Just spent some time on both these kites in order to see what the fuss is about.
So far all they say about the Impact is true.
The 13 has the tradition power of a 14m kite but feels like an 11m
Anyone who usually rides 11 or 12 m kites will be easily at home on the 13 Impact whilst those used to 14m kites will have all the power and way more top end and turning speed.
And the depower range is incredible. All who have ridden it have commented on this and were totally impressed. One comment being " how much more depower than all of it do you need".
One rider, after being concerned about gusty conditions and being too small to hold down 13m's, came back totally ecstatic about how easy it was and said it just felt like a solid 20kts the whole time.
NOVA:
Have had less time with this kite but again all the claims of depower range are true.
the one pump set up is great ( as long as you remember to close all the strut valves). the bridling is simple enough and no big deal in setting up. Self launching is OK but you have to do it like a 5th line kite, again no drama for those in the know.
The bar is simple and bar pressure is totally traditional in feel.
With the stopper in place depower range is also traditional and without the stopper depower is complete.
bottom end of this kite is probably 12m, top end is some where up there where I haven't been yet.
turning speed is normal and very predictable as is stability.
At this stage anyone considering a new kite whether Bow or C, needs to check out all options, as these 2 styles have very different feels and what one rider will love the next will hate.
I could do some comparison chart of the two, but that would be just my opinion, but maybe I'll do it but those who want to see it can email me for it.
I'll be getting as many to try these two kites as possible over the coming weeks and will update these findings as more time is spent with them.
Best winds
Tony L
Stardate: weds nov.11. lake Eppalock Central Victoria.
Tested out the wind range of the Takoon Nova12.
Wind conditions: 0 - 30+kts.
The things we do for science! These were the worst kiting conditions I have ever encountered with the air totally delaminated, and due to the low water level, one run saw 5 wind directions.
At a couple of points half the kite would be in 0 wind the half hit by a 30kt gust.
some turbulent spots caused you to go from maximum power hanging on for grim death to the kite being backwinded and coming towards you.
Several times this caused the kite to turn inside out.
All this withstanding, I survived and returned to my launch spot and self landed (cross off).
So if you want a kite that will give you the best chance of surviving those sudden squalls, a kite the relaunches easier than someone launching it for you. and like long floaty jumps, then you need to test ride one of these.
Also this kite is built strong.
Downside is feedback the kite gives on when you are oversheeting and the turning speed is a bit slow or stable depends on your point of view. Still after riding the Impact, all other kites are slow.
Hopefully this Sat at brighton will have conditions a bit more normal and Sun at torquay might get some seabreezes and waves. just come up and ask for a go if you see them there.
best winds
Tony L
Hey is that Hello as in "of course".
or Hello as in "no way"
Assuming the latter, I would be interested in a comparison of the F-One Impact13 and any other 13 - 14m kite you consider faster.
my mind is open (that's gotter get some comments).
best winds
Tony L
A bit more thought into the Nova 12 and it seems that there is a duality in this kites nature.
I have made up a pulley system as per other widespans with a release similer to a 5th line so that dropping the kite is the same action as a 5th line but the bar is only a couple of metres away.
the steering line pulleys increase bar pressure to about that of the crossbows (an independent statement) but improve manuverabilty in lighter winds. the std. chicken loop travell and stop makes the kite less prone to oversheeting and the normal depower strap allows ample adjustment into what power range you desire.
In higher winds the original bar is still better and an aditional bit of velcro on the stopper ring may be an advantage but this will of course make it harder to push out and dump the power.
Maybe the new Slingshot turbo diesel bar is an answer?
It's still early days in the development process.(my pulley bar that is)
any suggestions?
best winds
Tony L
