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    <channel>
        <title><![CDATA[Kiteboarding Review]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Kite Reviews]]></description>
        <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/</link>
                                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">124-402</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Cabrinha Crossbow (2010): Approved!]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/cabrinha/124-cabrinha-crossbow-2010</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                This kite is rock solid. No back stall. Snow.. water.. hooked.. unhooked... it rocks!                 ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Cabrinha]]></category>
                <pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:27:46 -0700</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">153-401</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Slingshot RPM (2010): 2010 RPM FAST AS HELL]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/slingshot/153-slingshot-rpm-2010</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                After 10 days of 2010 RPM use in Italy I have 3 words to spend.

FAST AS HELL

Moving from 2009 rpm I find more grunt, great feeling with a overall better balance.

It's easy to use the 8 & 6 with short lines.

Superior top speed with the 132cm Lunacy.

Good job Sling.

CIAO



                  ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Slingshot]]></category>
                <pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:18:14 -0700</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">62-400</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Slingshot Rev 2 (2009): Great kite, excellent for a beginner]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/slingshot/62-slingshot-rev-2-2009</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                I purchased this kite for my 14 years-old son who had no idea what kiteboardind is. This is his first kite and I did not want to go with something complicated to relaunch.

Kite is super-fast and responsive. In every situation you just drop the bar and it goes into zenith. 

It took my son only 5 sessions with this kite to understand everything and be able to ride upwind, toeside and jump.

Thanks Matt from Realkiteboarding for advise!                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Slingshot]]></category>
                <pubDate>Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:08:36 -0700</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">154-399</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Airush Lithium LW (2010): Lithium LW 13m]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/airush/154-airush-lithium-lw-2010</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                I tried 13m in ca 4-5 m/s with 140 cm LW board. Here is my read:

+ absolutely stable
+ good power
+ medium pressure on the bar
+ super easy relaunch
+ good upwind

- slow in forward speed
- unhooked basically impossible (unless completely de-powered, the kite just does not fly if you go UH)

summary: great beginner kite, intermediate should look somewhere else - they will ride but w/o fun                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Airush]]></category>
                <pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:45:24 -0700</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">130-396</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Naish Torch (2010): Awsome]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/naish/130-naish-torch-2010</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                As soon as i tried these i switched over from my helix's.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Naish]]></category>
                <pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:53:17 -0700</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">151-395</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Liquid Force Envy (2010): Envy review by The Kitesurf Centre]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/liquid-force/151-liquid-force-envy-2010</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                The Envy is brand new for 2010 and is designed as a Delta hybrid. It combines the popular delta shape with previous Liquid Force technologies to produce a ‘beyond delta kite that has alleviated all the previous problems that deltas suffer from.

The Envy is designed to excel in all aspects of kitesurfing, it has huge continuous depower, the trusted USB bridle and Liquid Forces bomb proof build quality using the best materials available on the market, including Tejin ripstop for the canopy. After using and observing many kitesurfing kites over the years, the Envy is the best built I have seen, all the seams and joins are glued and triple stitched and the leading edge has triple layers of Dacron on crucial joints to avoid ripped stitching causing blow outs. There are also double layers of Dacron along the leading edge attaching the Tejin canopy giving maximum strength and durability as well as double layers of triple and glued stitching. 

The quality construction is also present on the rest of the kite: there is Dacron along the whole trailing edge, on the wingtips and strategically throughout the canopy for maximum strength and rigidity to reduce damage and make the kite solid, stable and responsive in the air. There is also Dacron concealed in all of the strut joins to further increase the resilience of the kite. All of the leading edge seams are protected with bumper strips to stop any wear of the stitching. 

When you look closely at all the graphic work you see all the attention to detail, there are small logos on the ends of the struts and the main graphic is reciprocated on the centre strut and as a shiny gloss design that catches the sun on the outer struts and ends of the leading edge, the kite looks great. I really like the main illustration graphic that is used on the Envy, it really fits with the kite’s fun personality. 

