Postby flying grandpa » Wed Apr 22, 2020 8:29 pm
Aloha,
After more than 10 sessions on Sonic 9 and maybe 5 sessions on 15m I'm more and more convinced that in usual gusty/shifty conditions on nearby lake spot my preferred kites are Sonics this year. My so far favorite 9m Soul is resting.
It's unbelievable how Sonics are eager to fly. Big wind shifts throw my kite many times into the water, often melted and tangled, and miraculously, after less time and much less input from my side the kite relaunch. Several times without any input from my side.
Watertightness is excellent. After 20min lull 15 m relaunch with just few liters of water.
Until now relounchability is around 95% and imho 100% is possible (with Sonic to hardly managed 50%).
One line relaunch 2 or 3 times. New drainage sucks water from the kite like from a firefighting airplane.
The tips collapse from time to time - easy recovery.
Happened once, when I landed directly under the kite, it drifted perfectly maybe 10m back (on 17m lines).
For sure, thicker profile helps, but there is something more, that keeps canopy in shape with slack lines.
I like the way it turns - radius is bigger than on previous version, but if you want to pivot, just pull one steering line.
Jumping - I'm still looking for the best timing and expect slightly better boosting.
In my opinion kite control in gusty winds is easier, however for 15m race bar for foiling is a must have for me.
Until now, after 40h on the water - I did't touch the mixer yet.
Congratulations for the designers. Was worth to work on it so long.
Tadeusz