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SS Fuel 04 …
hittade denna rewivien på kite-surf.com
fuel 2004
”bit of background first. four years kiting, took a year off just to kite last year so i’m pretty decent and have owned 14 kites from early leis-flysurfers-current splitstruts.I was always really pleased with last years kites, they weren’t the highest jumping or floatiest kite out there, but they had excellent low end, decent wind range, easy relaunchability compared to the other performance kites and found them to be among the most dependable kites i have used. to that end one of my 15m 03 kites had over 400 hours ridng on it and never needed a reapir or replacement other than the depower rope. and i’m not generally regarded as being gentle on my kit, infact i’ve broken something major on every other brand of kite i’ve ridden.
This years splitstruts have a variety of new features and improved design from last year. they have better depower and upwind ability, not up there with the old airblasts or the best f-ones but definately manage at least a 12mph range for the average kiter.
the one pump system is simple in execution and looks to be dependable in terms of durability, time will tell. it does mean however that i get to beach, get suited and gloved up and set my entire kite up without having to pinch a single valve or hold the pump in place. i will not miss cold hands and stiff valve stems at all
the new improved struts are way smaller contributing to the kites much reduced weight, these are now some of the lightest kites available and feel such in the air. the 04 kites turn as fast as you would want a kite to turn and still have a range of power and turning speeds options available via the multiple pigtails.
as with last years kites these are still heavily reinfoced along the leading edge and through the canopy. the finish might not be as slick as some manufacturers in terms of hiding seams but its the durability that counts. ask your local repair shop how many he saw to fix last year….don’t belive even my hype on this, they remain incredibly durable and delivered without production faults.
the new canopy design integrates with the struts to give some negligable amount of reflex to the canopy shape, this is taken up immediately the kite is in the air and contributes to the greater depower and hangtime. despite increasing the hangtime and depower the aspect ratio is still definately in the moderate category, something many manufacturers are rushing to copy this year. because of the lower aspect ratio the slingshots have always been one of the easiest kites to relaunch in this area and remain so.
it is this and the combination of durability and adjustability that makes them a sensible choice for a decent kiter looking for a first serious water kite.
this years bar continues with the back line leash and cleat system from last year, though now integrates a spinning line system for those who prefer to rig a handle pass or front line lower depower leash. the options with this are endless. also new for this year is a usable oh shit handle on the back line further increasing safety options. the bar is similar to last years though the revsed graphics are not visible on the back of the bar…….
so no half turned bar mistakes… at last..
on the water the kites, all sizes, feel light on the bar and sprightly in the air. they deliver consistent power even in gusts and have hit a good balance between speed of depower and bar throw.
overall they have take a solid and dependable kite from last year and further broadened its appeal to riders by reducing the weight increasing the range and still keeping the reliability.”
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