FINALLY got to try the bat, in pretty shocking conditions: I thought I wasn't going to be able to get any sort of appreciation of the kite with the wind we had (super dodgy westerly full of holes, gusting to 15 knots for about 30 seconds when lucky, around an edgy 8-13 most of the time (lucky guess))...
I hate to back up JB this much... but I think I'm sold as well.
I will not repeat what has already been said as there already are some pretty objective reviews on here (at last, reviews I agree with!), but I need to precise I have NEVER been a SLE person and was rather fearing not liking the HELIX for this reason.
As an all time C-kite and a 5th line fan, I must say... This did not feel like an SLE at all, which I was oh so stoked about. So I would recommend to all the old school C-kite/5th line lovers like myself to still have a go at the Helix, just out of curiosity: you might be surprised!
Zero bar pressure, moving like I expect a kite to move, it was where I expected it to be, I didn't need to adjust to the kite (it felt like I had always been flying it!), and more importantly....Amazing low end!
I was on a 12m and felt like I was on a 16 (well, I'm less than 60 kilos these days but still). I can't wait to take it out in very windy conditions to find out how far I can push it on the other end, but this kite definitely has some serious grunt.
I basically loved everything about it, from the turning speed to the stability (a gust? where?), the immediate response, the relaunch easy as, kite looping like a rocket and, I'd hate to suddenly sound metrosexual, but... Gosh it looks HOT!!!! 
I won't ramble as I haven't quite been able to appreciate the full potential of this kite, but according to the conditions I flew it in, I'm stoked: it made sh#tty wind enjoyable!
But I will let other people discuss the other aspects of the kite (as for some reason I feel like there won't be any argument for once!
(I just couldn't find anything to whine about!)), as I will be too busy flying it on the next windy days to do it!!! 
quote:
Originally posted by Buschy
Thanks. It was actually ARSA TSV that told me roughly a month. Mackay must get to play with them first.Well... I guess that's OK, little or no wind right now anyways. If the Helix offers even a slightly better all around performance freeride package than the Rebel then hats off to Naish. I haven't tried a kite over the past 11 months (fortunate to have tried quite a few) that I thought offered a better balance of some of the things you have mentioned below. Cambattens... well... what can I say...at least they're cheap
.
quote:
Originally posted by Kitepower Australia
Give ARSA a call, I am sure they are getting a demo or two?
Personally I would not compare it to either of those two North kites, its way better and much different in a smoother sense. PLUS no battens, and no problematic 2 pump system. Easier relaunch, more stable and better wind range and bottom end too.
Cya and
Goodwinds
Stevequote:
Originally posted by Buschy
Now I am excited!!!
The best way to describe it is a cross between the 07 Rhino and 07 Rebel, you'll see when ya fly it !!
Townsville
You guys will see the Helix next Tuesday. We have demos for them in Mackay this week and Townsville next. Our stock should arrive in October.
Joe Millen
have to agree with a lotta comments in this thread,used the helix 12 this morning in gusty 20/30 knots''smooth'' is definately the only way to describe it...has little or no bar pressure..although i'm 105kg,it was windy/gusty,no doubting,to the extent where i wouldnt blame anyone for riding...you know,sometimes when you get a big gust from behind and no matter how heavy/railing hard/experienced you are,and regardless of the kite's wind window position...YOU GOIN' DOWNWIND BIGTIME!..where normally i'd get splattered,i could always recover on the helix...turning speed was definately fast,but supersmooth in all turns...after riding 07 naish ravens,i thought this sigma kite series wouldnt be exiting to ride..but i was wrong.
i easily did some big airs,maybe one was as close as my biggest last summer..i agree it was a little bit slower in re-direction,but you got the swing of the bar manipulation after say the scond or third jump...upwind ability was great as well.one thing you do notice is how stable the canopy is...rock solid like no kite before that ive seen...build quality was first class as you'd expect,pumped up a treat,the bar was and still is the best in the buisness...if your not on this range of kites this year,your definately missing out!
