Rider: 90 kilos,Level (advanced)
Style: Freeriding, Freestyle
Weather: 18-33 knots
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: (Shop and school owner)

My Comments: We received the first three kites from Eclipse for demo purposes ahead of the main production kites just the other day and had a chance to ride all three today. The Eclipse Thruster 12m, the Eclipse Nano 9m and the Eclipse Kima Wave 6m.

I'll give a very basic review at this stage as the kites we were sent were pre-production and were sent with 08 bars and no bags so I'll only comment on the kite itself.

The Thruster is very well made, totally bomb proof construction and well finished. One pump, SLE with one pulley on each wingtip. Moderately high aspect ratio amd 5 struts. It looks excellent in red and yellow with screen printed graphics to liven it up.

Due to incorrect bar and lines and gusty strong winds I didn't self launch and didn't test water relaunch today.

The kite is fast, I mean really fast. For a 12m it was easily turning as fast as a good 9m! Moderate bar pressure and so easy to steer and sheet. The 08 bar had very short range of movement (about 15 inches), but was adequate to depower the kite in all but the most agressive gusts.

This kite boosts like nothing else. I had some of the scariest and longest jumps of all time and it was so easy, no technique to get right, just redirect the kite and hang on tight! Closest thing to my previous fave kite the 11.5m Airush Lift Pro of 2003.

I love this kite, a truly awesome 12m for going big and having fun. I cannot stress enough the need to demo this kite. It is available now for demo from AKS at Pinnaroo Point.

I'll review the kite again when I get a full production model with all the trimmings.

Good winds,

I've never flown the Eclipses. To date, the Ozone Instinct Edges are the Biggest, floaties jumpers I've ever flown.

How do you think the Eclipses compare to the Edges in terms of jumping and hang time ?

Cheers,

IAN

Hey Darren,

Really appreciate the detailed feedback.

The sound of the Eclipses really has me interested. I'll be trying it out for myself over the next few days thanks to Steve at Kitepower. Would love to hear your thoughts on the Nano as well.

Looking forward to catching up with you from 2nd to 9th of Jan when when we get to WA for a play.

Cheers,

IAN

Hey Darren,

Was planning to go last year but had major family issues at the time which had to take priority. Can't see myself missing the trip for the next 10 years or so from now on.

Have already promised to bring wind back for various people here in wind deprived Sydney but as I understand, you guys have plenty to spare. May even check out some real estate whilst there. If I remember our conversation from one night.... the demographics sound quite favourable !

What kite do you see yourself flying the most this season ?

Cheers,

IAN

Hey Darren,

That wind stuff is like gold. I'm almost picturing guys in dark sunnies with trench coats selling it illegally on street corners.

The only downside to the WA wind protection policy is the fact that it means many Sydney Siders and worse still, Queenslanders are going to have to migrate to WA to get the wind.... Is that what you really want ?????

IAN

Was wondering how the relaunch and stability of the 09 models compared with 08.

Thanks Kitehard, I have the Thruster 16m and 12m 08 models and initially found the reluanch a bit tricky in lighter winds but don't have a problem now that I'm using the old c kite method in order to move it on its back. In stronger winds it goes up easily by just pulling on the oh sh.t ring outer line.

I am tempted to try some jumps and do the kite justice, but I better get my slide transitions perfected first

Is March a good time to get lessons in Perth?

What is the general feedback on the 09 Thruster with the 08 bar so far? Darren, Steve?

Hi Richswing,

Due to the crash of the Aussie dollar and a few other mini problems, it was decided not to bring the kites into Oz this year and maybe try again next year if the X change rate improves. Bit of a pity because the kites are really nice.

I have a little used demo 12m Thruster, 9m Nano and 6m Kima for sale. Going cheap!

Good winds,

Hi Junglist,

Unfortunately it seems that the Eclipse kites will not be brought into the country by an Australian Importer, but service will be available from a dealer in New Zealand.

I'll try and get some details for anyone with existing Eclipse Kites and will post info here probably early next week. I have a mailing address but no email phone or web. Sorry! As soon as I know, you will too!

Good winds,

the kiteboarding shop .co.nz is the australian importer