Well it looks like the weather and conditions underfoot will prohibit any further flying before I leave for work so.....
let's start with one of more... contentious... claims about this kite. Despite what has been stated
here I won't be taking this kite out when the wind is blowing at 3mph. When it gets to 5mph, no problem, but any lower and
I'm struggling to see the point. In contrast to what some have written this kite is subject to the laws of physics just like any other. Although sold to me as Vented Light, having Vented Light on the bag and even Vented Light written on the sail, it weighs over 300 grammes. It
isn't Light (
unless you mean in comparison to the range's Standard in which case it should be Lighter). The only way this kite is worth flying in 3mph is if you have a highly liberal interpretation of the word "flying" or an unconventional view of what represents 3mph.
Will someone undoubtedly claim that 3mph is not only viable but conservative ? Surely. But here is a picture of a Ferrari with a towbar to further illustrate that there are other things that you
can do but
shouldn't.
Moving on...
It does have a very balanced flight. There's a nice equality about the inputs I was making to get stuff done. Nothing I tried seemed to need a weird or exaggerated movement. It was eager to pitch and happy to rotate. Stuff happened as and when I asked for it. Tricks were done to order, not "handed out"
I can fully understand why this kite is so highly thought of. It is
very good.
The
blurb for this kite claims that Lazy Susan-related work is its
forte and it certainly doesn't disappoint there. I found it very controllable once dropped onto its back. Just a quick pop then make a decision what you fancy doing - either straight away or leave it a moment while you compose your thoughts - the kite is happy either way.
But that's not to say that this is all it does well. Flic-Flacs are very sweet; fast or slow, pushed around into wraps or just binging it back and forth. 'Snice.
Really, it does all the stuff I threw at it and did it well. I didn't need to be surgeon precise to have it happen either.
The adjustable leech line is a bit odd though.
Fully tight it kept the kite quiet but slackened off just 1cm... yuck. And there's plenty more slackening off to come. Is this a high wind thing 'cos it's not much use so far and apart from some small tweaks to the upper bridle line, that's all we get to adjust the kite.
Oh yes... much like the TNT, the sail pattern sort of melts away once the kite is on the end of your lines. Much less of the starey, scary face. Which
is good.
So.... my new favourite kite ? Could be. Strip away the fanboy over enthusiasm and you
are left with a top kite in all respects. I really do like this thing and look forward to being able to fly it some more. But first.... work
Mike.