Rider: Weight 74kgs ,Level advanced
Style: Wake, Freestyle
Weather: 13-18 knots
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
The first thing you notice when you take the kite out of the bag is the size of the leading edge and struts they are about 20% smaller than the standard Hi-Fi. There are 3 settings for the front lines ranging from freestyle to wakestyle and two setting on the rear lines fast and slow. There is also a new 5th line bridle which supports the leading edge, this is also found on the Hi-Fi. The construction of the kite seems very nicely done with re-enforcing points placed on the kite where needed.
When I got the kite in the air the first thing you notice is that it has a slightly higher aspect ratio than the Hi-Fi. The bar pressure is super light on the freestyle setting and this kite turns FAST, this 12M would turn as quick or quicker than most 10M’s on the market. The wind was only 13/18 knots but mainly sitting around the 15 knot mark and I was staying up-wind without a problem, the kite fly’s very fast through the sky and generates a lot of power when you lock the stopper ball down and ride it with no depower. When it comes to unhooking the kite is super responsive and you know where it is at all times it also generates a lot of pop, kitelooping is a joy!!!! When you change the front lines to wakestyle setting the bar pressure increase’s giving you even a better feel of where the kite is in the sky but the turning ability does slow a little. The only down side I found with it is the water relaunch in light winds because it is a little higher aspect than the standard Hi-Fi it takes a little more technique but when you get it right it is not too bad.
From what I have seen on the market the Hi-Fi comp is one of the most high performance freestyle kites out there. It is not a kite for beginners but if you want to take your riding to the next level I would take one for a ride!!!!
I cant wait to get it out in some higher winds
That is great to hear Murf. Ours is still sitting in the bag, hopefully this arvo we'll have the chance to give it a go.
Not normally one for reviews as I can't stand typing !
All that needs to be said about the Hi Fi Comp is WOW!!
This kite is bloody awesome, I am one of the biggest fans of the Hi Fi kites and really believe they are one of the most underated kites on the market.
This kite has taken it too a whole new level.
demos available.
Jason
West Oz Kiteboarding
www.westozkiteboarding.com.au
I would love to hear what you guys have to say about the comparisens between the HiFi and the Comp...
Im on the 08 HiFi's atm and also love them to bits but my 12m is getting a bit beaten up as its my most used kite!
Ill probably keep my 7m and 9m 08's as there just that good... plus they havent really been used that much so no point in selling them atm.
Have we got any new pics of the HiFi Comp yet as ive only seen a couple so far.
Hi Blue Ice
The differences between the comp and the standard Hi-Fi are
Hi-Fi comp has a smaller leading edge and struts
Slightly higher aspect ratio
The trailing edge has a slightly different cut to it
The bar pressure is lighter but you can still feel where the kite is at all times.
Turning speed is faster
Better upwind ability
Bigger wind range
The 12 Comp seems to have more bottom end than the 12 Hi-Fi
Hope this helps
I will post some pics when I get a chance
Great cheers bud.
I weigh 75kg and ive had the 12m HiFi out in 13-30mph and shes an absolute dream in all aspects.
There are a couple of floors with her but hey, it will never be perfect....ever!
So you reckon the 12m Comp has a better wind range than that? if so that would be impressive to see.
Anyway, whats the jumping and hangtime like on her? Better than the standard HiFi?
Are the kite loops better? The kite loops on the standard HiFi are amazing as it is!
Btw Murf... when i mention what are the differences between the 2, i ment in flight :-)
How diifferent do they feel flying them back to back?
You mention that the bar preasure is lighter on the comp than the hifi?
If so... this is one of the things i will definately not like about her!
I have also owned a 12m Havoc 08 and hated it due to how light the bar preasure was. The HiFi is totally different and way better imo! You can feel through the bar where the kite is perfectly.
For all 09 LF kite , the bar pressure feeling have been increased.. and on the COMP, you can adjust the bar pressure by changing attachment point in the front... as there're 3 front attachemnt point setting .
get a try on Hifi comp , you will love it for sure .
