een ander van KF
http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2340888I was able to try the 9m Helix yesterday at Mokes on Oahu. First, my disclaimers, I am not a sponsored rider nor do I work for any company in the kiteboarding industry. I come from C kites (since '99) have been riding SLE's for the past 2 years mostly, but have an open mind to both. THis is a little long winded but here's what I experienced:
The wind according to the IKitesurf sensor (which may be reporting a bit under) read avg wind 15, top gusts to 22 and lulls at about 10. I am 180 pounds (don't know what that is in kilos).
Before and after riding the Helix, I was on a 2006 9m shockwave. So, I can make some comparisons to that kite readily.
First of all, the words that most readily pop into my mind to describe the kite is smooth, stable, easy, precise. The first thing I noticed when I flew it, was that it was ultra stable, and ultra smooth, the canopy simply did not flutter, flap or do anything weird in the air. When I hit the water, the first time, I was on the 2:1 setting. The bar pressure seemed a bit lighter than the 9m shockwave. It didn't have as much low end grunt, yet I will say it felt "familiar" in this setting. As I sheeted out and in, the power delivery felt more gradual and more precise though, if that makes sense. The wind was a bit light, so I came in, changed the bar to the 1:1 setting, waited for the wind to get good again, and then went back out.
The bar pressure on the 1:1 setting, I would classify as very light. The kite continued to be smooth on the power stroke, stable, very easy to use and again, precise. I wish there were more waves that day (it was flat to 1 ft. wind swell) so I could comment more on wave performance. The kite seemed to jump well, although, I found that I had to fly the kite a bit differently in the air. It took a few jumps to figure out the slightly different timing. I also thought the kite was super fast, when I was gybing around.
The bar I used, was evidently not the finished product that will be shipped with the new kites. Despite this, it was pretty impressive. I would echo SWK's compliments about the sliding stopper "wedge" being excellent. It was super simple and super effective. Every other function of the bar worked well. I appreciated the floaters on the outside lines, as I had my shockwave bar sink on me, and get stuck in the reef before. BUMMER...
I ended up thinking that this kite would probably cover a lot of conditions. I prefer the waves and wind on the N. Shore of Oahu, but out of neccessity I often end up hitting E. Shore (Kailua) as it is only 15 minutes away. Very different riding conditions/wind angles etc. Presently, I use different kites for these different venues. (Shockwave preferred at Mokes for pure waveriding/side shore-Caution Answer at Kailua for freeriding/jumping/side onshore to onshore conditions)
On the cons side, I too am wondering about potential bladder problems, and the one pump system. I am currently dealing with a slow leaking main bladder on another kite, most likely around the valve stems, and it SUCKS! Plenty bladders, plenty can go wrong?! I would hate to be traveling and have something go wrong. I echo the sentiments that this seemingly minor problem needs to be solved.
Also, the kite seemed to not have as much low end grunt, perhaps it is sized a bit under an average 9. It seemed to have a really high high end, but not as much low end as my shockwave 9, for example.
All in all, I think the kite will end up appealing to a lot of riders in a lot of different conditions. There's a lot to like in my humble opinion.
Rapporteer
