I put this in the Windsurfing Forum by mistake...some one may have tried the kite...
Hi guys our kiteski season is well underway, I will want to rplace my Rhinos 2008 soon, I have an Evo 08 15 m I love the kite, but it pulls like a truck...Too much for me as soon as we hit 20 knots gusts. What about the 2009, I will be lookig for a 12 or 10m for those 15 knots days (12 gusting to 25, this is my reality). I had the bad habit to Edinberg the EVo 2008, was it me or did it have that tendency in gusty winds...
Thanks for any insight...
Francis

Kitehard said...

Hey Flipper,

The Evo's aint due for release for another month or two. Try again later.

Good winds,

although, there may be one 12m in the country... Quinny gave it a thorough test at newport reef this arvo. I cant really speak for how it rides, but will hound him for a rundown, but from what I saw, and felt while giving it a little fly I will make some initial comments.
It was being flown in 5th element mode and has a fairly basic bridle system that keeps the span very stable when flying. Obvously this setup offers the most safety but the Evo will again be available in four line mode for 2009.
the canopy shape is a bit strange at first, has a fairly c'd LE and a really round outline giving it a very compact look in the sky, although there is a lot of cloth around the middle strut.
It was not the quickest turning twelve I have ever felt, but turned hard when asked and generated enough power to get my ass up and planing in just powered conditions.
As for how it flew when piloted by someone who knows what they are doing, Quinny seemed to find the power and flight characteristics pretty good in the gusty wind near the beach. being a bit ligther than me he was comftorably powered on the 12 and a 5'7 Bullet, ripping upwind at pretty good angles and getting some good waves back in. The kite seemed to drift very well and looked super stable when he turned towards it allowing him to get some good smacks in.
when he did finally give it a dunking the kite hardly touched the water, relaunch seemed even easier than the cult I was riding which is pretty phenomenal.

The Evo is pitched as the new do everything kite in the North line, so far can only really vouch for its wave prowess, but given the shaping it should boost well too. I think its going to appeal to the rider who wants one kite to cover a broad range of uses from wake style through to waves (the rebel will still be the pure wave kite) or those that just want a north product with the simplicity of four lines.
As for eta, keep an eye on your local north retailer in late january for demos and stock.
A

We havent had a chance to try it yet, but we've heard very good things about it.

The '08 Evo was great, nice and fast, great boosting, really looking forward to the 09, also sexy new colour schemes similar to the rest of the 09 North range to look forward to

looks great!

first ones in OZ in January... contact ur local dealer