JN Kite 2009

http://www.vimeo.com/4243867

http://www.vimeo.com/5005233

OXIGEN III

U-Turn’s OXIGEN III brings a unique innovation into the kite range: U-Turn’s PPNplus-Technology provides new dimensions of stability, superb performance and steady flight features. PPN stands for Precision Profile Nose. To be more specific, the leading edge is reinforced by small, synthetic rods. The small rods are sewn into the cell walls (PPN) as well as across the centre of the cell openings of the leading edge (PPNplus). The first kite of the U-Turn range to be equipped with this newest technology is the new OXIGEN III.

The intermediate class will be newly defined with the appearance of the OXIGEN III. Performance-wise it approaches the high performance range, but with more stability while remaining uncomplicated and forgiving. You no longer have to distinguish between the OXIGEN basic and pro. From now on there is only the OXIGEN III: the best, water-repellent material of the kite range for all, and with it Liros lines, very high quality bridles and the new U-Turn design.

The performance and characteristics of a kite are predominately defined through the profile. The leading edge is important, because that is where the wind blows. The synthetic rods in the leading edge sustain the stability of the leading edge, thereby optimizing the flow of wind along the profile. The small rods of the PPNplus system keep the openings of the OXIGEN III leading edge considerably wider open than the case has been up to this point even under extreme flying conditions. The inner pressure is maintained palpably longer and with it the stability of the profile.

Since the material is not susceptible to bending, the leading edge virtually retains its exact design shape for a kite lifetime if handled carefully. This provides the OXIGEN III with years of excellent take-off qualities. And if a synthetic rod does in fact bend or get damaged, a replacement can be easily managed.

After having given up the Mylar reinforcements used until now, the canopy has become noticeably lighter. The already easy and hands-on handling of the OXIGEN will become even more comfortable. Furthermore, the reduction in weight has increased performance. This has made OXIGEN III a Freerider more than ever, promising fun on all occasions whether on the beach, in a meadow or in snow. The high-quality cloth, the bridle made from Liros lines and the high performance profile make the OXIGEN III very, very similar to the competition class – nevertheless the kite is characterised by its good-nature and forgiving flight behaviour.

For a kite of this class the U-Turn OXIGEN III reaches remarkable altitudes. Especially convincing is the high basic pressure, because with the OXIGEN III’s pulling force even difficult terrain like a mud hole or very soft sand on the beach are not insurmountable obstacles. The kite is so stable and good-natured that you can comfortably glide along without even having to be constantly on the alert to correct the kite – thanks to the PPNplus-System the OXIGEN III floats easily in the sky, even if the pilot makes an occasional mistake. The large, usable wind range gives the kiter all kinds of possibilities: you can comfortably cruise along with it, but just as easily ambitiously blast around the racecourse. Compared to the intermediate class, the U-Turn OXIGEN III puts enormous pull and power to the upwind course, while the sideways pull is kept to an agreeable minimum. Because of this the manoeuvre becomes a piece of cake even for beginners.

The dirt-outs that enable the removal of sand or leaves from the kite during flight as well as the Velcro band for fixing the bridle are part of the series range. The optional Speed/Power-System (SPS) can be easily fitted for use with the 4-line-bar. Along with the U-Turn OXIGEN III optimized range of sizes, it is no longer a problem to find the perfect setting for all wind conditions and needs. “We have already used and refined the PPN-Technology in the glider competition as well as in prototypes, especially in the Acro sphere. Now we have gathered enough data and experience to implement the technology into the kite production”, explained chief designer Ernst Strobl.

Sizes: 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 9.0

New U-Turn Kites - Claw Design

New Design of the U-Turn claw on their 2009 kites. Looks similar now to their paraglider line. We talked about getting a new claw 2 years ago, because the other claw looked outdated. Nice work U-Turn.

Also pictured is the Xenon kite that they have been working on for the past year.

*review* Peter Lynn Scorpion 16m

Bladerunner and I recieved this kite to try while waiting for his Chargers. 2 weeks ago, we didnt have much wind and only prepared to set it up. This weekend was great, the winds were up and we finally got to launch in desent wind around 15 to 20 knots. We tigtened up the outside straps a little bit more and it turned nicer than the low wind setting (all straps loose). History of me:Im a handles boy, never like bars. I've been using a mtn board since 2001, and always using my fixed foils for kite groundboarding. the control feel seems nicer to me, however you do have one drawback when you bail hard, no depower and the foil sometimes luffs or tip wraps.

