fernmanus wrote: ↑Tue Aug 15, 2017 5:05 am
....Yes, I understand that the Sonic Race was designed for Hydrofoiling, but my experience has been that so called "racing" kites turned out to be a lot of fun for an experienced rider.
Word is from the designer that the kite is no good for freestyle. I am just curious, I have seen some huge airs with that kite, but all photos and video were with a hydrofoil attached to the rider's feet.
I think the designer meant the Race's extremely light construction wasn't meant for the hardship freestyle imposes on the kite. The lines, the bridle and neither probably the canopy won't take the abuse of an over-enthusiastic monkey-style rider very long. Apart from that it should prove a fantastic air-style kite. Flysurfer should make a specially beefed up one for Toby and the likes to put it through its pace and deliver all its power.
The recommended short line length (15m for the 15, vs 21 for the Sonic2 as delivered) could be another factor that makes it less suitable for freestyle and beginner hydrofoiler.
I received my Race 15 before yesterday with 21m race lines (bag mix-up?). Logged 60 km on twintip and 15 km on wave board (shame tide too low for HFing atm) since, and can tell so far it's as least suited for twintip riding (carving, jumping) than all the other 15-16 FS I had since more than a decade. Turns pretty fast as well and seems as stable as the Sonic 2, although I haven't been in extreme situations yet, and not in a hurry to be, like bow-tieing or dropping it in the water. Will post polar and VMG for these runs shortly.
An experienced HF rider over here recommended me not to use short lines when learning to tack (my next goal), because timing less critical with long lines.