after all the wait the new matrix kites are finally here.
out of the bag the construction is top notch with reirorcement in all the right places. the new battens on the leading edge are soft and very flexible unlike some others around with an extra reinforecment to prevent going through the canopy.
the bar is super slim with everyting in the right place, large chicken loop, huge range on depower strap and a funky looking cleat for 5th line trim. one drawback is that the donkey dick is a little too short for those riders who use it so an extension is needed(should be sorted for next batch).
on the fly with the front lines connected to the front pig tails (depower setting) the kite feels great allowing you to sheet out and spill wind in the gusts or to crank a turn onto a wave. the leading edge battens seem to eliminate any flutter or stalling in the front part of the canopy giving you instant power the moment you sheet the bar back in.
the kite turns super fast keeping a constant pull all the way round on your kiteloops and has massive boost with great hangtime, the mini battens seeming to hold the shape of the kite giving you more float.
unhooking the kite behaves just as you want it to with no surprises and waveriding is just a joy as the kite turns so quick with no stalling or falling down through the window.
the bottom end power is fantastic and with the kite flying so fast and stable it feels just a powerful as a 10m. as the wind increases pulling on the depower strap is easy and there is a huge range allowing you to use the 8.5 from 18 - 30+ knts with no problems. a great feature is the adjustable 5th line which uses a simple cleat and notches inside the outer covering of the 5th line. as you pull on the depower strap simply pull the 5th line in to the 1st then 2nd notch and it keeps the 5th line taught stabilising the kite, retaining the same feel as with no depower on and eliminating a big saggy line causing drag. bar pressure is nice and light but retaing some feel so that you know where the kite is at all times.
relaunching the kite is quick and easy as with all 5th line kites.
all of the controls are in the right place and are very easy to use, just as you want them.
changing the front lines to the wake setting, the kite retains the same flying characteristics but without the range in the depower line giving you the ability to load up super hard with more of a grunty feel but still flying super fast with kiteloops and unhooked moves a joy due to the kite being so stable.
all in all really chuffed with these kites they seem to have everything just as you want it! can't wait to get out on the 11.
limited stock is available at the moment with more coming into the country in 3 weeks. hurry these kites are awesome.
for more info speak to Lee at Pelican Point 93861830 or down the beach at scarbs.
happy flying
