This is part of a comparitive review of all the Major Brand kites on the market. Its interesting to note that Hybrids (what we call Flat kites or Bows) were compared side by side with the current season's C kites.
Airush Reactor:
(SBC Kiteboard No.18, March 2006)
sits forward in the window in flight, but it isn't one to stall the instant you dig into your rail. Upwind speed is easy, and there's more than enough power to lift you up, up, up, but the Reactor isn't a low-end grunt motor compared to similar sizes.
It's a fast kite. Quick to accelerate, quick to get you where you want, nimble, agile and all those other terms that sound appealing to advanced riders who want to be even more advanced.
The Reactors have an efficient dose of power that doesn't need constant trimming attention but does like to be ridden with the board on its rail.
Pro Dimitri Maramenides sets his chicken loops up with only two inches of travel, even on the 21 m2. The light bar pressure was surprisingly responsive, especially on the 21 m2.
There's no way it should've been so easy to fly and so quick to turn, but it was. Our test team was even able to do jumping Kite Loop tricks in only eight knots.
GOOD: Advanced to expert riders looking for a responsive, power-turning, fast-flying, high performance kite. The 21 m2 actually made us like big kites.
BAD: Beginners and intermediates will find this kite needs to be edged to control the power.
The Reactor was described as decidedly unique in its performance - ultra responsive kite with the quickest power turning in the test (all major brands were represented) - and was definitely reccomended for experts only.
The 12, 15 and 21 were tested - the 21 actually made the riders enjoy big kites again!
Some interesting comments that mirror our own Australian experience and feedback from our national team riders.
