All reviews are done by staff, team riders and customers
OCEAN RODEO RISE VENTURI 12m
OCEAN RODEO MAKO FREESTYLE
ECLIPSE NANO 6M
NAISH CULT 13.5m
SLINGSHOT REV 9M
BEST BULAROO 13m
UNDERGROUND FLX 148 (Light wind)
FREESTYLE AUDIO WATERPROOF MP3 PLAYER
2008 PETER LYNN FOLDING BUGGY+
Upcoming reviews:
E-Glide Electric Skateboard
After reading such great reviews on
the Nano's and Thrusters, we had to get our hands on an Eclipse Kite. We
hooked up with Chris from Eclipse and got a Demo 6 Meter Nano. The Kite came neatly
packed in an over sized bag which was a pleasure. I laid out the kite for the
first time and was really stoked with the colors. The kite looked like it had a
bit of an attitude to it before I even pumped it. Our Yellow and Black 6 meter
Nano has a convenient one pump system much like Cabrinha's and Bularoo's.
Eclipse went the extra step with quality material, valve covers, one pump etc...I
ran the lines and inspected the bar next. The first thing I noticed was line
extensions. I am not a huge fan of line extensions but from what I was told the
Nano flew great with them. The bar was similar to a Best Bar and a Freak Dog bar.
The only exception was a red safety cord that ran down the center line from the
depower to the chicken loop. The bar is very simple, so simple it says WRONG
WAY on one side of the bar! Nice bar floats and an easy one click safety
release system made me feel at ease. The wind was marginal on my first flight.
I launched the kite in 10 knots and it took off like a Rocket Ship! My I got going
on a landboard and absolutely loved how responsive the kite was. Power when I
needed it and absolutely zero power when I wanted as well. My second outing
with my Nano was in 35mph Side Shore Gusty Wind. I took off the line extensions
and gave it a go. I never fly a new kite in high winds, but felt very safe with
the Nano. I immediately fell in love with the Nano on my first run! The 6 meter
looks like a kids toy because it's so small, but don't let that fool you, this
kite means business. I was instantly locked into the pocket and cruising nicely
upwind. It felt great to be on such a small kite and moving so quickly. I got a
few jumps in with the kite and I was impressed. From what I was told, I should
have left the line extensions on for serious hang time. I noticed the Nano flew
best when I kept it moving. The 6 meter Nano is awesome and I really recommend it for your arsenal. When the wind died down to
15 knots at the end of the day, I was still cruising while guys on 10 meters
were beached. The 6 meter Eclipse Nano gets 5 Cosmic Stars from me.
First day on Kite: Per iKitesurf wind was at most 12 ESE, with most times around 10mph. Was amazed that the kite even stayed in the air and decided to give it a shot in the water. Immediately was able to get up and cruising on my Underground 148 light wind board. Kite had a very steady and clean power stroke. Power was totally even thought the wind window with more then I expected considering the conditions. We did add 5m extensions so we flew the kite on 25m lines with the 20" bar. Overall kite is amazing, very predictable and easy to fly. 2nd day on kite
: Side on again around 15-17mph. Kite is still just as incredible. Tons of power when you want it. Even with line extensions kite turns SO fast on smaller bar. Kite loops were effortless as kite just rotates on its wingtip. We are totally stoked with this kite. Come on by and try it out.
One pump is awesome as the inflate valve is huge so not much work to gear up. Simple setup with bridle point attachments. We flew this in as little as 8mph and have ridden up to 38mph. At the high end you can really feel the power but because of the great range on the bar we never felt unsafe. Relaunch is very easy, even in lighter winds (12+mph). Had the opportunity recently to get out in some 6'+ side shore waves. WOW. That is where the fun begins. We have been flying this kite on the smaller 45cm bar and the ktie still turns so fast. In the waves this kite is great to fly: easy handling, fast turning, power when you need it, depower so you can get into the wave face. Even pulled a kite loop in some lighter wind and was amazed how fast it pivoted on its wingtip. Looking for a solid kite, fun, all around kite, but do not want to break the bank doing it? Look no further, this is the kite for you.
