, internal one way valves Excellent Control bar: New streamlined Vario bar end to adjust the length of your bar Excellent Control bar aCCeSSories: Exceptionally clean and simple Excellent Safety system: Smart Loop technology w/below the bar depower and QR Excellent Bridle: Direct steering with no rear bridle Excellent Stability: Well balanced sigma outline and predictable Excellent Power: Really fast high end kite with little low end pull above Average Turning: Geo-tech improves turning by letting the kite twist Excellent Pop: Good hang time with easy control of the jumps Above Average Bar pressure: Light to nonexistent light-none Depower: Below the bar easy depower Excellent Relaunch: Simple and easy Excellent Durability: Typical Naish solid build Excellent Kitebag: Great bag with plenty of room for all of you needs and equipment Excellent Pump: N/A Tips: 8 Kite inflates with a one-pump system, but struts need to be deflated separately. 8 Many Naish riders on the sigma design don’t sand their kite when on the beach but be sure it is pointed directly into the wind. CONSUMER FEEDBACK: Shane Crawford www.kiteboardingreview.com/naish/131-naish-cult-2010 First of all, this is the first 2010 kite I’ve had the opportunity to demo, so I’m comparing this kite to 2009 technology. I took the 9m out using a 128cm board in about 26 knots. I was blown away by the kite’s smooth effortless turning, low bar pressure and great depower. I think this kite will become the flagship model for the 2010 Naish line-up due to its sheer versatility. The kite would suit beginners to intermediate riders that want a do all kite. Only a small amount of sheeting is required to kill power and the relaunch is excellent which will tick the boxes for many beginners, while the easy handling and adequate jumping ability will also please intermediate riders. The Cult is the best kite I’ve ever flown (compared to other ‘09 kites), I urge everyone to give this kite a demo at your local shop. Naish is back baby. Geo Tech Canopy Smart Loop Bar Line Float REPORT CARD Tips: Control System Inflation System: Octopus inflation system, internal one way valves Control bar: Easy to hold with ergonomic grip Control bar accessories: Easy to use below the bar depower and QR Safety system: Smart Loop technology w/below the bar depower and QR Bridle: N/A Stability: Well balanced kite with great feedback through the bar Power: Fast kite with typical Low end pull expected from a C-Kite Turning: Medium bar pressure allows the rider to turn the kite quickly Pop: Great lift for any freestyle rider Bar pressure: Light to medium Depower: Great range, especially for a C-kite Relaunch: Needs a little assistance at times to roll over Durability: Great construction with beefed up canopy and LE Kitebag: Big enough bag with plenty of pockets for accessories Pump: N/A 8 Be sure to slide the bar floats up on the lines to see the back line adjustments. 8 Check the 5th line length to ensure it’s not depowering the kite. Power Foil Canopy Precision Asymmetrical Grip Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent light-medium Excellent Above Average Excellent Excellent CONSUMER FEEDBACK: riddim1 www.kiteboardingreview.com/naish/130-naish-torch-2010 Got the chance to ride the new Torch in some pretty lit conditions. I have been riding for four years now, two years on C-Kites and two on hybrids. I ride mostly wakestyle but am throwing in more freeride these days due to injuries and age. Kite felt solid and surf tough. Definitely a very high quality product compared to the mid-range hybrids I came off previously. The rubber scuff pads on the LE were a nice touch. Bar was fantastic with an easy push away emergency set-up....big and red. Unhooked riding was the standout for the Torch. I attempted my first 313 which ended in spectacular rag-doll fashion, but that’s not the point — the slack in the lines gave me the opportunity to try something I have never tried under my hybrid before. Very happy! Looping the kite had a constant pull even in the gusty conditions and added predictability. The stopper on the chicken loop worked a treat at most times but it slid up without my input twice which was annoying when spinning the bar out. I have heard other systems have the same issue. Overall, this kite could really help me progress my freestyle riding, especially when it comes to grabs and passes. Would recommend this kite to anyone wanting to get back to their kiting philosophical roots and are stuck with their present bag-o-tricks. naish torch TeSTed: 11m Type OF KITe: C-Kite Sizes AVAILABLe: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16m FROM THe