Rider: 75 kgs ,Level advanced
Style: Freeriding, Surf, Wake, Freestyle
Weather: 12/22 knots 11 sqm 15/28 9 sqm 18/35 7 sqm
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: team rider
My Comments:
I would like to introduce a review for the new C-kite shaped from the GAASTRA family, the PURE. It???s a future C kite, 4 lines with small direct bridle to support the leading edge with no pulleys that maintains the direct feeling of a direct connection. Kite suggested for an intermediate/expert/advanced level rider that wants to step up in a freestyle/wakestyle skills. The kite as plenty of pop and power but without a crazy pull for unhooked tricks (good for learning and progress in handle pass, kite loops, etc.). Just had on the last days good feedback from friends that changes over from other brands.
I have been riding the 11 - 9 sqm for the last two month and on also the 7 sqm mostly in flat condition and small/medium waves on a strapless surf board.
This kite surprised me for the amount of power and its upwind abilities. That feature is, for sure, the one that I noticed in the first ride. I can easily fly a 9 sqm on light wind condition with a freestyle twin tip 135x41 (rider weight around 75 kgs). I would go bigger than an 11sqm size because the power is more than enough!!!
Also in the big size the kite remains smooth, fast and a pleasure to fly with limited bar pressure but easy sensibility on the bar. The kite is quite responsive and stable also in gusty condition.
The relaunch is great, this thing makes a big difference for a freestyler/wake styler while it rather encourage than deterring from trying new tricks. The Pure also relaunches easily in wind shadows.
Kite construction and materials are excellent, I have been using and crashing the kite lots and never had a problem with canopy, one pump or inflation system.
To notice some improvement from last year model are the inflate/deflate valve that makes an huge difference in inflating time (the pump hose fits straight in the valve with the bigger nozzle), nice graphic and increase of high end, thanks to some modification to the bar. Now it???s possible to fly bigger size also in windier conditions for big boosting without losing riding comfort. Also the waveriding skills of the kite gained thanks to the new bar.
Good choice the use of 4 lines, I don't like the 5th line (I had bad experience in the past). Also with kite flipping the relaunch is not affected.
The good upwind abilities and the way the kite cut on the window edge gives to the rider an awesome pop also in light wind conditions and a lot of time for passing the bar while doing unhooked tricks. I did definitely improved and landed easily tricks that I found difficult before with other kites.
Really stable for hooked jump with a good lift and bar pressure/feeling. Easy to understand kite position while doing a trick.
Possible to fly the kite with 21 or 24 m lines with extensions provided (I defo prefer the short lines, more slack and more turning in waveriding conditions). I rode the kite with longer and shorter lines and I personally prefer the shorter lines because the kite becomes more direct and increase the slackness after an air pass, but in the other hand it loses a bit of power and lift. Best setting is to have 2 bar one long and the other sort line.
The bar and all the kite is presented simple but really efficient. At the first ride I had to get used to the bar rope swivel but after a couple of times was all good. The release safe system is very simple and functional, really easy to use and reconnect.
I have been trying for years different C-kite and open-C and I can definitely say that the Gaastra Pure is a brilliant one and with a really competitive price for a complete set makes this kite one of the new most wanted for the 2014 season.
For demos or further questions don???t hesitate to contact me.
Luca
Kite Addiction Team Rider
