Honest review of BRM Cloud kites

[RETZ]

The Gong kites are getting a bit of pub. I'm curious if there are riders out there that have flown both the Gong and BRM Cloud that could provide some feedback?

How are they similar?
How are they different?
Gong build quality?
What does the Gong do better than the Cloud?
What does the Cloud do better than the Gong?

I currently fly Clouds.

cheers,

[Bletti]

Anyone ride the lastest D version yet?

[tautologies]

Anyone ride the lastest D version yet?

Check out the cloudrider FB group. Seems like a lot of people like it.

[tswierkocki]

I recently upgraded my 4m to 12m C2 quiver to a 3.7m to 10.4m D quiver. I have not flown the C.5 Clouds and have only ridden the 3.7m, 4.8m, and 8.0m D's so far. All sessions were on a hydrofoil.

I think there 3 main physical differences: delta shape, really tight leech, and new bridle.

Performance wise I am really enjoying the kites. The power delivery is smoother. With the tighter leech you don't have to keep tension on the rear lines while turning. Not that the C2's were hard to fly but the D can be flown more like a strutted kite since the canopy is so tight. The kites now luff in the center of the canopy as opposed to at the tailing edge when fully depowered allowing the steering to be very good even with really slack rear lines. I never thought it could be possible but the the drift D is even better with the new delta shape.

Kind of reminds me of the orignal 7.5m Kahoona but with all of the struttless goodness and instant depower of the BRM kites.

Overall I'm extremely stoked on the new kites!!!

[bigtone667]

I have the 2's, 0.5's and the D's ....

Best comparison I can make is between the 13.5 (0.5) and 13.4 (D) ........ I am 100kg dry, and primary grief with the 13.5 kite was under heavy load I would bend the wing tips (typically while launching). With the 13.4, this issue is GONE.

The 13.4 still fly's in the same super low wind conditions as the 13.5 but it's like someone added testosterone to the 13.4. There is lot more grunt on both the down stroke and up stroke.
I believe I can probably retire the 17m C2.

They still turn on a dime, still drift, and you can do nice floaty jumps on them (13.4 x 30m lines, 5m height surprise surprise).

[stenner]

Here's a pic of my OR bar, with the BRM treatment - the swivel on the Ronstan pulley works great.
IMG_20170420_022906.jpg

So you're untwisting the front lines from the harness pulley?

[Bletti]

Anyone ride the lastest D version yet?

Check out the cloudrider FB group. Seems like a lot of people like it.

Can you please link it? I can't seem to find it. Thanks

[topmick]

Here's a pic of my OR bar, with the BRM treatment - the swivel on the Ronstan pulley works great.
IMG_20170420_022906.jpg

So you're untwisting the front lines from the harness pulley?

Yes that's right, I generally loop in both directions when riding but if required use the pulley on the swivel.
Pulley is a couple of years old now, still looks ok - no obvious wear showing.
Please note, I only ride strapless - so only have to deal with kite loops not multiple rotations.

[Mitaka]

Anyone ride the lastest D version yet?

Check out the cloudrider FB group. Seems like a lot of people like it.

Can you please link it? I can't seem to find it. Thanks

https://www.facebook.com/groups/cloudriders/

[stenner]

Here's a pic of my OR bar, with the BRM treatment - the swivel on the Ronstan pulley works great.
IMG_20170420_022906.jpg

So you're untwisting the front lines from the harness pulley?

Yes that's right, I generally loop in both directions when riding but if required use the pulley on the swivel.
Pulley is a couple of years old now, still looks ok - no obvious wear showing.
Please note, I only ride strapless - so only have to deal with kite loops not multiple rotations.

That's an excellent idea/setup!