Forums > Kitesurfing Gear Reviews

Epic Infinity V3 first run

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Created by shane75 > 9 months ago, 26 Aug 2013
shane75
QLD, 209 posts
26 Aug 2013 9:02AM
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Rider: 86kg 2nd season kiter
Style: Freeriding
Weather: 8-10knots
Build Quality: 10/10 so far
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: just another hooked kiter


My Comments: first impressions (sweet)... Out of the bag very nice and clean one pump system stitching, Dacron, reinforcing and heavy duty scuff pads all in the right places which for a light wind kite is unexpected since everything is usually kept to bare minimum.
In the air wow you can feel that power just sitting there waiting for you @10knots very responsive but easy to control not at all intimidating, kite loops about the same as my 12m 2011 F-one Bandit4, again very unexpected but in a wow kind of way. Power delivery is smooth and precise kite likes to be pumped a little in extreme light winds to build speed but once your there its park and ride can't say if its the same in higher winds because Havant broken 10knots yet but when I do I'll let you's know.
Didnt get to do many laps thanks to the direct onshore breeze and the fact that I was using my 139x41 @max 10knots 86kgs right at (My) bottom end range hmmm if only I had a wider board say maybe 47cms or wider I would of been killing it anyways the wind dropped shortly after to 8knots and I had to call it quits, but what I did notice is that when it dropped so did the other 16's & 17's around me, Hell I didn't even need to fly it through the window to keep it up in the air, I just parked it at zenith and it just sat there. Looking forward to next session in 12knots and am also seriously considering a wider board for those 8-10knot days.
P.s will update you guys with more details about how it flys after I have a better session this coming weekend at North stradbroke from waves to flat and choppy conditions.
Cheers. Shane
P.s. My previous LW was 2012 Core 19m, and so far I'm feeling that the Infinity is ahead of core with bottom end power, stability and turning speed, stay tuned for top end comparison when the wind decides to come into season.

daddycool
WA, 337 posts
27 Aug 2013 1:03PM
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Good post - heard a lot of good reports on this kite - just a couple of questions - is it a 15M? How much is it? What line length does it come with

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
27 Aug 2013 5:23PM
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Yeh Shane best thing I did was get a cruiser pro crazy fly 145 by 44. Man had countless sessions on it over winter. Even yesterday on the zephyr started only 12 to 13 knots until it got near 16 to 18 and my bro was going big on his 11m edge on a normal TT and was still holding my sh1t together. Big boards nowadays are not like the boats or yesteryear

EastCC
QLD, 354 posts
27 Aug 2013 8:56PM
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Hey daddycool

Yep pretty close to a 15, bit over but hey.
Comes with 22m lines on the bar and 5m extensions in the bag.
Bit under $2k complete

There will be a demo kite heading over that way soon, after it's done the rounds over here.

Worth a demo.


Looks like infinity weather this weekend Shane, not sure if you're happy about that or not?

shane75
QLD, 209 posts
28 Aug 2013 10:57PM
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Yeah got a 4 day Wkend booked on North stradbroke Island from this fri and the forecast is set for the infinity v3 to get a run for its bottom and top ends, I live an hour from my nearest spot so anytime i can spend on the water are happy times for me hence the 3 kite quiver lol, also I layed the infinity over a couple kites and its a bit bigger than 15 more like a 16m with a few inches here and there actually I'll be taking my water proof camera this time and get some pics and vids of it in action along with the demo renagade I scored thanks Nigel.
Also I'm hanging with a group of about 15-20 kiters where there will be ozones Norths and naish and a few other brands I guess, I'll also get a chance to stand side by side with other LW kites like North Dyno to see where it sits in the window for comparison, now before someone jumps down my throat I know comparing against such kites like Dyno Core or Edge's would be like comparing apples with oranges these kites are higher aspect built for racing and upwind, while the infinity v3 is more medium aspect a good all round fun kite, if I really wanted true comparison I would of bought epics high aspect racer kite.
Anyways this Wkend is the official start of our kite season and there are heaps of demo wkends coming up so hopefully I'll be able to score a demo board or two sometime in the near future to go with the infinity, and EPPO yes crazy fly like cruiser pro is one of many on my list including Nobiles XTR and flying carpet, Shinn King George and whatever else I can lay my hands on. Anyways will get back ta you guys in about a week with the wrap up.
Cheers and happy kiting this season everyone.

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
29 Aug 2013 7:40AM
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Have fun Shane, try a zephyr.

kiteboy dave
QLD, 6525 posts
29 Aug 2013 9:54AM
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I'm 100kg and I reckon my 2010 Zephyr lacks a bit of low end grunt, even with a cardboard 144cm LW board. Eppo do you think they changed that from 2010 to current model, increased the bottom end a bit?

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
29 Aug 2013 9:02AM
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Yes. No need to compare older models there is no comparison to make, just have a look at the profile. I know of four guys and counting who actually hated the older zephyr and are really impressed with the new one. It's not an out and out light wind kite though, i'd say for an 80kg rider it suites more moderate winds on a normal TT, but has a very healthy top end. To get lower you will need a different board or lose some weight like I did! LOL!

