VIC
118 posts
Wat are they like, found a 2007 GK SONIC Bow kite at the rite price but i wanna know as a beginner wanting to get a couple of seasons out of the kite, how they fare to other kites and ease of use for learning? its 11m and im around the 95 mark with a 150cm board. Wat do u guys think? hope to hear from u soon. Ive currently got a 12m LF Spectrum 2, is it worth the change?
VIC
484 posts
don't know anything about the liquid force kite but the 07 sonics are absolute gems. you can pick them up relatively cheaply now that the V-sonic is out, i have an 11 and a (just purchased) 8m as well. with these two kites my range will be 12-40 knots, i have flown the 11 in 30 knots which was hairy but possible. the A-KPO means you can shift the front and rear attachment points around to suit the conditions, you will be amazed at how much they change the kite's behaviour, stability and power delivery.
at 95kg on a 150 board, the 11m will take you from 14 knots up to around 30 with ease (once you have some experience). it's got to be one of the easiest kites to learn with because it will depower totally as you push the bar away.
combine it all with good turning speed, excellent relaunch ability, fantastic gust-absorbing stability and the ability to send you into orbit (still one of the very best jumping kites i've ever flown - that's why i fly em) you will do well to get one.
please note that i've flown a whole bunch of the new bow style kites (and hybrids) and the sonic is still the kite of choice for me. i don't represent any brand, but matt pendles' kites have always been awesome
NSW
3452 posts
Ecellent kite .Bar stystem could be better .get a waroo bar if you can
BTW they are not a bow (sorry to be picky)
QLD
120 posts
Great kites. Very easy to use with good depower and power for their size. Highly recommend one. I'm surprised they're not more popular, but the marketing may not be there for the brand. Simple bar, great kite, great performance.
NSW
482 posts
Had a 14mtr and it was great!
Problems to watch out for is the leading edge splits and needs a repair from a sailmaker and also the bar needs to be tuned. Mine used to fall out of the sky then I did the tune which I found on kiteforums and it made a huge difference.
11mtr might be a little small in my opinion considering your weight(95kgs). I could take my 14mtr up to 18-20knts on a big board and Im 80kgs with a seat harness. That is the absolute limit tho and I would only recommend 12-17knts for a newbie
Otherwise awesome kites for the price. Make sure you get an experienced kiter to check it out before you take it out, check all the safety systems work perfectly. Hope this helps and all the best!
NSW
129 posts
i started out on the Lf spectrum2 had a 8 12 14 ..
And bought a Gk sonic 11m After the spec 2...
the sonic is so much better and my learning progressed real quick.great kite to go upwind and r so easy to launch..One of most favourite kites ..except the SB3
WA
384 posts
they rock and we have one for sale for $1000 brand new if anyone is keen :)
VIC
484 posts
Uber: the stitching problem on the LE was on the 2006 sonic only, the 2007 and 2008 ones have probably the best leading edge stitching i've ever seen. they are extremely strong. the 2006 one repeatedly blew the LE stitches (i know cause i had one!) and required re-inforcement.
WA
66 posts
I loved my 07 Sonic. Also my first kites were 06 Sonics. I would definately recommend it. The 07's are one of the most solidly built kites I've seen and have a nice simple bar setup. Awesome for big jumps and cruising.
I have sold all my sonics only because progressing with unhooking and kitelooping is more of a priority for me now. I've got some new kites that are more suited to that.
The days where the conditions dont suit unhooking I do miss my sonic and would rather be on one. I'll probably pick one up again 2nd hand for those days.
