KiteATB.co.uk

Manufacturer:

Flexifoil

Model:

9.5m Sabre

Sizes:

7.0m, 9.5m, 11.5m

Type Of Kite:

Non – Water Re-launchable Depowerable Foil

Introduction:

Flexifoil are well known within the kiting industry, some people have seen this kite as their first foray into the foil depower market, whereas in fact looking back in history the Blade II had a retrofittable VPS (Variable Power System) for sizes 4.9 and above. So with that in mind they obviously had some concept of where to start. One thing to note is that unlike most depowerable foils this particular kite has a X-Over within the bridle (this is also piece of Blade II technology on it -another kit) this helps to both improve the sabres turning, and also improve stability of the kite in turns.

Packaging, Style + Construction:

If first impressions count then this bag certainly helps, but what is more important is what is within it. The kite comes with the bag, bar, lines, and handy instructions. The setup of the bridle may seem daunting, but the kite leader lines are already attached after a few larks heads the kite is ready to fly. Yet before that I took a look at the construction of it, the kite has taped seams, an open vent, the “usual” but more interesting is the bar, this has a spinning leash safety, and also some grips on the end of the bar to help keep lines in place once wound up. The depower strap is one of the best I have used, on par with the Peter Lynn it grips well, and it’s the little details that count! The kite itself is Chikara, with taped seams and a bridle consisting of sheathed dyneema, the lines are colour coded and very nice. The standard of lines used in all kites has improved over the last few years.

Jumping:

One thing that did take a while was the technique for jumping, as it’s not the same as jumping on a blade obviously, but like every depower kite you need to tune the timings of the bar input. After a few times of misdirecting it came together, though I did find myself doing a few downwind drifts during the jump (more-so than other kites) but believe that was due to an overaggressive steering which meant I translated the vertical lift into more horizontal pull. That was me not the kite, once dialled in with the settings I found it to be floaty, and provide enough stability for rotations and some other nice tricks. So if you are looking for a jumping kite then that’s one tickbox down!

KiteATB’ing:

The main reason for wanting a depower kite is to be able to adjust the power needed at certain points, and this kite does that very easily through depower strap control, and the bar. As a laid back freeride kite this works well, but it has all the trimmings for freestyle, nice lift, and a great turning speed, the bridle may look complicated but it certainly works well on the kite! Now this bridle has caused some people some “issues” within their mind, but once you see it up-close you realise the simplicity of it, the simple reason it is there is to help increase turning speed, but another side-effect of this is in fact to keep the two sides of the wing stable, and prevent “stepping” of the kite when turning (if you ever owned a Viper you will know what I mean). The kite performs how you would expect when moving around, place it where you want and it will pull you along, send high and you get lift. One key issue for most boarders is stability, and most will “slag” off other kites for the odd luff, or wingtip. Yes this happens on the sabre in certain light wind conditions, but that’s life. It will still perform well though in light winds, and taking advantage of the depower control right up to the stronger winds.

Final Summary:

The depower market is starting to get saturated with so many different brands available its always hard to know which one to choose, but this kite is definitely up there in the top three, I personally say that this kite would be my choice of preference over all other “normal” depowerable foils. Why, well it is honestly a nice kite, it flies well, is nice to board with, easy to setup and pack away and has a nice wind range too. We are not at the one kite bag yet, but at least one of these will help reduce its size. Though as there are so many kites out there it is totally personal preference, if you can then try one it may be what you are looking for.

Reviewer:

Rasga @ KiteATB.co.uk

Manufacturer:

Ozone

Model:

Frenzy 06

Sizes:

5m, 7.5m, 10m, 12m +14m

Type Of Kite:

De-Powerable Non – Water Re-launchable Foil

Introduction:

Yet another generation of the revolutionary Frenzy is now on the market, Once again with a revamped colour scheme and some changes to the canopy and bridle to improve it and make it just that little bit edgier for the top riders but also a bit more stable for the lesser skilled or more regularly inland flyers.

A quick note about the Frenzy colour schemes, even we are currently unsure as to what colour’s are going to be available, I’ve got a nice Black, white, yellow and black one so I’m happy with that!

Packaging, Style + Construction:

The technical back pack has been altered a bit again, black and red with more straps than you ever might need, it even says the size on the bag (I’ve never had a problem with knowing what kites what size but some people must do as they seemed to think this was exciting). There are two straps one for your chest and one for around your waist giving it a nice secure fit. The lower strap even has 2 small ‘bum bag’ style zip sections which should be big enough for a wallet, or a mobile etc if you don’t want to leave them in your pocket. Down both sides of the bag is a criss cross strap which you can tighten to go round whatever you have there (bar etc.) and the top seals well with a zip right up the front which is good for getting the kite in a bit easier, as well as a clip and draw string at the neck to keep it closed and then a flap over hood with another pocket and label on it to write the ‘pilots name’ and ‘pilot phone number’ incase it ever gets lost or its ownership is contested.

On arrival the kite and bar are in their own separate plastic bags along with another document wallet sized bag with the manual, small booklets, some spare patch material, a few spare bridles and thousands upon thousands (ok, about 15-20) of Ozone stickers.

Once again like the ‘05 model the bar is extremely functional, the line winders on the end with elasticated holders are useful and hold the line brilliantly, both safety’s extremely innovative and they work perfectly as and when needed, the only aspect of the bar which I personally and others have had issues with are the chicken loop, which now comes with a separate ‘donkey dick’. It makes giving other people a go of your kite extremely difficult and awkward, I assume it is for those who ride with a captive system, but even so, it doesn’t get in the way if it is attached so really separating them is just irritating for those who share or like to have a go of other kites.