The kite has a 3 strut lay out to reduce the weight, it is about 20% lighter than most SLEs and even in larger sizes it’s still solid and responsive due to the solid build, I thought it would be a little floppy but it is not at all. This weight loss is solely due to the removal of the 2 struts and so the overall construction has not suffered at all. The reduction is weight is really noticeable, much more than I thought it would be, the kite is extremely stable in very light winds and just won’t fall out of the sky, it just sits above you and drifts about, this is perfect for when you are starting out and keeping the kite at 12 a lot when trying to put the board on. Being light the kite climbs really fast and is very reactive, back stall is minimal, probably the least I have seen on any kite I’ve used, this also helps the kite drift really well. The other benefit of having just 3 struts means the kite is very quick to inflate and the struts are very thin making it even easier, this also reduces the kites profile through the air so adds to its speed and responsiveness.

Having a Delta inspired shape the Envy is powerful for its size, I used a 10m and it was nearly as powerful and my 12m Hifi which itself is a very powerful kite. Although it is powerful it is very easy to manage due to is smooth, progressive and large depower. The Envy used Liquid Force’s diamond wingtips and USB 2.0 bridle to improve on the usual delta shaped design. Having the diamond wingtips gives the kite a less swept back shape which stops instability due to being nose heavy as well and making the kite less susceptible to the common centre tear as the whole leading edge impacts at once spreading the load. Other deltas hit down nose first then wingtips creating a massive deformation and causing huge tension in the trailing edge. The diamond wingtip also makes the wingtips wide producing a large lever and so fast turning. The USD 2.0 bridle gives the kites its smooth depower as well as supporting the whole leading edge allowing it to be thin so it can cut through the air making the kite fast through the air.

Giving the kite to a complete beginner can really test its stability and how easily it backstalls. I used the 10m in a lesson in around 10-12 knots, I really was amazed, it never backstalled and climbed up well even on the very edge of the window, another school had to give up because their 12m rebel would not stay in the sky. The re-launch is very easy due to its delta inspired shape, it comes up quickly and easily even in rough seas. At the end of the lesson I (70kg) did a few short runs and was able to stay upwind on a 140x43cm board, it was still only 10-12knots.

A few days later I was able to test the kite properly myself, I usually don’t like flying bridled kites due to the mushy feel but I I found the kite to have a great feel, very direct and responsive, similar to my Hifi Comp it was great! The wind was about 15 knots so I test its unhooked performance, as you would expect from Liquid Force is was perfect, didn’t require any trimming, zero back stall and solid when popping against. As a 10m I thought it would be quite slow but it was really fun to use and much faster than I thought it would be, easily fast enough for kiteloops both hooked and unhooked, it loops really well, constant pull and comes up nicely., it turns around it wing tips like a C kite rather than spinning around its centre like other SLEs. Went and had a play on the waves and the kite worked so well, it just drifted with me as I carved up and down the wave. Smaller sizes will be awesome to chuck around in stronger winds and bigger waves, 6m should we amazing. After that I thought I should test its jumping, wow, I was surprised, most deltas are not really good at jumping but the Envy was brilliant due to thin profile giving it its fast air speed. Smaller sizes will be boosting and mega loop machines.

Now for the bar system; this year Liquid Force have massively upgraded their bar to produce one of the best out there. The new release is massively improved and it is a push release and can be released with either hand from the back or the front of the bar and is really easy to re-set. The release is non mechanical and had not metal parts so it won’t corrode and releases even when filled with sand and grit it pops off easily. The new bar also has a below safety line to which you attach your leash, this runs up to one of the front lines so when the safety is released the kite is flagged out to give you 100% loss of power. The trimmer cleat is below the bar and he depower rope is now thinner allowing easier cleating and also a much smoother throw, it also made of a stainless alloy to stop any corrosion but can be replaced separately if it does wear or become blunt. The chicken loop is just like previous years being very large allowing very easy hooking in and out but it can be adjusted with the simple movement of 3 screws. There is also now a small piece of plastic on the top of the chicken loop which fits into the hole in the bar to align the loop to face you so you do not have to look down to hook back in. The donkey dick can easily be removed with just one screw for easy hooking in and out.

