day friday 22nd July, 2005
Venue Woodies Northside
Time 12pm til round 4pm
wind 20knots, dropped to round 6-8 mellowed to round 10 to 12knots.
Gear Cabrinha crossbow 12m Flx 140

Today at the above metioned place and time a few crusty old blokes with sweat stains on their shirts, sick congeeled in their beards and spittle dribbling off their cheeks congregated on the northside of woodies filled with nervous anticipation at what an arvo of "crossbow kiting" would hold.

The beast was carefully unwrapped, as the front suddenly passed and the wind dropped. Expertise was called apon to assist in the first rigging of this beast.

initial flies were a pleasant surprise however much disappointment was verbalised, loudly at times at the distinct lack of wind.

This kite basically rocks. After much dribbling, nagging and stomping around like a spoilt child whos favourite toy had been confiscated i got a go.

**** its good, pull the bar, it turns, place it anywhere, it stays there no complaint, loop it and it loops, easy as that. it is a kite flyers kite.
I am 90kg on a good day this arvo i had my full wetsuit on, and harness and i stayed upwind on this kite in 10 to 12kn. i pumped up my 15m and wasnt doing as well. The amazed onlookers even said that those that were riding this beast looked overpowered.
I have never felt so comfortable, safe, and happy under a kite. So responsive, no luffing, fluffing farting or carrying on at anytime.
depower is exactly that depower goes from full on to not quite there to kite out of sky. when you pull on the bar to power up if you look you can see the whole kite moving its angle of attack, its amazing.
Realaunch is simple pull a back line, up she goes really its as easy as that.
Bridle systemn is easy simple no messing about.

The only complaint i have was that a power lock would be ideal, but thats about it.


Overall i am totally impressed, i found the kite to behave really well in light winds, yeah would have been nice for another five knots or so but hey.....

I'd love to pass comment on lift, hang time, etc etc but due to the lack of wind wasnt able to boost at all.

It'll come liz, it'll come......and when it does you will smile!!
safety is good just punch out the centre nodule thingo and bammo the kite comes down. Was a bit slow to respond, but i think that was due to no wind.
My mate put his surefire spreder thingo gizmo on it which could/will work perfect.

And I took its virginity away!. I thought Hmmm maybe I could keep riding downwind, next stop rockingham they would never catch me. You can keep my 04 CO2, AHAHAHAH I"VE STOLEN THE CROSSBOW!!!!!!. But my conscience got the better of me, after seeing how pumped nick was, I couldn't do it in the end.

I got to try a crossbow plus get a good session on someone elses kite. Im pumped, but a bit sore!!! and I was the youngest there, wtf is going on???

thanks nick and mike.

Yeah Carbine, you looked like you were having a good time, your whole face lit up when i passed my 15m.
a darn good arvo all round me thinks. Even though the wind was a bit crap, we had sunshine, good company, kite tales, and a bit of a laugh....perfect.

Hey brownee, unusual to not see you somewhere when the wind is blowing!!! Your bloody everywhere!

Ahhh it sure was a great afternoon, and after being a bit sceptical on the kite, am totally satisfied that all the claims are true.

i adjusted my claim.............maybe it was 12 at times, maybe not. Who knows, it was bloody light though.
but boy its a great kite i just loved it.
...........and i too am a crusty old bloke just ask elizabeth!!

anyone heard about the full range of the 16m??, or is there only the 12 in oz at the moment??, will this be the new light wind kite of the year, any wispers out there??

i just got my "bow" today......wow
It is just the most beautiful wonderful simply fantastic piece of cloth i have ever owned.
I am happy as a pig in ****

but very very very broke...........got any spare cat food gruzei

Now all i need is wind....... bring it on

Go the Volvo drivers

?????????????????????

The X-Box may just be Volvo-like as it seems like a very safe kite.........I love safety and control though.

Hey Poor Reli, I've run out of cat food. Looks like we need to move to Rotto and live of the local rodents, but damm the kiting will be good.

You really didn't miss much today..........still not enough FN wind, and it was dark...wore my hat all day.