08 LF HAVOC REVIEW
Over the past 2 weeks I’ve been testing the new 10m 2008 Havoc. The first session was in flat water, 25-35 knot gusty frontal conditions. The SouthOz winter gusts were hitting the canopy like bullets, yet the kite managed to depower nicely to deliver a smooth ride. The kite still appeared smooth from the beach & fluttered less than the other 08 models on the water that day. It was too windy for unhooking, but of the couple of times I did the kite had good bar pressure (not too overpowering).
Boosting; Timing this kite was made easy and it goes massive! This year’s model seemed to be far more aggressive in jumping & longer hangtime. Predicting the kite’s movement was easy which should help all riders at all levels. Whilst I didn’t kiteloop it in the sketchy conditions the faster turning speed of the kite gives me confidence as the 07’s were nice to loop.
The 2nd and 3rd session was in 18-28 knots, 3-4ft stormy waves, and now I’m sold! This kite seems to fly so fast, again outperforming its predecessor in this area. Where the 07 canopy had some dead spots, the new model seemed smooth all over. Relaunching the kite also seemed to be a bit clickier than last years cut.
As LF states in their marketing - “good attention to detail” is the first thing you’ll notice when unpacking the rig. The bar setup for me was one of the big improvements. I’m a fan of the simplicity; Clean with minimal loose components flinging around. The bar looks and feels even more robust, thicker toward the centre of the bar with a strong cast metal insert for the main line to run through. Depower and powering up and made easy with a simple metal cleat on the chicken loop again makes for a simple operation, minimal parts, less change of failure. Thumbs Up!
All fitting and fixtures on the kite this year have been improved, bladder location, Scuff regions, the wingtips have a really nice cut, both visually and improving affecting in the turning efficiency. Cause this thing turns super fast!!
No downsides as yet; the overall perception of quality has tightened up on previous years; well done to the LF R&D dept, they’ve definitely done their homework. I’m surprised the product is still so affordable this year.
Unless the HIFI, outperforms the Havoc in the waves & freestyle I know what I’ll be on this summer. If you want to demo, I’m sure all LF dealers in AU will have a setup of each rig floating around. Try it out; find out for yourself, you won’t be let down.
Rhys
Rhys, did your strut pinch clips (to pinch off the hose leading to each strut) come assembled or did you have to undo the tie strap holding the hose to the strut mount in order to put them on...?
Mine came in a bag and I'll have to cut the ties, install them, then reassemble with new tie strap.
Otherwise have to agree, I've been flying the 10m and have been having a blast in winds that I wouldn't touch with my 9m c kite.
My upwind performance is unreal compared to before.
Because of shipping/packaging concerns, all 08 kites' clips come separate this year. It's a very simple pull out slide on process.
From the LF website - the Havoc is the most progressive Premium High Performance /Free-Ride 4-Line SLE kite on the market today!
liquidforcekites.com
You have got to try it.
I think it would be a smart move to fit the clips, which would prevent your LE deflating if there are any strut problems. The kites I have been testing and giving to people to try all have them packaged separate probably for the reason padi mentions above as they clips could wear the canopy if packed tightly and rubbed on the canopy I think.
You also have to check when inflating the kites with this type of one pump system that the rubber tubes aren't kinked and that all the struts are fully inflated before you set up to ride.
The spares kit also has plugs should you wish take the one pump system off which would be slower for setting up a bit but quicker for packing up as you can let the air out of the struts alot quicker and easier - choice is up to you.
Definately try the Havoc though to thise that haven't- it is a really nice kite this year and a massive improvement on last years version imo. I like it the best flying and quality wise over the hifi and session.
ive been using 08 havoc for a few weeks really good kite soooo much better then last year and no need for clips i think im not putting them on.
Just got to bear in mind that if you dont put the clips in and should a bladder goes, then the whole kite is going to deflate.
When I kite at where my kiteschool is based, most of the times is cross onshore wind and even at like a km out you can still stand bottom, I dont normally do the clips up. However when I go in the surf or do a downwinder, I always do them up - just in case.....
Bryden - right you are... the rig didn't have the pich clips pre-assembled, i guess i was like a kid an candy store pulling the kite out of the plastic for it's first ride. Some thing just get missed out...
But now i have assembled the clips and will use them for each session, escpecially in waves! Hope you enjoy it!
JESUS!!
Im sold
Just came in from riding the Havok 10m in 15k gusty crappy westerly wind
I had the 12 with me aswell but wanted to give the kite a real test , underpowered etc.
This kite is so smooth, first main notice was that it shot upwind straight away, you get so much power out of the first swing that up just shoot up.
Bar pressure is so light, and I mean light, lighter than the switchy. Kite seems to create so much board speed that it just breaths so easily, so guys that like board speed will love it.
Turns quick, and generates heaps of gas , it just dosent have that ****ty drag feeling at all.
My background is definately in the wakestyle ( 7 years), and I love it coz its so throwable yet has so much speed, the best of both worlds.
Im not going to write heaps of tech **** , just want people too know this is a serious contenter for best kite, and not a slow dog
Im sure there are going to be heaps out there this season
Enjoy
Great to hear you like it!!
We will get those Hi Fi control systems to you next week for those demo Hi Fis so you can take them for a spin also
Cheers
Had the Havoc 10m out on Sat, wind was 25-30kts, it flew and held on extremely well. It is my top choice for 25-30kts conditions.
Dude thats a hell of alot of wind for a 10m!
I love them but thats 8m weather for sure
JP one of my team riders he was on the 8m, but then he only weighs 50kg lol. The 10m is sweet for 20-30 if you weigh 75-80kgs. At no time was I feeling hanging on for my life.
quote:
Originally posted by longy29
Dude thats a hell of alot of wind for a 10m!
I love them but thats 8m weather for sure