Overall the kite has fantastic build quality; it is extremely stable, responsive and is great in all areas of kitesurfing. It is suitable for all levels: we are going to use it in our school but it is also used my many pros, Chris Burke is already using his and loving them, definitely go and have  demo on one, they are fantastic, the best bridled kite I have ever used.

If you would like to demo an Envy in the UK, come to The Kitesurf Centre at Camber Sands any day of the week.
                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Liquid Force]]></category>
                <pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:00:49 -0700</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">151-393</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Liquid Force Envy (2010): Be the Envy]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/liquid-force/151-liquid-force-envy-2010</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                The Envy is a delta SLE hybrid that combines an ultra light three strut SLE design with the super huge wind range of a delta. 

The complete package of the new 2010 Envy paired up with the new LF CPR control system makes for an all around killer package. The Envy is a kite that will not only allow a new kiteboarder to comfortably get on the water for his/her first time but will allow the top LF riders, like Moe Goold, to push the limits at spots like one of his home waves, Teahupoo. 

Check out below what some of the REAL Team has to say about the 2010 Liquid Force Envy.

“The Liquid Force Envy is a great new addition to the LF kite line for 2010. The Envy light and stable, with its three strut design, and performs in a amazingly wide variety if conditions. The light weight construction of the Envy make it work well in light winds and the increased depower of the bridle helps it out on the high end. I personally enjoy the envy in the surf and have had some fun slider sessions on the Envy as well! Try one out at REAL and experience the Envy for yourself.” – REAL and Liqud Force Team Rider Jason Slezak


“Stoked on this kite! Seriously the most stable kite I have ridden. Killer unhooked wave kite with mad wakestyle pop, this is THE kite for 2010.” – REAL Coach Patrick Duca

“Incredible balance of easy relaunch, depower and high performance. The 2010 Envy is definitely going to be one of our go-to wave kites this season.

I am excited to teach my Beginner and Intermediate students on this kite and encourage them to make Envies a part of their quiver. It is going to give them a ton of confidence and still perform for them throughout their progression.” – REAL Coach Joel Schneider


“The 2010 Envy steps into the Liquid Force kiteboarding line up as the do anything for anyone kite. This stable 3 strut kite has been a favorite of the REAL Coaching Staff for the consistant pull that allows the end user to not get yanked around by gusty conditions. Comboed up with Liquid Force's new ultra-safe CPR bar, the Envy is a 2010 kiteboarding kite that will make you a better kiter.” – REAL Co-Founder Matt Nuzzo


“The Envy is a nice change from the Havoc offering a bit more bar pressure that many people were looking for. Along with the very easy relaunch and great stability in the air the 2010 Envy proved itself as a great kite for your 2010 quiver.” – Bryan Elkus


“The Liquid Force 2010 Envy is hands-down the best kite I've ever ridden: extremely stable, tons of low-end, and effortless handling. With the Envy, I could teach a beginner lesson, ride unhooked in the Slick, or session the Southside... all on the same kite.” – Eric Nelson


“While all of Liquid Force’s kites are amazing, the Envy is by far the front runner for 2010. The 3 Strut setup not only makes the kite lighter, but makes it the most stable kite I’ve ever ridden. The Envy retains the Liquid Force SLE standards of easy re-launch, depower, moderate bar pressure, and speed. And it doesn’t hurt that the graphics are really fun.” – Laura Vroman


For more info or to order your new 2010 Liquid Force Envy, call us toll free at 866-REAL-KITE or 252-987-6000.                 ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Liquid Force]]></category>
                <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:11:40 -0700</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">157-392</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Ozone Catalyst (2010): Ozone Catalyst Review]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/ozone/157-ozone-catalyst-2010</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                Tested: 10m in 17-28 knots (3hrs) and 12m in 12-17 knots (1.5hrs) in choppy water with small waves.

During the first test the weather was overcast with two squalls passing through. I rode an Underground Styx 1.28 x 38 and through both rainy periods, and didn’t notice any degradation of the kite’s performance. The wind was gusty and cycling up and down prior to and after the squalls. 

