TIPS FOR VIEWING - The Kiteboarder Magazine

designer’s corner cont.
analyze this
bestwaroo
TESTED: 11m AVAILABLE SIZES: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15m
STYLE: Delta – Wingtip design
TESTED IN: Corpus Christi, TX, 20–28mph winds
FROM THE MANUFACTURER
Completely redesigned, the 2010 Waroo pushes the free-ride concept further
than ever before. An all new Delta-Wingtip Design replaces the previous
SLE kite layout. Providing Kahoona-like ease of use and Nemesis NXG
aerodynamic performance, the new Delta-Wingtip layout ensures that the
Waroo remains the ultimate “do anything, ride everywhere” kitesurfing kite.
THE KITEBOARDER REPORT
Out of the Box: The Waroo’s tribal graphics now cover a smaller portion
of the kite along the wingtips and trailing edge. The Waroo is designed as
a delta–wingtip kite, unlike previous generations of the Waroo which were
SLE kites. The bridal system incorporates stainless steel rings that the bridle
travels through instead of using pulleys. Our test kite came with a traditional
separated inflation system with a designated inflation and deflation valve on
the leading edge (non-one-pump), but the Waroo is also available with EZ-
Pump, the Best Kiteboarding version of a one-pump system.
On the Water: Riding the new 2010 Waroo, it became immediately
apparent that this is kite is quite different from the previous designs. While
the kite seemed to pivot in the turns, it was easy to control and handle
throughout the window. The Waroo’s jumping performance, with its lofty
feeling, is more similar to the Nemesis than the old Waroo, but the kite’s
handling is different than the Nemesis. Re-launching the kite was simple
and easy due to the delta shape of the wingtips.
PROS:
• This 2010 Waroo has increased pop, better low end
grunt and much improved water relaunch ability.
• The kite has notable less bar pressure than previous
generations of the Waroo, but nothing dramatic. The bar
pressure is still light-moderate.
CONS:
• The stainless steel rings on the bridle may cause the
bridle to be a little more prone to wear than with pulleys.
• This is a completely new shape for the Waroo, so riders
who really liked the previous Waroo may need to spend
a little time getting use to a newly designed kite.
THE VERDICT:
Although the 2010 Best
Waroo is designed differently
than previous versions, don’t
second guess its potential.
The changes in turning,
jumping, bar control and
relaunch ability still make
the 2010 Waroo the best allaround
kite from Best.
Control System:
Bar: Standard, non-convertible
Grip/Feel: Smooth but grippy with
a small diameter
Depower: Above the bar depower
strap, easy to use but may be bit long
for some
Center swivel: Standard center line
swivel that has come on the Best kites a
few years
Safety/leash connection points:
Below the bar and above the bar safety
system connection points.
Keep an eye out for bridle wear caused by
the stainless steel rings.
8 In lighter winds the kite flies efficiently
when moving, but may need to be a
little depowered when standing
stationary on the beach to remain stable.
Tips
8
Control System:
Bar: Eclipse’s standard 2010 four line bar
with 5 th line added
Grip/Feel: Small diameter easy to hold with a
smooth textured grip
Center swivel: None
Depower: Below the bar, easy to use and works well
Safety/leash connection points: Below the
bar, outside line has a ring for an above the bar
connection point
Depower ability: Good depower offering a really
smooth transition on the chicken loop
Tips
8 Don’t be afraid to throw the kite around
in the air while riding in the surf. The
kite has solid control even when hitting
the lip and falling down the face for a
big bottom turn.
8 This is a C-kite so just letting go of the
bar doesn’t completely depower it.
Eclipsesurge
TESTED: 9m AVAILABLE SIZES: 5, 7, 9 and 11m STYLE: C-Kite
TESTED IN: Corpus Christi, TX, 27–30mph winds
FROM THE MANUFACTURER
The Surge is a come back from where it all began. This is not your daddy’s
C-kite! We are happy to introduce you to the new generation of C-kite. The
Surge, a 4-line kite, was designed by Felix Pivec and Bill Hansen. We wanted
to bring you the next generation of ultimate kite performance. So if you are
a pro rider or a person who is looking for a rush, then the Surge will be your
choice for those big power moves and kite loops. Don’t let this kite fool you -
this C-kite offers the true performance all freestylers and wave riders desire
while rivaling the depower and safety of today’s SLE kites.
THE KITEBOARDER REPORT
Out of the Box: The Eclipse Surge showed up just in time for one of the
coldest fronts to hit South Texas this season. The Surge wingtips are wide
with battens incorporated into them. Graphically, the kite looks cool with
hand prints around the size label and the overall outline of the kite really
ties the look together. This four line C– kite doesn’t come with a one-pump
system. The struts need to be inflated individually while the leading edge has
a dedicated inflation and deflation valve.
On the Water: When you first try the Surge, you will immediately notice the
direct response of the kite. The bar pressure is moderate and easy to turn
while the kite flies through the window. The kite is designed with a lower
aspect ratio and wide wingtips that help its responsiveness. The Eclipse
Surge offers solid pop, power, and follow through when riding freestyle,
wakestyle, and surf. Re-launching the Surge after a crash seemed to take a
little finesse, true to a traditional C-kite.
PROS:
• This is a true C -kite from Eclipse that provides solid
freestyle performance for intermediate to advanced riders.
• The Surge gives great feedback through the bar and offers
excellent control going into any moves where the kite may
or may not need to move quickly.
CONS:
• Construction could use some beefing up in high wear areas.
• This is a true C-kite, so riders coming from riding bow or
the newer SLE kites need to take time getting used to it.
THE VERDICT:
The Eclipse Surge is a
well balanced, easily
controlled C-kite that
offers a diverse style of
riders a solid feeling kite
for surf, freestyle, and
wakestyle.
64 thekiteboarder.com