Posted a similar topic on the gear reviews forum however have had limited responses and am hoping that it may get a wider audience here...plus I am unable to review this kite. I am moving from pole riding across to kiting and am in the process of getting a first time kite. The kite that I am looking at is a Gaastra Hatch (13m) and I have found that this elusive kite has very limited if any reviews. Why? Not too sure, however coming from a windsurfing background, my experience with their sails is that they are a well constructed, very good sail to use. Was hoping that this has crossed over into their kites. Any feedback on this kite or the Jekyl would be greatly appreciated.
The Gaastra factory actually makes kites for other kite companies, Zeeko being one, and do a great job with quality and durability. As for their own kites???
i've ridden the 11 and 9m Hatches.
I spent lots of time on the 11 and a surfboard and it copped a flogging and survived.
only a little bit of freestyle on the 9m but still loads of fun.
nice kites, tough build, easy to fly, easy to relaunch.
What more do you want?
you could pay extra for marketing hype and bullsh!t? no thanks.
I've only ridden an 8m Jekyl but it too windy for an 8m that day so i'm not going to try and compare.
Never flown the Hatch but have been flying max's for years now and they're great. Have pretty much tried and owned every brand of kite in the last 13 years and these were the only kites that actually lasted a season without falling apart...
Give them a try, think there's only one shop in WA that stocks them and they normally have some demo's available..
Cheers for the feedback guys, I would suspect that build and function of the kite would be high given the quality of Gaastra's sails however it just appears odd that google-ing most other kites brings up a plethora of reviews and feedback but these kites get limited if any coverage. Will take a punt based on your information.
The market is heavily saturated with kites that in certain categories essentially do the same thing. Also certain brands take hold and then build momentum through reviews and recommendations. doesn't mean this kite is no good if not too many reviews. Plus if you have support from the retailer mentioned you should be right.