MANuFACTurer The Torch delivers the smooth power and aggressive turning that performance C-kite riders demand. C-kites continue to dominate the PKRA tour, and Kevin Langeree rules that arena with the 2010 Torch. Rugged, predictable and reliable, no other C-kite handles as well as the Torch, which is why more top riders choose it over any other C-kite on the market. Whether your goal is to win competitions or just take your freestyle riding to the next level, the Torch is your answer. Super smooth, easy handling, hooked-in, unhooked, impressive depower and fantastic relaunch — these characteristics allow riders of all levels to take advantage of the Torch’s unsurpassed performance. THE KITEBOARDER RepORT We were able to test the 11m in 20+ mph winds. First thing we noticed is that Naish has changed up the graphics package to a more retro color scheme. Naish also improved the bar and added their new streamlined Vario bar end to adjust the length of your bar from 19 to 21 inches. Although the Torch is a fifth line kite it’s possible to easily convert it to a 4 line for those riders looking to ride a little old school. The Naish Octopus Inflation system is a single inflation system when you pump it up, but the LE and struts deflate separately, allowing you to keep the Also struts available inflated when at packing the TKB up if store desired. – The Check new sexy, out color the coded sub offers! grip is very easy to grab and comfortable www.thekiteboarder.com with Naish’s Precision Asymmetrical Grip. The back lines have internal back line trimming where adjustments can be made on the line from underneath the bar floats. Below the bar you will find their Smart Loop with a depower cleat alongside the quick release. Naish still incorporates their push out quick release below the bar for those moments of critical mass. In the sky it was business as usual and the 2010 Torch delivered its typical powerful and direct feel in the turning than you can only get from a C-kite. In terms of jumping, the Torch seemed to have a little more boost and hang time than its previous versions. One of the most impressive features on the new Torch is its depower range. One of our testers who switched over to SLE kites said that he had almost the same depower range as his current quiver and added he could see himself riding the Torch full time. The overall bar pressure is lighter than most C-kites we have tried but a little more than the average SLE, but not by much. The Torches have always been stable kites with an easy relaunch. We had no problems crashing it and relaunching. It was funny to watch each tester go out and try to kiteloop the Torch. Some were able to ride away clean whereas most learned to appreciate the power of a C-kite loop. We were surprised and intrigued at how fun new school C-kites have become. The one common myth that was dispelled during out test was that the Torch doesn’t have mass appeal: It’s not just a high end performance kite that can only be enjoyed by experts. Bow and SLE riders who committed to never going back to a C-kite should definitely give the Torch a second shot if you miss the power delivery and turning speed of these types of kites. And for all of you hot shot freestylers who are concerned about it lacking trim knots, just check under the bar floats by sliding them up. Torch Kite Bag 64 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 65
Page 1 and 2: Welcome to The Kiteboarder’s Onli
Page 3 and 4: Photo Gustav Shmiege New at The Kit
Page 5 and 6: LIQUID FORCE JASON SLEZAK HAVOC GEN
Page 8 and 9: Consisting of over 300 islands, Los
Page 10 and 11: EDITOR RYAN RICCITELLI ryan@thekite
Page 12 and 13: Ian, Lakey Pipe/ Indo helix the evo
Page 14 and 15: INSIDE JOB Drew Fargher How would y
Page 16 and 17: shop talk With miles of pristine co
Page 18 and 19: 1 2 13 9 12 17 4 7 18 10 14 Send it
Page 20 and 21: Niccolo Porcella has grown up in fr
Page 22 and 23: ClOSE-up ARUBA BAJA MAUI JERICOACOA
Page 24 and 25: Jeremie was able to feed the birds
Page 26 and 27: “The Best of Baja” La Ventana
Page 28 and 29: Baja is full of some of the nicest
Page 30 and 31: Going Deep Mitu Monteiro is one of
Page 32 and 33: Grom Goes Big Grom Gormley is a nom
Page 34 and 35: LIQUID FORCE KITEBOARDING 2010 COMP
Page 38 and 39: designer’s corner cont. analyze t
Page 40 and 41: In its fourth year, the Naish SUP M
Page 42 and 43: Globe designer’s corner The new V
Page 44 and 45: Unstrapped Toeside Jibe Made Easy R
Page 46 and 47: Craig Cunningham, one of the Liquid
Page 48: Gulfport Boardsports (228) 596-1936

December 2009 - The Kiteboarder Magazine

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