To the review:I really enjoyed flying the Arc style kites (ill try to talk more kite than brand), and even more so than LEI kites. The bar pressure felt good, a little on the light side for me, but its not my kite. Not so sure i like the Spinning Bar leash either, I'd probably remove that and go to the Pro Leash and attach that to my Chicken Loop. Having said that, its because I noticed when i bailed hard and i let go of the bar (still hooked in) the kite went to zenith with no power. thats where I think the adantage of the Arc design comes in. The Auto Zenith feature really works and works well each and everytime. Another accident I had today ... I was airborne and was close to other kitebuggier I flew into his lines, and he was actually trying to get his kite under me. (would have been cool if cleared over his lines just another 4 more feet) anyways I got into his lines, kicked the board off in mid air, and let go of the bar so i could deal with my landing hands forward. WOW, i just floated down, had it been a fixed foil and I went hands free i'd be dropping like a rock.

jumping with arcs, was great! less work more height. Instead of swing the kite from 3 to 12 o'clock I could turn the kite lightly built up speed and pull the bar in, and in mid air push and pull generated a little more float. its the same with LEI jumping basically.

solo launching, took some getting used to ... its odd how far off to the wind window you have to setup. I finally caught the concept after BR explained it. Those Self Launch Taps do come in handy too.

pre-launch, in the right wind setup is fast, and doesnt require fans/blowers etc. it sure beats getting out a pump and working before playing. I would probably keep the bar / lines attached to every arc i had since i'm old school with kites on all my FB foils.

kite size, even with the bigger size arc, it was still easy to manage and wasnt sluggish at all with the adjustments that can be made. If anything i believe the 16m can go way passed the suggested windrange, since the twinskin can bend to the gust and high winds. Its also just a matter for tigtening everything up to give it a more curve.

All and all I was very pleased with the arc kites, due to the small park we have, we're pretty limited with how much speed one can get and how much space to do freestyle tricks. Im not semi converted to bar just for the one handed moves and board grabs and not have to worry about the second handle should things go wrong. 100% sore but happy as a kid on christmas day.

Yes, Im a sponsored Peter Lynn Teamrider (on teh FB foil side) but this isnt the reason why I enjoyed the Scorpion. Review on teh Syn next than the Charger.

Our Friends from Holland

http://www.mijnalbum.nl/Album=QBJETKID

I'll be heading to Holland after NABX 2010 to meet up with Ozzy / Ruudje / Faster Arie / Robert / Maarten.

Wolkenstürmer Ventura

The All-rounder kite.
The Ventura is a kite built by pilots for pilots.
The well known Kitebuggy expert Jens Baxmeier subjected the Ventura to the hardest test courses and put it through its paces. He let his more than 12-years of experience as a kitebuggyer and main instructor of the GPA into the construction with this.
Numerous modification and fine tuning made thanks to his technical knowledge to make this kite do what it needs to - a real Allround that goes with its pilot through thick and thin and provides from the beginning for total enthusiasm in the entry of kitebuggying.

This is a very agile kite that moves fast when you let the brake lines out, and accerlates fast, and with adjusting the trim you can speed up or slow down the kite.

The Ventura was designed for either kitebuggying or cruising on a mountainboard.

The trim system can be tuned to individual conformity to the wind ratios/flight behavior.

Sizes: 1.8, 2.5, 3.5, 4.7, 6.5, and 9.0

Libre / Zebra Checka

A good-natured beginner Kite is the Zebra's CHECKA for the first steps with a 4-line traction kite.

- Clean and good-natured flight characteristics - soft and uniform pressure construction - high-value materials - all lines reinforcements at the sail and guarantee a long service life.

Sizes: 1.5, 2.5, 3.4, and 4.2

Zebra Buggy

Zebra / Libre introduces a new beginner buggy under the Zebra name. Currently available as for May 2009.

PKD Soulfly II

Perhaps this would have been the best kept secret for 2009, PKD are going to be releasing an update to the PKD Century Soulfly. Since the birth of the PKD Combat it was assumed that this was the successor to the PKD Soulfly, however as it seems PKD are now going to release the Soulfly II which will be placed between the PKD Brooza and PKD Combat. The new PKD Soulfly II looks like it has evolved from the original Soulfly with the graphics having a similar pattern.

The German PKD Team Riders have been testing prototypes of the kites which are due for availability in approximately August.

There seems to be a growing place for kites in the market between the Intermediate and Advanced level and manufacturers are starting to pay attention to this growing base of kite fliers. In this case the PKD Soulfly II will continue its trend of the Soulfly series to be a stable race kite. We can expect the difference between the Combat and the Soulfly will be the Combat having slightly more performance at the cost of stability, and the Soulfly suiting newer and more casual race kite pilots.

A translated quote from Hosi testing the new Soulfly II prototypes: "At this moment we are testing the latest prototypes of the Soulfy II, still without design, what is not nooded for the tests. The fly characteristics have made my mind go total crazy. U can create a lot of pressure with the brake lines. And the windrange is really big. I also have competed in races with the Soufly II and the kite can behave himself very good between the real race-kites. One of the biggest advantages is the stability which is really good for a kite in this class. The sizes are as next 2,4 / 2,8 / 3,5 / 4,5 / 6,0 / 8,0 / 10,0"

Pansh Kite Sponsorship

Pansh Kites have restarted their sponsorship again.

PANSH would like to offer sponsorship to individuals who are interested in taking part in kite sport competitions across the world through PANSH Sponsorship Program.PANSH Sponsorship Program aims to make contribution to the development of kite sport and encourage people who are interested in kite sport to take part in events or competitions. Pansh would like to offer the whole set of Sprint or whole set of ACE as the sponsored kites. If you would like to apply for PANSH Sponsorship, please email us at info(AT)panshkite.com for further information. Pansh Kite Inc. All rights reserved.