Flysurfer Speed4 10m 2013
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
The Flysurfer Speed4 is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated kite in recent years. Flysurfer don’t release a new kite every year, far from it, they only release one when it is ready. The Speed3 reached a huge fanfare and if you check the resale value it is quite amazing, not to mention how popular it is, claiming the third place in our readers poll. There is a dedicated network of Flysurfer fans around the world that have been waiting for the Speed4, it was actually ready last year in the smaller sizes, but they held back on the launch so the larger sizes would be ready too. The larger sizes haven’t quite rolled off the production line yet, so even though this is a lightwind test we had the 10m to play with to give you a feel for what is new.
The Speed4 is a completely new development from the team at Flysurfer, the kite is based around a simple design concept: To create a defined flex performance fo the kite profile. In other words a kite that can move and flex according to what you ask of it, to be more dynamic and faster as well as being more efficient and delivering more power. One of the key areas of interest is the “Rigid Foil” these are thin battens in the leading edge shaped to give the kite a more solid profile to increase stability. The bridle has also been simplified, which will be a welcome site for anyone looking to try one of these kites out. They have also simplified the “mixer” the mixer allows the rider to tune the bridle and the kite to ensure the best performance. The Speed4 has just one adjustment point on each side of the kite.
The Bar
The bar system is the proven Infinity 2.0 bar, in the 50cm size. It is a well thought out bar that has some great features, the Chicken Loop Release has been designed with the French standard in mind and works really well. It is a mechanical push away system and releases with hardly any pressure at all, furthermore it is simple to put back together too. Another neat feature is the ability to untwist the lines, simply by pulling the bar in towards you. By using to ropes for the depower that run through independent holes in the bar you can simply untwist them by sheeting in on the bar.
In the Air
Flysurfer kites will always be a little different, you have to come to them with an open mind and appreciate them for what they air. The Speed4 is a fantastically efficient kite, no doubt in the larger sizes it will generate some impressive lightwind abilities. The 10m that we have here is very responsive compared to the Speed3. When you engage the bar you can really see the kite twist and change shape allowing it to turn instantly on its axis. The depower is also very impressive with the Speed4, the kite changes shape as you sheet out and becomes less efficient but remains stable and feels solid in the air. Upwind is very good, as you would expect from such a high aspect shape. The power delivery take a little getting used to, you need to use smaller movements with the bar in order to keep it smooth compared to a traditional LEI. Jumping is an area where the kite really excels and the hangtime with this kite is more than impressive. The Speed4 will certainly excite lovers of the Speed3 offering a more dynamic flying experience and increased wind range and performance. Riders new to Flysurfer will be impressed with the handling and feel of the kite, plus the simplicity of the bridle will be appreciated too.
Overall
A great addition to the Flysurfer family, the Speed4 adds some real stability and impressive kite control to your ride. If you love Flysurfer you will crave one, if you have never tried one, you might just like it…
Videos
This review was in Issue 38 of IKSURFMAG.
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By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!