..i'd also have to agree with ''em''...doesnt feel like a bow/sle,
...it's like a tweeked-up five line with scope for a lotta different riders...do yourselves a favour,go and have a ride on one..you'll see.
quote:
Originally posted by stormrider
have to agree with a lotta comments in this thread,used the helix 12 this morning in gusty 20/30 knots''smooth'' is definately the only way to describe it...has little or no bar pressure..although i'm 105kg,it was windy/gusty,no doubting,to the extent where i wouldnt blame anyone for riding...you know,sometimes when you get a big gust from behind and no matter how heavy/railing hard/experienced you are,and regardless of the kite's wind window position...YOU GOIN' DOWNWIND BIGTIME!..where normally i'd get splattered,i could always recover on the helix...turning speed was definately fast,but supersmooth in all turns...after riding 07 naish ravens,i thought this sigma kite series wouldnt be exiting to ride..but i was wrong.
i easily did some big airs,maybe one was as close as my biggest last summer..i agree it was a little bit slower in re-direction,but you got the swing of the bar manipulation after say the scond or third jump...upwind ability was great as well.one thing you do notice is how stable the canopy is...rock solid like no kite before that ive seen...build quality was first class as you'd expect,pumped up a treat,the bar was and still is the best in the buisness...if your not on this range of kites this year,your definately missing out!
trevor1,the helix has a really tight turning circle...also to,alot of times when you re-direct out of a jump,your normally sheeted in quite hard,which will affect kite speed,but say when you are running down the line in waves,your doing the opposite,steering bak and forth and sheeting out,only sheeting in when say you hit the lip...put it this way,if it can give me the control that i had today in really gusty/windy conditions...i think down the like will be no issue,if not ideal...but remember,it always takes some time to adapt to a new kite...hope that helps.
Glad you understand now stormrider, might be the perfect kite for hurricane bob, but seriously the kite does need to be sheeted out to start a turn but once the kite is moving you can power back on. Got to practice the water relaunch tonight- easy once I figured it out, still digging the kite ! Boosts in light wind were awesome.
Yes, I know, had said I wouldn't ramble about it but I just can't resist: took the kite out yesterday in powered up conditions (finally!!!), and... OH MY GOD!!!
It's one of those kites that just seems to get better at each go... Bloody great boost and hang time (lovin it), it's always spot on where it should be, the Geo-tech does the job amazingly well (the flapping generation is definitely over!) and again, amazed with the stability: I did think it was quite gusty while cruising but I assumed there had to be 5 to 10 knots gusts at the most... I checked the charts when I got back home: there were 15 knots gusts while I was out there... WOW!
I'm sticking to what I last wrote: this kite makes sh#t conditions enjoyable!
And big thumb up for the wind range: sweet as!!!
Also, extremely powerful kite: felt my guts traveling up my stomach on couple of occasions yesterday, thinking "Gee, that baby is really pulling big time!" (Hadn't had some serious adrenalin fix in ages and Gosh, this did feel good!!!). The Helix definitely has some personality!
The only negative I could find by the end of my session was... that this kite isn't mine!!! lol...
But by the look of things, I don't think it's ever going to return to the Demo shelf!!!
Em, how would you compare the boost and hang time to a Rhino7? From memory, you've ridden both 07 Norths...
quote:
Originally posted by Buschy
Em, how would you compare the boost and hang time to a Rhino7? From memory, you've ridden both 07 Norths...
). It is hard for me at this point to appreciate the height, but I was already quite impressed with what I got out of the Helix yesterday. There's definitely some boost potential there!
Took out 12helix today in 4 to 5 foot surf. The wind was 20 to 28 knots kite was stable .Air time was long & high depower was good. Would have pefered to try a 9m but they only had a 12m demo. Try to do back rolls with a kite loop, which I pull off doubles with my waroos. But could not get the helix around fast enough. By the end of 5 hours had alot of fun but need the kite to loop faster need to try a 9m to see if loops quicker.
