The Kiteboarder Magazine

Riding the new 2010 Waroo, it became immediately apparent that this is kite is quite different from the previous designs. While the kite seemed to pivot in the turns, it was easy to control and handle throughout the window.

We were sent a 12m Cult and rode it in 20+ mph winds. Inflating the Cult is simple and fast with the Octopus single point inflation system. The overall quality of the Cult is one of a kind with solid construction throughout the kite.

Upon inflating the MX, we found it to be a stylish kite complete with Caution’s trademark flame graphics across the top of the canopy. The Mayhem X is very stable, rock solid in the gusts, and delivers a strong consistent power stroke.

There is no doubt people will see you coming with this kite – we couldn’t help but be attracted to the colorful graphics of the kite and bag. Upon setting up the Obsession, one of the most noticeable things we found was its long bridle, however, it seems to work perfectly with this kite design.

Anyone planning to buy this kite should spend at least a month playing around with the tuning and different settings. Yes, it does work out of the bag just fine, but the NXG is the dream kite for those who like to tinker.

We were surprised and intrigued at how fun new school C-kites have become. The one common myth that was dispelled during out test was that the Torch doesn’t have mass appeal: It’s not just a high end performance kite that can only be enjoyed by experts.

We read the hype about the Octane on many of the forums before we tested, so our staff was excited when a 13m arrived in the mail. After spending hours riding this kite, we have to admit it lived up to its reputation and more.

The Envy is a very easy and fast kite to inflate due to the Union single point inflation system and the fact that the Envy is only designed with 3-struts. By taking away the 5th and 4th struts, Liquid Force was able to make a lighter kite.

The stability of the kite is consistent and predictable with its lower aspect ratio. We didn’t notice if the lack of a center strut helping the stability of the kite but that feature did stand out on the Kahoona.

Caution sent us an 11m Mayhem X to test for this issue. Right out of the bag we could see the R&D; team spent a considerable amount of time evolving this kite.

We tested the 9m Smoke in somewhat windy 15-20 mph conditions. Weighing in between 165-180 pounds, we trimmed the Smoke in a bit and it instantly flew with more power.

The Kiteboarder Magazine had the chance to talk with Slingshot during the AWSI 2009 demo event in Hood River, OR. Check it out! www.slingshotsports.com

The Kiteboarder Magazine was able to catch up with F-One at the 2009 AWSI Demo. Check it out… www.f-onekites.com

The Kiteboarder Magazine was on hand for the AWSI Demo in Hood River, OR to bring you a sneak peek at the latest gear from the leading companies in the kiteboarding industry. TKB talks with the leading manufactures on their ...