It rewards good flying, but hey so does every kite. Even though it has enough aspect to get a good compromise between apparent wind usage and static grunt. I'd say it would sit in between say the infinity/fat lady and a dyno or edge for aspect and the way it delivers power.

I was out yesterday (look at the mandurah charts) between 4 and 530 on my cruiser pro, only one out, tacked all the way up to avalon, played in the waves for an hour and then did my old school gay ass lord hooked in tricks on the way down. I did unhook twice but it really isnt a pretty picture...lol!

SaveTheWhales
WA, 1869 posts
30 Aug 2013 11:26AM
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Yeah getting back on the Epic Infinity V3 topic heading .......

Shane - I agree with the big power versus the fun useability factor - interesting too that im mostly the last man standing and tricking on the smaller V1 at my local...

EastCC - you mentioned previouslsly that you were gonna come to Perth for some Demo days with the Epic gear - when will this be ??

Im keen to try the 4g big jumping Screamers and the renegades too.

EastCC
QLD, 354 posts
30 Aug 2013 1:51PM
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Hi Whales

Yep trying to organise something, hoping early in the new year, but it depends on a lot of things.

I will be sending 9m & 11m 4G Renegades to a guy over there to demo mid September, then they'll go to a team rider in Perth and be available for demo's. Waiting on the new 4G screamers and the new bar being released mid next month then they'll be over there as well.

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
30 Aug 2013 12:46PM
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Guess who that is...he he he he he he hehe


Save the whales, get in contact, let's catch up for a sesh man when they come. Been wanting to try these puppies for a long time now!

or not...

radman4
678 posts
30 Aug 2013 1:34PM
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Has anyone found out the weight yet?

EastCC
QLD, 354 posts
30 Aug 2013 6:11PM
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Ah sorry radman, I forgot all about it. I'll weigh it when I get some more in, unless someone else beats me to it.

SaveTheWhales
WA, 1869 posts
30 Aug 2013 9:50PM
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Select to expand quote
eppo said..
Save the whales, get in contact, let's catch up for a sesh man when they come. Been wanting to try these puppies for a long time now! or not...



Yeah no worries - let me know when the arrive - maybe youll rock up this time hey, no pussyfooting around

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
31 Aug 2013 7:47AM
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Well you'll be rockin up at my local to try the renegades, what's the point of trying them on flat water?

SaveTheWhales
WA, 1869 posts
31 Aug 2013 7:32PM
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No worries again... Ive been having fun for the last year or so on the 2013 7 & 11m Renegades at my local ocean spot that I used to wavesail at for years doin forward loops off the top of 1/2 to full mast height waves - thats why i like goin hard on flat stuff too, sometimes waves get a little slow n boring...

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
1 Sep 2013 8:56AM
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Well sounds like you'd fit right into the gang down here then...

pattiecannon
QLD, 593 posts
3 Sep 2013 11:34PM
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Select to expand quote
eppo said..

Well you'll be rockin up at my local to try the renegades, what's the point of trying them on flat water?



Have you been on the 9m Renegade eppo? Not many kites pop like that one

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
3 Sep 2013 10:07PM
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No mate not until mid September east coast CC said.

pattiecannon
QLD, 593 posts
4 Sep 2013 12:56AM
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you'll get the point then m8 ;)

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
3 Sep 2013 11:05PM
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Oh,

shane75
QLD, 209 posts
4 Sep 2013 2:03PM
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Ok had my second Wkend with the Infinity V3 now, this time rode it in all three types water = choppy+ super flat and big swell 6ft and up to 6ft waves oh and a bit of beach play with the 20ft dunes at North Stradbroke Islands.
Again kite turns super fast on 22m lines for a 16m kite, in the flat 1-2ft choppy water again 10-12 knots the fun started to kick in was the only one out apart from someone trying the new 14m Vegas who wasn't able to keep up with me who was able to still go upwind and do average jumps wind got up to 14knots with 16 knot gust yehaa.
Next session was on main beach with 15-16knots 6ft waves & swell out the back sounds like a lot but it was very manageable, I liked it because I removed the line extensions and rode the kite between 10&2 in the window oh and also changed the centre lines to the 2nd knot which I will call the wave setting which if your on a TT and bit overpowered in the 6ft surf works well or if your on an SB in normal conditions, otherwise if you want maximum power leave it on the first knot.
Last day was on a super flat gutter I found plus I would occasionally go out past the break, again started with about 12knots which was sweet because of the flat water and by the end got up to 16knots with 18knot gusts, all this time was spent on my 139x41.5 x-ride.
My conclusion = great kite which I will not be upgrading until the day it dies and needs replacing.
Also on my board + 86kgs on flat water it's great for 10-12knots
On choppy water I have to work it a bit and have a bit of LW skill
In the ocean with 6ft swell and waves + white wash currents gutters and so on forget it, you'd need at least 14-15knots on a TT and 12-14 on a SB.
P.s. here's a pic of the flat water





eppo
WA, 9366 posts
4 Sep 2013 12:35PM
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Nice spot.

shane75
QLD, 209 posts
4 Sep 2013 5:43PM
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Yeah knee deep gutter with 4 inches of water covering sandbank.