Tezza,
When you say the kite didn't turn fast enough, what were you comparing it to (i.e. another 12m, brand, etc...)? I am interested to know, as I felt the HELIX turned amazingly quick.
Also ballsy move doing kiteloop moves in 28 knots with the 12m HELIX. Thumbs up!
JB
waroo 12 06 usually pull of 95% of the time but in that wind i would not have my 12 out i would be on my 9m. my friend allso tried & had the same problem. need to try the kite agian or try the alliance. kite taking a while to get use to when every body finished trying the demo i will pick it up agian.
I have spent much more time on the kite now, app 8hours on the water. I am loving the boost- my jumps are so much bigger yet so easy to control and my dodgy knees are loving the pillow soft landings. Took the kite out in waves for a downwinder in app 10 knots. The kite is very happy to sit there stable whilst you are on the wave and one quick pull on the bar and it is powering up again, wave riding potential seems really good. Also had it in gusty conditions at Goolwa, decent size surf but very off and on wind. Sometimes I think as low as 18 knots then up to around 30 knots. Kite behaved well and I felt comfortable, didn't notice the gusts too much but needed to allow plenty of room to jump ! I can not comment on the ease of kiteloops but I think having ridden a waroo that it is not the speed of the kite that is causing the problem for tezza but the genuine c kite pull the helix generates during a kiteloop- no offence tezza- I think that given a couple of sessions you would have adjusted to the feel of the kite.
JB might correct me on this but I also felt like the kite turns better when the bar is let out a little as opposed to the waroo that will turn faster with the bar pulled in.
All in all I rate the kite - upwind, wind range, waveriding and boost- can't comment on the freestyle tricks as I don't do them.
Thats good but doing a double with a kite loop spotting the landing and now trying to remember to push the bar out just made it even harder. I thought it was hard enough.
Quick review of the 12m helix (set on 1:1).
Conditions: 15-16kt average, gusting up to 20kt. Choppy water
Rider Level - Intermediate (boosting, basic tricks, working on rotations)
Weight: 105kg
board: 666 132x41
normal kite: 07 Waroo 13m
The good - Wicked kite, very fast turning, responsive, loads of grunt, smooth power/depower, wicked hangtime, very stable, no flutter at all.
The Bad - i have some concerns on build quality. firstly where the depower line splits from 1 into 2 strands for the stopper bar, i found the bar rubbed a lot when passing over it. This was made worse by the safety line running through at the same time. This will probably wear fairly quickly in my oppinion.
Looking at the kite from the bottom, it appeared that the central leading edge join seemed to bulge close to the centre strut. there seemed to be a soft spot at that location as well. Big concern on the kite i flew today as it is a central load point.
In some of the overpowered gusts when i boosted, the wingtip seemed to catch on the bridal and flick out, this might just be me not being used to the way it performed.
finally i found it difficult to boost big. long is easy but i couldnt work out big. I've read that you need to fly it differently but i havent nutted out the best way of boosting it yet.
The Verdict - Wicked kite. Worth the 2.2g? probably not for me, i would need to see one thrashed about first hand to see how well it holds up over time. But thats just me.
I tried the exact same kite briefly today, same conditions. Same setup. 1:1. Also flew it briefly twice yesterday in very light 10-12 knot winds. Could 'mow the lawn' but that's about it... Had my 07 14m Rebel with me both days; flew back-to-back. Currently own a 07 14/9 Rebel quiver. 70kg. Nobile 666 129. Ability...jumps, basic front and back rotations. Hooked in.
Things I liked:
- rockets upwind, even yesterday.