UNDERGROUND FLX 148 (Light Wind Board)
FREESTYLE AUDIO, WATERPROOF MP3 PLAYER
UNDERGROUND FREEWAVE (customer review)
Received board about 2 weeks ago. Was a little worried at first having had no surf/kite experience. Board has a great shape and is built very well, typical underground, IMO. I went out underpowered and i shot straight upwind. Once the wind picked up I felt very comfortable carving, riding,etc. I was not able to make my transitions yet, but I think in time I will learn to ride toe side. My buds rode the board that have board skills and they loved it. They were really killing it out there. I am stoked I got the board, and really looking forward to riding it in various conditions.
Best was correct. This IS the BEST kite they ever made. Stable, fast, light bar pressure, and outstanding hang time. Right out of the bag we were impressed. Typical excellent build quality that Best is known for and loved the hot pink color (so 80's but so new school also). Leading edge is so thin this kite cuts through the air with ease and as a result is much faster then any other kite they make. Depower was perfect and very safe feeling and easy to use. True direct steering feel as a result of the back lines which can easily be adjusted to change bar pressure, turning speed and depower. I am dying to get this into the waves as we are sure it will be bullet proof and easy to fly. Get this kite if are you looking to advance your riding style or just want a perfect all around kite with EZ one pump.
Right out of the bag the sb3 looks awesome! The colors this year are sweet and the kite material is strong. Same bar set up as last yr. Easy to use one pump with simple deflation. This years SB3 is way more responsive then the sb2 and bar pressure is almost non-existent. This kite really generates some power. In 8 knots on my 14 meter and 152 board I was cruising nicely! The design team also worked in some major boosting and hang time, so hold on tight, you're going to the stratosphere! And of course the amazing 100% depower. As always, the Cabrinha's water relaunch is a breeze. I have the SB3 in my arsenal and it is my all around kite; get one today, you will be stoked!
This board stayed true to its name: Cruiser. We were up and plaining in no time in minimal wind (approx. 10 mph). Jumping is outstanding, carving is easy and staying up wind just happens with this board. The width and length are a perfect combination that truly equals an amazing light wind board or a board for bigger riders. The middle of the road flex point on this board provides ample power for executing jumps and enough stiffness to cruise through any chop. Foot straps are very comfortable and we experienced zero foot abrasion. Straps were easy to adjust on the fly which we loved and the foot bed is like an air cushion. Board is super light too, only about 7lbs completely setup. If your legs can handle more sessions then get this board, you will be doubling your time on the water and will not be sitting around frustrated the wind is only 10mph.
We tested Mystic's Warrior Waist Harness in Puerto Rico this week; it's by the Ferrari of harnesses! We were stoked that it didn't ride up at all, due in part to the lower strap that holds tight to your hips. The quality is superb (typical Mystic), it has plenty of comfy padding, comes stock with a spreader bar and super thick spreader bar pad, and handle pass system with quick release for the adventurous types. This harness provided outstanding back support, with tons of flexibility and comfort. We have found that most waist harnesses tear apart your hips; this one fits so perfectly that we didn't even need to use Body Glide! If you get this harness you will be the happiest kiter in your crew. We know now why this is the worlds choice for harnesses.
2008 PETER LYNN FOLDING BUGGY+
Wow, folds up and fits into the front seat of a small Hyundai, what could be better? We tested this little monster on riders ranging from 140 - 260 lbs. Buggy held up great. We were able to ride this in the softest of sand with great traction, grassy fields and concrete. Turning radius is incredible, like a sports car. Easy to ride on 2 wheels, super stable.. Buggy does not rattle at all and is so well engineered it takes less then 15 seconds to fold/unfold. Buggy has been taking a lot of abuse with many different riders of varying abilities and weights and this thing just wants more. We give this buggy a thumbs up.. Get one now, you will be stoked.
