I just had to sign up to this forum to talk a little about these rev shaped jobbies from china cus I read alot of stuff that just aint true. Me I own 3 and a couple of revs, a 1.5 and an older EXP. I also fly with a few mates who also have them. We've given our shilling to the REV empire and I think we're allowed to try something else.
Are they copies of 'Revolution Kites' ? Well they're not selling them as rev's and nor are the designs the same but they share an almost identical basic shape. You decide.
Dimensions differ slightly by half an inch on the LE but you could swap frames about from a 1.5, Infact I have. The chinese frames are better *shock horror* because they're more consistant in weight (about 16g each with a 3 wrap construction) and I haven't broken one yet despite flying in some horrific northern england winds lately. End caps are not quite as strong as Rev originals but construction, matierial, bridle, lines and handles are all excellent, if not email him (4mkites on ebay) and he will sort it out for you. You can also order one on monday and have it in your house by friday from china he's so fast and he also pays the import tax.
Anyone who tells you the brand I have fly like rubbish, are made of bamboo and shoelace then fall apart in a day is a liar im afraid. They fly as good as 'Revolution Kites' and for £80 are well worth a punt. Just read the specs and sizes carefully and dont get the 2/3rd sized one. Try to get one of the 2011 models as they're improving them all the time.
The funny thing is I've been to alot of festivals this year in the UK and see more and more Albatross Quads and even some teams flying them. People I think are a little scared to get them out sometimes because they're afraid of the Rev Taliban giving it the big ooh aaarr but just do your thing and get em out. You wont get locked up for it and as far as I know we can all make up our own minds about morals and feeding the 'Communist dragon empire'.
The dude who got banned from the Rev forums some time ago for reviewing one of these and saying it was as good as a Rev was correct. They are, just make sure its a genuine 'Albatross' and not a copy