- overall stability - canopy rock solid, no deformation or flutter during use
- bar pressure - light, easy on arms
- low end grunt - park and accelerate quickly
- floaty hang
Things I didn't like so much:
- bar play / immediate steering response
- boosting - related to above
I think the issue with the steering is heavily influenced from spending so much time on my Rebel(s). They are just very different kites (yes.. been said many times before…) and it does basically come down to what you’re used to. I just felt the kite didn't have the immediate feedback that I get when I pull on the bar of my Rebel. Once the kite does respond it crosses the window fairly quickly. I imagine this bar play/delay can somewhat be appreciated at times, as it forgives mistakes caused by subtle bar movement (in the wrong direction) while learning new tricks. Sometimes, if I pull the bar on my Rebel 9 (which by the way loves to pivot/pinwheel) incorrectly while attempting a new trick I pay the price and eat s..t almost immediately
I am 100% sure the problem with boosting big is a direct result of not being able to send the kite the way I am used to. It's a timing issue (and also a bit of an edging issue, you get lazy on Rebels) and I'm sure that it would resolve itself after a few more goes and once I get used to the way the kite reacts to steering input. Today I saw more than one person boost a big jump with the Helix 9 and 12m.
Conclusion: Nice kite. Definitely a lot more positive to say than negative but probably not the kite for me at this stage.
ok my turn.....
was lucky enough to have a 9m helix demo all to myself this afternoon
basically i took it out and didn't bring it back in....a very stable, fast turning kite with what seemed easy jumping and hang time for the conditions...winds ranged probably from about 15 - 23 in the gusts ...
it seems to absorb gusts well and flies with a firm skin...the setup has a long trim line with a sliding stopper...the kite does seem to need the longer trim to access it depower....the kite feels powerful for its size....
i like a fast, responsive kite and this one easily qualifies.....it's bar pressure is great (not too light and not too heavy) ....the bar was 50cm and the lines 20m....would be interesting to see how it rides on 25m lines.
anyway....definitely worth checking out...i was a little sceptical of the design but Naish have built a great flying kite.
unfortunately i hear that the RRP is such that my only time using one might be if i can steel the demo 9m away again before it's sent onto the next spot... [}:)]
quote:
Originally posted by max_ob
unfortunately i hear that the RRP is such that my only time using one might be if i can steel the demo 9m away again before it's sent onto the next spot... [}:)]
em...
that was some lecture....you do like talking...how come you are so knowledgeable regarding the sigma kites?
actually, i was given the incorrect RRP at the time....my comment was based on a price of $2400 for the 12m but i've since been told its much less....
also....i think the helix should be offered with the 1:1 bar setup as a slightly cheaper option.....really....who cares for all the extra pulley stuff?....the 9m flew great on the 1:1 setup....
can you tell me what the purpose of the 2:1 system is?
Hi Max,
The HELIX comes with the convertable bar so that it can offer both settings (2:1 & 1:1), as it is the top of the line in the SIGMA Series. I agree that the kite doesn't need the 2:1 setting personally, but the kite does need to satisfy an international market, and there is still a demand for pullied 2:1 control bars in some countries. Anyway you won't notice the pulleys there, and the bars come in the 1:1 setting from the factory. And who knows, maybe one shockingly gusty day you may wish to ride with them. But if you can not afford the HELIX, then perhaps you should look at the CULT, it is so similar to HELIX in performance you'll nearly find it hard to justify the extra coin for the HELIX. This makes choosing your kite out of the SIGMA Series quite easy, if you want a better price over features, step down a model. They all fly very close in performance, even the CODE (released later this year) will blow your mind, this kite will not hold any rider back, and will be at an amazing price point.
The logistics of stocking different bars, and matching different packages to suit individual needs would be a nightmare, and impossible to get right, leaving stores and importers with dead stock at the end of the season and forcing them to raise prices to be able to afford to offer this luxury. It also doesn't line up with release dates, as the 2:1 bar was released first (with the HELIX) and the 1:1 will be coming out next with the CULT (ETA 1st or 2nd week of Sept.), so we would of had to hold back the release of HELIX also.
