Flysurfer Sonic2 11m 2018
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
I was lucky enough to take the Flysurfer Sonic 2 11m to Norway and the Hardangervidda National Park while preparing for the Red Bull Ragnarok. It is environments like this that the Sonic 2 is in its element, the kite is a dream to fly, incredibly fast and efficient, with hang time like you’ve never seen.
On their website, Flysurfer claims that “The SONIC2 embodies our vision of a modern, highly advanced foil kite. Each detail is designed with performance in mind. Beautifully balanced and responsive turning, optimised lightweight construction and refined aerodynamics all come together to create a sublime riding experience”. I couldn’t agree more, and I’ll use this review to go into detail as to why.
The Bar
The bar I tested with the Sonic 2 was the Infinity 3.0 Airstyle CC BAR. This features the Quick Release 3.0, a well-designed release system that is easy to use and put back together without sacrificing its durability.
The bar includes a Clam-Cleat depower adjuster, for those that don’t know Clam-Cleat’s originate from sailing back in 1963. So they are an extremely well tested and developed piece of kit, perfect for making quick and easy adjustments to the power of your kite.
The only thing I was unsure about with this bar was the Double-V-Shaped Eyelet; it meant that after doing a backroll or two you couldn’t pull the bar all the way in until you un-swivelled your quick release. A minor thing really but something that got on my nerves when downlooping the kite while tacking downwind. After doing some research, it appears that the Race Control Bar Pro does not suffer from this problem so this may be something to consider.
In The Air
The Sonic 2 is an absolute joy to fly; it is as simple as that. It flies incredibly far forward in the window without feeling like it is going to fly over your head and stall. Launching the Sonic 2 is a breeze, especially when you compare it to foil kites of just two or three years ago. The wingtips fill almost instantly, and you are ready to go.
One of Flysurfer’s selling points is that the Sonic 2 has Triple Depower Technology, this is achieved by reducing the angle of attack, changing the profile and reducing the projected area. I found that in the gusty valleys and mountain tops of the Hardangervidda National Park this high depower system was incredibly noticeable. It gave me extra control meaning a wider wind range and better handling in difficult conditions, essential if you are looking to win races.
Features include Double Cordwise Ballooning, Flat Winglet Technology, Maximum Pressure Valves, a Lightweight Construction, an Automatic Drainage System & much more. While you can read all about these technologies on their website, what it essentially means is that Flysurfer has put countless hours into creating an incredibly efficient kite. It is all of these marginal gains that combine to create a product that you will enjoy flying time & time again, allowing you push all boundaries you thought possible.
Finally, although not recommended for gliding (and we support that recommendation!), I did get the opportunity to use the kite for some very low-level gliding. It was an exceptional experience and actually felt too easy on the Sonic 2; this compliments the hang time of the kite.
For
The Sonic 2 is a high-performance machine, built with every detail in mind. It is fast, easy to use, has exceptional depower and even better hang time.
Against
As mentioned above the Double-V-Shaped Eyelet in the bar makes it tricky to sheet in until you un-swivel your quick release. Something that can be avoided with the Race Bar. The kite itself appears flawless.
Overall
Foil kites are becoming the future of kiteboarding, and the Flysurfer Sonic 2 is at the top of its game. If you want to push the limits of kiteboarding whether it is foiling, snowkiting or airstyle then this is the kite for you.
Videos
This review was in Issue 69 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit FlysurferRelated
By Jack Galloway
Jack is a fanatically keen kiter from the South West of England, he loves riding just about anything with a kite from foil boards to surfboards and everything in between. He's competed in the Red Bull Ragnarok snowkite race on numerous occasions as well as some world class kite racing events. He's our Web Editor for the magazine, as well as one of our testers where his vast knowledge of the sport and different kites and boards comes in handy!
