Over the past few days I've had the pleasure of seeing the 1st of the new seasons wind arrive along with the entire 2008 kite range from Liquid Force. For me this is the ulimate.
During the past couple of days I was able to put the 12m Hi-Fi, Havoc, Session & Mig through several comparison tests. I have never been so excited about a range of kites to hit the skies.
I have already posted a review on the Havoc, so I will to not go on about it except to say that the hype keeps going, it does it all and I look forward to every time I get to fly it.
The Hi-Fi is a 5th line SLE design and is a new design for 2008. This dedicated 5th line kite is a great kite for kite looping and wave riding. Liquid Force has used the highest quality materials available to complement a great design.
Once again the Session SLE Design is also new for Liquid Force, with quite a flat profile compared to the others in the LF 08 range. This gives the kite the largest wind range. This kite is awesome for anyone looking for a kite that has amazing lift, light bar pressure and enjoys the option of massive depower.
Liquid Force saw success in the Mig in 2007 and will continue the same design into 2008. The mig is a 5th line C design, for dedicated C kite lovers.
Overall I must admit I am pushed to choose between the kites. However based only on my style of riding and what I want from a kite, I would be still left to choose between the Havoc & the Hi-Fi.
So why not take them for a test ride yourself? Let us know what you think.
Please contact your Liquid Force Dealer today or PM me for details. We would love to hear what you think.
Also I believe the kites will be on display at the Sydney Boat Show this weekend at Darling Harbour. Just look for Liquid Force
I have put some photos of the kites onto the photos page
Very keen to hear a comparison between the Havoc and the Hi fi untill I have a chance to test one myself...?
I will have the Hi-Fi over the next few days to test it some more... I will post a more detailed comparison in the next few days.
This was sent to us by a local rider:
Review of Havoc 2
21st July 2007.
I rode the Liquid Force “Havoc 2 “10 meter at main beach today in around 15-22 knots of wind. I was originally quite skeptical of the hybrid design of kite after riding a few bow kites and not being fond of them (I do understand it takes a while to get used to these types of kite). Upon hooking into the kite I was instantly impressed with the simplicity of the entire design, 4 lines, very simple easy to use bar and safety system.
On the beach the kite was very smooth and moved quickly for such a small bar. Upon hitting the surf I took a couple of runs to get used to the kite, the kite has very little bar pressure and is incredibly easy to fly. On the waves I found the Havoc to be very responsive allowing the rider to make fast/sharp bottoms turns, the kite also honked upwind. I was further impressed with the kite when performing freestyle moves, for hooked in jumps you couldn’t ask for a more controlled boost. When pulling the trigger, I new exactly where the kite was at every moment.
When riding unhooked, the smoothness of the kite did not disappear; it rode just as well unhooked as it did hooked. In summary I was very impressed with all elements of the kite, from it solid design, stability, simplicity and speed. I personally would recommend the kite to both advanced and newby’s due to it simplicity and performance. The only thing I can’t comment on was the water relaunchabilty; the kite didn’t hit the water the entire session (very unusual). I know which kite I will be riding this summer. I fully recommend giving one a go; I think I have finally been converted into a hybrid rider!
Cheers
James
Had the opportunity to sample some of the new LF gear over the past couple of weeks. Had rides on the 12 and 14 Havoc and the 12 Session. The Havoc's have come miles ahead since last year. Great construction and the new bar is very good all round. I really liked the 12 a lot, light and responsive and good boost too. Very well behaved unhooked the times I tried it.
The Session reminded me of the Assault in feeling and would suit someone looking for a steady sedate kite with constant pull imo. The relaunch on the Session 12 was very good.
Hanging out to try a 12 and 15 HIFI now to compare them all.
Disclaimer: I am a rep/retailer for LF
Another test run - this time on the Havoc 2008. This time an 8m.
I had a session on my 9m and came in and set up the 8 (after being convinced the 10 might be too much - and it would have been I think too)
It was a gusty 28-32ish day in chop and small waves. The kite was very manageable and zippy. One thing I really noticed that you could really lite up in the speed department - it was scary fast at times.
Kite was stable considering the conditions and very fast if you sheeted in a bit. It was stock set up with the small bar.
I'm a fatty and intermediate rider and usually never go near anything under 9 or 10m. It was a pleasant surprise to find that it would jump pretty well and hang a bit considering my weight and the crappy wind.
Bar pressure was super light and this takes some getting used to as it's 'super' light. Also, the sheeting is really on or off and it takes a while to get used to this.
Overall, myself and the other test rider both said we enjoyed being on this kite rather than our regular kites in the conditions we had today.
On one down loop transition, I sheeted out a bit and the kite didn't come around as quick as I would have hoped and had a rough ditching into the water. Did some funny messy stuff but was up again without a hitch in about 3 seconds flat - I was impressed.
I think LF have really stepped it up this year - particularly with the massive improvemnet on the Havocs both in flying characteristics and build and finish. There's a couple of minor things I would like added ( like a front line swivel and couple of kite additional add ons) but overall this kite is as good or better than most others out there in build from my few sessions I have had.
Tomorrow we will be back out so if you want to demo the 8 or 10 Havocs ,or any other LF gear in Brisbane let me know. Hoping to have another new 2008 model 10m as well to try out but it may not be here until Friday unfortunately.
check the pic section for some photos of today
Disclaimer: I am a rep/retailer for LF
Another test run - this time on the Havoc 2008. This time an 8m.
I had a session on my 9m and came in and set up the 8 (after being convinced the 10 might be too much - and it would have been I think too)
It was a gusty 28-32ish day in chop and small waves. The kite was very manageable and zippy. One thing I really noticed that you could really lite up in the speed department - it was scary fast at times.
Kite was stable considering the conditions and very fast if you sheeted in a bit. It was stock set up with the small bar.
I'm a fatty and intermediate rider and usually never go near anything under 9 or 10m. It was a pleasant surprise to find that it would jump pretty well and hang a bit considering my weight and the crappy wind.
Bar pressure was super light and this takes some getting used to as it's 'super' light. Also, the sheeting is really on or off and it takes a while to get used to this.
Overall, myself and the other test rider both said we enjoyed being on this kite rather than our regular kites in the conditions we had today.
On one down loop transition, I sheeted out a bit and the kite didn't come around as quick as I would have hoped and had a rough ditching into the water. Did some funny messy stuff but was up again without a hitch in about 3 seconds flat - I was impressed.
I think LF have really stepped it up this year - particularly with the massive improvement on the Havocs both in flying characteristics and build and finish. There's a couple of minor things I would like added ( like a front line swivel and couple of kite additional add ons) but overall this kite is as good or better than most others out there in build from my few sessions I have had.
Tomorrow we will be back out so if you want to demo the 8 or 10 Havocs ,or any other LF gear in Brisbane let me know. Hoping to have another new 2008 model 10m as well to try out but it may not be here until Friday unfortunately.
check the pic section for some photos of today
Hi Fi stock is shipping airfreight on the 15th so should have plenty available by the 20th or so 7-9-12-15
Hope to have Boardshort harness samples late next week also