Regards,
JB
quote:
Originally posted by max_ob
em...
that was some lecture....you do like talking...how come you are so knowledgeable regarding the sigma kites?
Let me explain EM's response.
She works at the importers of the Naish gear,as does JB.
I believe they have disclosed this ,so,no comments from me about the amount of pimping,I mean "reveiwing" that they have been doing.
They are in a bit of a pickle though,because one day they are saying the Healicks makes all ather kites obsolete etc. ("Old and saggy" I believe JB said)it makes one wonder how they will move the new North range,which they also import??
The new Rebels are ,after all,"old and saggy dinasours"!!
Also,I don't understand how the Cult? can be significantly cheaper because it has two less struts,and a bit of reinforcement missing ?
Surely no one is that guilable to believe there would be much of a difference in production cost from the factory in China ?? Maybe 50 bucks? At the most!More like 15! The truth is,their is no diference in production cost. Its just another marketing ploy.
Oh well,I must try these kites as soon as they get up my way.Only way to tell I suppose.
ok....em's response makes sense now...and JB...i do understand the issues with the bars given as options with the kites....
User....i can't comment on the 12m Helix not having flown it....but the 9m Helix did impress me...imho....definitely a kite worth trying....
quote:
Originally posted by user
Let me explain EM's response.
She works at the importers of the Naish gear,as does JB.
)
Disappointing Hype:
To my disappointment, I tried a Naish Helix today. With great anticipation, I hooked in to the 12 meter white and green Helix, in 12 - 20 knots S winds. The conditions where poor, I'll admit, the wind was gusty, on and off, and it was raining. But I have heard so much hype and good things about the kite that I thought it could do anything! After spending several minutes to try even get the thing in the air, I was greeted to a slow unresponsive kite. The 12 turning much slower than my 11 Fuel, as it slowly worked it's way through the wind window. Previously before flying the 12, I was on a 9m F-one Bandit, which was an awesome kite, handeling the conditions well for it's size. As soon as I jumped on the Helix however, it was a mission to even keep it in the air. Power was minimal, and boost wasn't very high. I have heard so much hype about how good this kite is, that I frankly felt disappointed, and even slightly angry about my poor first impressions on the kite.
I'm going to conclude that in bad conditions, this kite is hopeless. I hope that in stronger winds I will be more pleased with the performance of the kite.
9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-
Well Justin has posted an honest review.
I have heard the same thing from a couple of sources,that the Helix goes OK in strong wind,but can fall down in a lull.?
I've flown the Helix today in pretty unsteady wind (again), and during the drops, it was the only kite that kept me going.
I've have seen today other riders on the Helix keeping their gound while everybody else was doing the walk of shame.
I'm not discussing Justin's experience: it's his.
I'm just a bit surprised because the Helix has amazed me with its ability to steadily handle gusty condition and deliver a great upwind performance and punchy grunt on light wind.
It's your right not to like the kite Justin... May be it was a bad day? Give it the benefit of the doubt and another shot.
This kite is heaps cool on light wind! Me think.
Em,
What size Helix were you using? Also,could you mention the board size.
Thankyou.
quote:
Originally posted by user
Let me explain EM's response.
She works at the importers of the Naish gear,as does JB.
I believe they have disclosed this ,so,no comments from me about the amount of pimping,I mean "reveiwing" that they have been doing.
They are in a bit of a pickle though,because one day they are saying the Healicks makes all ather kites obsolete etc. ("Old and saggy" I believe JB said)it makes one wonder how they will move the new North range,which they also import??
The new Rebels are ,after all,"old and saggy dinasours"!!
Also,I don't understand how the Cult? can be significantly cheaper because it has two less struts,and a bit of reinforcement missing ?
Surely no one is that guilable to believe there would be much of a difference in production cost from the factory in China ?? Maybe 50 bucks? At the most!More like 15! The truth is,their is no diference in production cost. Its just another marketing ploy.
Oh well,I must try these kites as soon as they get up my way.Only way to tell I suppose.