Here's a pic of the choppy session I'm right out the back testing the new 14m Vegas before the wind died and I had to swap back to my infinity and add 5m extensions



shane75
QLD, 209 posts
4 Sep 2013 6:19PM
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Here's another pic of main beach with the 6ft+ surf n swell worst part was trying to get out with onshore breeze



pattiecannon
QLD, 593 posts
5 Sep 2013 12:13PM
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Hey Shane, looks an sounds like an epic weekend m8, is that the beach west of cylinders with the gutter? totally sick.
M8, did you try the 11m on the 27m lines ? Gives you a bit more power.
In the surf on any TT less than 145 x 44 I've found the same situation as urs on my V2, less a couple kts due to your extra pies. I come in at 73.
But with a decent LW TT the bigger kites open up a whole new world inthe waves with 10 kts
My TT of choice last season was a 2008 155x45 North Phantom till it snapped in l8 autumn primo.
In positive water flow and small waves, 8kts was a blast on that setup.
Nige has some King George's - I'll pick one up in a few weeks and put a review up here.
I have a Dundee and a Speedball here to but waiting for the 9m weather to really give them a blast.

shane75
QLD, 209 posts
5 Sep 2013 11:30PM
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Select to expand quote
pattiecannon said...
Hey Shane, looks an sounds like an epic weekend m8, is that the beach west of cylinders with the gutter? totally sick.
M8, did you try the 11m on the 27m lines ? Gives you a bit more power.
In the surf on any TT less than 145 x 44 I've found the same situation as urs on my V2, less a couple kts due to your extra pies. I come in at 73.
But with a decent LW TT the bigger kites open up a whole new world inthe waves with 10 kts
My TT of choice last season was a 2008 155x45 North Phantom till it snapped in l8 autumn primo.
In positive water flow and small waves, 8kts was a blast on that setup.
Nige has some King George's - I'll pick one up in a few weeks and put a review up here.
I have a Dundee and a Speedball here to but waiting for the 9m weather to really give them a blast.


Yeah man, right over at the western point and best of all there's camp sites righty there in the tree line on the beach, those extra long line extensions do make a difference to increase the power stroke if your a bit underpowered. The renagade 11m is a great all rounder and kite for learning, handles well and easily kept under control even in gusty conditions and best of all, its got all the right bits in the right places where they should be, with not too many competitors in that price range unless you grab an ex demo, had I of known about the renegades when I first started they would of been my first choice when I started out, now that I know which direction I want to head in I'm keen to give the new screamers a go for boosting and maximum jump height and hang time as soon as there out here in Aust.
As for LW boards there's another guy kites here at Brighton with V3 and shinn king with bit of luck he'll let me have a go on his board to get a feel, everyone keeps saying a proper LW board can make a Hugh difference, plus have got 3 other boards to try before I buy like naish Orbit, North spike textreme and Nobile XTR and flying carpet once I've done these then I'll fork out the cash

EastCC
QLD, 354 posts
20 Sep 2013 11:29AM
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Radman - V3 weighs approx. 4.8kg

EastCC
QLD, 354 posts
20 Sep 2013 11:29AM
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And anyone in SEQ chasing a demo let me know, I'll be down there 5/6th October

shane75
QLD, 209 posts
20 Sep 2013 4:28PM
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Choice I'll be there, my 12m is gettin a bit ratty and should be replaced as a spare.
Took the V3 out again the other Wkend was a bit overpowered when you consider others were out on there 12's-14's took the 5m extensions off and had a blast so much lift just kept trying back rolls til I was nailing them then even had a go at trying front rolls until the old man knee pain started ta kick in. Upwind was great 2 long tac's and I was way out the back but best of all even with the kite being near its top end I felt more comfortable than ever trying these tricks the stability is awesome

BendigoPete
VIC, 13 posts
30 Sep 2013 12:11AM
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I managed a demo on the V3 recently. This is my second post on Seabreeze and thought this kite was worth a plug because it deserves it. I've been kiting for 2.5 years and am inspired by the amount of R and D companies are investing in their light wind gear during this time. Out of the bag, I feel the graphics are butt ugly... and in my opinion Dimitri seems to oversell his product, but hey believe most of the hype on this one. The kite still has the small valve for inflation and the quality seems ok.... but not premium. I rolled it out on top of my mates 17m Griffin TRX - yep the Epic Infinity V3 kite is a 17m. Re. turn speed it behaves like a quick 14m kite - damn it's good for a large kite! I used 27m lines and was in light, light wind at Brighton beach Vic. No white caps and no one else out. Would have been between 8-10 knots. I am 85kg and use a 140x46 Nobile TT in light winds. Held my ground when I thought I was simply going to fail. The wind picked up slightly to the 10-12 knot mark and jumps were simple and floaty - loop transition, no probs. I feel Dimitri has got the blend of turn speed, low end grunt and up wind ability tweaked just right with this one. For the faultless performance I would put up with the graphics. Just testing a LF NRG in a 14m or 16m then making my mind up on a purchase. Cheers!



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"Epic Infinity V3 first run" started by shane75