Don't know how many are on this thread, so I thought I'd post this. On flysurf.com there has been some discussion of a Chinese manufacturer with generic kites priced well below the competition (i.e. $400 for a new 16M incl/shipping) - the first feedback is starting to come in. Here is a review that was on the thread...not to technical, but it is the first that I've seen. Thoughts or comments? Has Anyone ordered one of these to try out?
Review:
I rode a China kite yesterday. These kites are good. I normally ride ARX's and Aero's. The china kite had no effect on my performance as a kitesurfer as compared with using my normal quiver. They boost, go up wind, power, de-power, 360's, 720's, grabs, loops, whatever you got the kites will take you there. If you can't pull it, it's not the kite it's you.
Are the newest X3's , RhinoII's, etc. better kites? Probably. Will the kite make a huge difference in you ability, porobably not.
If you need the newest flashiest gear on the beach, these kites are not for you. If you like to go out and rip and not get ripped off then these kites are exactly what your looking for.
China Kites
Moderator: MK
yeah, but are these kites licensed for the bladder patent? are they a rip off of another design? Unless they are pretty much 100% legit, I have a serious problem with products like this.
I'd like to hear different - that they are a 100% legit kite company, but otherwise stear clear of them. All they do is hurt the industry for a WIDE variety of reasons.
-Coach
I'd like to hear different - that they are a 100% legit kite company, but otherwise stear clear of them. All they do is hurt the industry for a WIDE variety of reasons.
-Coach
Would you mind if I took your response and threw it at the manufacturer...maybe get a little bit more info on these kites? I have some of the same feelings with regards to these kites. Right now it seems like the kite community has a great relationship with the vendors, though with kites like this it is possible that there could be some serious changes...
I also read a review that compared them to a Rhino 1. Probably not the latest and greatest design and they won't look as fancy but they'll work fine.
I think its a great thing for the sport (the consumer) to introduce this level of competition. Perhaps not this particular company but this is only the start of it. For the amount of material, stitching and design work (most is copied in some way) a new kite should not cost more than $400. Compare it to a high quality tent for instance. Go China!
john
I think its a great thing for the sport (the consumer) to introduce this level of competition. Perhaps not this particular company but this is only the start of it. For the amount of material, stitching and design work (most is copied in some way) a new kite should not cost more than $400. Compare it to a high quality tent for instance. Go China!
john
FYI: Construction Review
This is an excerpt posted by Surface_tension_UK@hotmail.com on the china kites forum. The kites sound like they are fairly well constructed from his description...from looking at the posts it sounds like there are a few distributors examining the kites, although they are not available for purchase by individuals just yet. It will be interesting to see what the final price and what the general reception of these kites are.
From Yahoo forum:
I havent had the chance to fly it yet but thats tomorrow. I thought
I'd just give a rundown of visable quality etc.
Materials - LE is bombproof, the Dacron used on this is the same as
most kites use on the wingtip sections and is therefore quite robust.
Canopy - The canopy nylon / ripstop on first impression seems a
micron or two lighter than that used on a rhino 1 (comparison kite)
but not so light that it will suffer unduely (IMHO). Its stiff and
crinckly and has been coated with a waxy resin which is very
noticable to the touch.
Struts - The struts are of the same material as the LE and have rings
sewn latteraly from the LE to half way up the strut. The struts also
each have a flap for access to the Bladder I think this is nessecarry
due to the type of valves used.
Bladders - Top notch TPU. Feels just like any other top brand.
Valves - Now here is something interesting. Never seen these valves
before. Long necked and with a backflow retention valve so that it
doesnt deflate while you extract the pump and insert the stopper.
This isnt the ball type valve but more robust. The kite is supplied
with small plastic rods to aid in deflation. When I first pumped up
the LE I waited half an hour to deflate it before realizing what the
rods were for. Then it deflated at a rate comparable to any other
normal sized valved kite. Admittedly the kite would benefit strongly
from a dump valve on the LE.
Stitching and Quality - The stitching of the canopy is excellent. A
three stitch zig zag stretch stitch finished with a regular stitch to
the side of it - no problems there. The LE sections are bullet proof
by the looks of them too. each segment has a zig zag either side of
the join. The struts also follow this convention. 2 seams on each
ring section. Also the tip struts dont have the rings, but they
neither have seams down the middle which makes them comparable to
later kites.
Wing tips - Carbon rod for turning, 4 attachment points Top quality
stitching and materials, also comparable to top brands. the rod is
removable.
Protection and reinforcement - the LE protectors - you know those
patches of rubber over the seams are lightweight on these but will do
the job.
Conclusion - All in all , on visual inspection - It Rocks.
From Yahoo forum:
I havent had the chance to fly it yet but thats tomorrow. I thought
I'd just give a rundown of visable quality etc.
Materials - LE is bombproof, the Dacron used on this is the same as
most kites use on the wingtip sections and is therefore quite robust.
Canopy - The canopy nylon / ripstop on first impression seems a
micron or two lighter than that used on a rhino 1 (comparison kite)
but not so light that it will suffer unduely (IMHO). Its stiff and
crinckly and has been coated with a waxy resin which is very
noticable to the touch.
Struts - The struts are of the same material as the LE and have rings
sewn latteraly from the LE to half way up the strut. The struts also
each have a flap for access to the Bladder I think this is nessecarry
due to the type of valves used.
Bladders - Top notch TPU. Feels just like any other top brand.
Valves - Now here is something interesting. Never seen these valves
before. Long necked and with a backflow retention valve so that it
doesnt deflate while you extract the pump and insert the stopper.
This isnt the ball type valve but more robust. The kite is supplied
with small plastic rods to aid in deflation. When I first pumped up
the LE I waited half an hour to deflate it before realizing what the
rods were for. Then it deflated at a rate comparable to any other
normal sized valved kite. Admittedly the kite would benefit strongly
from a dump valve on the LE.
Stitching and Quality - The stitching of the canopy is excellent. A
three stitch zig zag stretch stitch finished with a regular stitch to
the side of it - no problems there. The LE sections are bullet proof
by the looks of them too. each segment has a zig zag either side of
the join. The struts also follow this convention. 2 seams on each
ring section. Also the tip struts dont have the rings, but they
neither have seams down the middle which makes them comparable to
later kites.
Wing tips - Carbon rod for turning, 4 attachment points Top quality
stitching and materials, also comparable to top brands. the rod is
removable.
Protection and reinforcement - the LE protectors - you know those
patches of rubber over the seams are lightweight on these but will do
the job.
Conclusion - All in all , on visual inspection - It Rocks.