Rider: 80kg,Advanced (beginner,intermediate,advanced)
Style: Freeriding, Freestyle
Weather: 18-23 knots
Build Quality: 9/10 - too early to give it 10/10 but no problems so far
Satisfaction: 8/10 - they aren't exactly cheap, but so far nothing has stuck out as lacking or annoying me ...... yet
Disclosure: ( I rock!)
My Comments: Upgraded from 08/09 vegas to current
Changes:
Valves & covers are a big improvement - hard plastic and the inners apparently are less prone to sand failure ( none of my 08 / 09 kites have had a single valve failure in 4 years ) - may be more for the lazy folk who leave valve caps off between sessions - which I do not.
Strut attachments to main bladder are now fully aligned & have more seaming holding the attachment with main strut, meaning little to no flex & kite should retain shape better over years of use, allowing better relaunch shape.
Bar centre has changed to metal ( to decrease line wear ), vice the white plastic which does wear the lines over years ( haven't had a snap but they are visibly worn on my 4 year old ones ). Bar grips a slimmer
5th line safety is the biggest improvement I have seen since 5th line came in. North have finally made a swivelling 5th line, that can be operated in suicide mode - while still giving the option to flag onto the 5th line with easy relaunch. it's the mode I will be using!
Safety leash also improved with a cover over the carabena? to stop accidental disengagement. I don't know about the red plastic .... I have a feeling it may perish in the sun, but that's just based on all the clear plastic I have ever seen - perishes in the sun..... we ill see.
Kite sits fantastically well in the window with front connectors on rear points, and rear lines on the rear connectors
