LightXC feedback from Mike Holland

Hey all,

Have just spent the past week riding the new 09's in a variety of conditions here in Queenstown and have to say i'm very happy with the new kites!  Like some I was sceptical about how much range a 4- line kite could give compared to previous 5-line models but my concerns dissolved on my first session. Here in Queenstown we rely on kites having instant relaunch and a wide wind range as some of our best spots are actually in the leeside of some of the country's highest peaks! This is why the LIGHT XC is the only kite to use.

My favourite improvement for this year's kite is the well balanced bar pressure, in previous models when the bar was sheeted out the kite had great de-power but very sloppy steering that left you sinking or dropping out of the sky. This new model has superb responsive steering fully sheeted out. In the past the only way to achieve this was to design a kite with less range to maintain brake line tension, but not on this kite!  My second day on the kite I was faced with a 35 knot gale and only the 10m to test so out I went to battle!  I was pleasantly surprised to be riding comfortably with all my friends who were out on '08 9m lights. They later informed me they were all fully lit, with cleats fully pulled down. Any doubts I may have had about the depower were put to rest at that moment.  Riding the '09 10m in those conditions was a dream with such nice response through the bar and I got many jumps well over 10m high (see pics) that left me thinking "what could be done on an EDGE if this is the LIGHT!!!"

Many other new features have transformed the package as well, with a bar designed to be much more comfortable for unhooked tricks - the line slot, tube covered trim line and large diameter line unwinder are a dream to use.

I am more exited about these kites than I have been about any other in my 9 years in the sport, Ozone have left nothing to be wished for so we can all just shut up and get on with the job of progressing to the next trick or just having a lot of fun!

Mike Holland