One thing missing in my Frenzy package was the wrist safety leash, I wouldn’t use it anyway I don’t think, just relying on the centre line safety, but its still a point that they made it to have one attached if needed and its not in the bag? Maybe mine is just a one off though or it was lost in transit.

Unsurprisingly construction is top notch and as with all the top manufacturers kites you will very rarely have any problems. They have upgraded/updated the pulleys and they look and feel a lot more solid compared to previous versions so will hopefully be a lot more resistant to wear.

Jumping:

I’ve been out in both light winds and at the top end of the 12m’s wind range. I’ve got to say that jumping with the ‘06 seems so much better than the ‘05 models, although bar pressure is lighter (making it easier to get a hand off while still powered up) it still has a very confidence inspiring feel and amount of lift and float, very predictable in even slightly gusty winds. Redirection is as fast as any rider would want although it is necessary to power up ever so slightly more to get the same response to input as the ‘05, though when it starts turning it really does turn sharply. Even in light winds when riding unhooked jumping is awesome, riding along with a frenzy unhooked makes you feel so much more powered than you really are, messing about doing small raleys are fun with the frenzy because of its fast turning speed when unhooked. Compared with the ‘05 models I’d say your likely to get a bit more height with the newer model, but only if you know how to fly it. Those who haven’t quite mastered the Frenzy’s intricacy’s will find it a bit odd to fly, as proved by some Mattress (Arc) flyers who had a go recently.

Final Summary:

Well, having owned an ‘03 Frenzy and flying every model since then and now owning a 12m ‘06 again I’m glad I now own a Frenzy again, there’s something about the de-power and the feel of the kite that is unmatched by any kite. Even the similar Sabre and the Flysurfer’s, they just don’t give you the same grin when flying as the Frenzy does.

Good ground handling is the only other negative item on the list, in stronger winds you will never be able to leave it sitting there while you go and have your lunch quickly, it just wants to pull even when landed, although not quite as badly as my old Flysurfer Titan did.

Fly the Frenzy aggressively with a lot of bar input and you will be one hell of a boarder, expect it to be a lazy kite and it just won’t do what you want.

Reviewer:

Kev @ KiteATB.co.uk

Picture:

Manufacturer:

Peter Lynn

Model:

Phantom (15m)

Sizes:

6m, 9m, 12m, 15m + 18m

Type Of Kite:

De-Powerable Water Re-launchable Foil

Introduction:

This kite was originally devised and concieved to be used on land in the buggy and on the board. So for those wanting to get wet, yes you can use it on the water but it will be harder to water relaunch it, (check out the PDF the kitesurfing option is grey – so it can be used but they not guarenteeing a perfect relaunch record). This kite has a high aspect ratio, making it long and thin. So, touted as a land kite how does it do – keep on reading for my views.

Packaging, Style + Construction:

As with the new lineup of arcs the bags have changed to expandable rucksack style, this is due to the new spar construction: they are now in a 3 piece foldable batton, making it easier to store the kite, the bag does have a expandable base and netting if you wish to keep your spars still in the kite when packing up.
Style, well what can I say its a love it or hate it design, three colours throughout, black and a colour (aqua blue in my case) on the back and a white front, simple and elegant. Plus the added bonus of looking pretty if your kite decides to fly inverted! (remember no bridles to get in the way!)
Some people may be ‘disappointed’ with the construction, seams are not hidden, though to be honest thats an aesthetic thing, and does not affect performance – plus who is going to notice when its 27m away from you! It does make it easier for repairs though, there are two bars around the new Zero 04, (i have an old bar) the new one has a slight change to the safety release on the chicken loop and leash, and no floats.

Setup and Flying:

So the golden rule of a new arc is called watch the video!, make it your matra watch it a couple of times before you first fly it, and then refresh if you get stuck! Angles are key remember. All in all a setup time can vary from an initial setup of 20 mins (to connect lines etc) check it all works, inflate etc. Though I now keep my lines connected to the kite, makes it easier to setup, so now all to worry about is the time it takes to inflate the kite through the opening zip, then a bottle of water on the closest edge to me keeps it in place while you walk back to the right angle to get the beast flying.
It may take one or two attempts to get full inflation and make it fly ok, but as soon as its full of air then you are off!.
As well as the usual trim adjuster strap system, there is an adjustable webbing in the rear of the kite, this can alter the performance of the kite depending on situations, I have not had too much experience but a tweak here and there can help.

Jumping:

Based on the legendary F-Arc this kite still retains its jump ability, a simple matter of getting moving, place kite upwards, feel the power and pull in, when learning you can achieve good jumps. More experience with timing can achieve higher and floatier jumps than some other kites can offer (i.e its easier to get them out of this kite), one factor is the float this kite brings doing a rotation can now be slowed down if you did a quick 360 it would more likely end up as a 720 due to the timing! Not to forget pulling in on the bar for the secondary lift to make this kite a fun thing to use!

Final Summary:

So, I must admit I do like this kite, it is my first venture into arcs and I must admit I can get frustrated with the setup, but every use makes it easier, once its flying its a dream, the auto zenith is lovely, no joke eating lunch, refilling a camelback etc is possible with hands and eyes off the kite, it will stay where you put it. The depower range is fantastic too, usuable wind range from around 8 to 20 means its a kite thats versatile, and stable no luffing back into the centre window and explosive pop to happen, the power is controllable.

It may not be a kite for everyone if you want to quickly unwind your lines and go, but for some people it may be what they have been looking for, it sure was in my case.

Reviewer:

Rasga @ KiteATB.co.uk

Pictures: