BLADE KITES
Kite: Blade Vertigo 10m
Wind: 20-25kts
Rider: Advanced
Water: Waves and Choppy
“What Blade Say”
The staff at Blade was determined to fill a gaping void in the kiting market and develop an amazing flat kite that feels like a C-shaped and would accommodate both freestyle and wave riders – uniting both styles in the ultimate in performance and functionality.
The De-Power is similar to a flat kite, maneuvers like a C-kite, and is specially designed for the extreme riders who crave fast turns, big jumps and killer kite-loops.
“Testers Notes”
The first thing I noticed after inflating the Vertigo was how small the leading edge was, this would help the aerodynamics of the kite and improve the overall performance. The Vertigo is a 5 line Hybrid and has a bridle as well as a 5th line. The bridle is there is give it the De-Power range of a flat kite with the 5th line to support the leading edge as well as the main safety. The bar was well thought out and simple to use with the QR light to operate. The trim straps were easy to reach and a nice size to grip.
Once the kite was in the air I noticed that the bar pressure was so light, turns were quick especially as the kite comes with a 45cm bar. The kite felt very powerful and soon had me up and riding. I tested the kite to see if what Blade said was true. The Vertigo did not let me down. Big, floaty, jumps, solid kite loops and a dream to use in waves. I also tested their “bomb proof” theory which also let me see what the re-launch was like. Without using the 5th line it re-launched like any other SLE, simply pull on the steering line and up she pops. Packing up was easy too as they have placed plastic ends on the Velcro to assist when deflating the struts.
Overall I would say that this kite is suitable for all kinds of riding whether you’re into freestyle, wakestyle or waves. They are really well priced too which is nice to see.