The kite handled the gusts and just soaked them up without pulling me around, and over the wind range I experienced that day I was very pleased with the feel of the kite and its performance.

The kite boosts really well for a three-strut moderate aspect ratio kite, and hang time is very good too. The outstanding feature was the direct feel and feedback at the bar during jumps. I could always tell where the kite was and redirected it quite late in the jump to land softly with some lift from the kite.

The turning of the kite is much improved and it turns sharply and quickly with little bar effort, it was easy to land high jumps and ride away toeside depowered.
There were small waves and I rode in among these for about an hour testing the kite’s ability to drift and repower when top and bottom turning – this kite will be excellent in waves. One-handed steering and riding is easy.

During the second test, I rode the 12m on a 2010 Underground Stella 1.44 x 46. I was really pleased to find that the bottom end of the Catalyst is easily as good as last year’s Light XC. I was easily able to ride upwind and do small jumps and transitions in the average 13-15 knots during the test. Once again, I deliberately rode toeside a lot and did a lot of toe-to-heel/heel-to-toe turns either with a lot of movement towards the kite or turning tightly and keeping tension in the lines. The performance of the kite was predictable and stable and makes me confident the kite will have a wide appeal and will also be a favourite with wave riders. 

I crashed the kite during both tests in deep water and was easily able to relaunch by either pointing the bar or pulling one rear line. Self-launching and self-landing are both easy and safe to execute.
                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Ozone]]></category>
                <pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:19:57 -0700</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">74-391</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Liquid Force Session (2009): Liquid Force Session 2009]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/liquid-force/74-liquid-force-session-2009</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                We used the session in our kitesurfing school for most of last summer.

It is probably the best built kite I have ever seen. The leading edge has so much extra re-enforcement and double layers to stop the material tearing due to the stiching holes. The canopy has loads of daron in all the areas that are usually prone to tearing such as where the LE and struts are joined to it making it extremely strong. After being used for hundreds of hours we did not have any breakages on the sessions at all.

As well as being very well built the kite has awesome stabilty, it just sits there and does exactly what you want, no surprises. Very smooth depower and great feel though the bar. It is more C shaped than a lot of SLE/Bow kites so turns very nicely as well. Being more C shaped also helps when it crashes as the whole leading edge hits the water at the same time so the load of the impact is spread out reducing the chances of canopy tears.
 
The re-launch is very easy and even in very wavey seas it comes up straight away. It is also a very good wakestyle kite for more advanced riders, its very grunty and sits solid in front of you as you pop against it.

Overall a great kite, very easy to use and fantastic build quality.
                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Liquid Force]]></category>
                <pubDate>Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:32:03 -0700</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">162-390</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[North Fuse (2010): North Fuse Review]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.kiteboardingreview.com/north/162-north-fuse-2010</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                Flew the 12m in winds at or around it's published minimum (10-15 kts).  I weigh about 160 lbs. and used a light wind specific board with some performance capabilities and found the kite had loads of low-end power and good upwind ability.  Very high, floaty jumps and great manufacturing quality.  Seems a little over engineered in some ways but the extra weight in materials (ex. collars on the attachment points to the strut bladder for the one pump hoses, or the addition of bungee at the tips to keep the lines from wrapping around the top or getting caught on the tips, battens etc.) didn't seem to be an issue at least where pulling power is concerned. 

I don't actually know where this kite falls as far as weight compared to other kites but is seems pretty… "stout".?  I rolled it around in the surf a couple of times and all these features may have been quite useful in that situation. However, it does take a good amount of input to get a good, tight turn out of it so I would not consider this a nimble kite by any means and as a result I thought this worked well as a kind of a "park and ride" type kite.  I think that North seems to understand this by marketing it in the freeride/wave category.  Smaller sizes may not be too much of an issue.  I have an “old school” sort of jumpy style though so it fit me nicely.  Relaunch was very easy as the tips are swept pretty far and give it an “automatic” kind of capability for getting it back in the air.

Bar is nicely equipped with featured that make sense and it's hearty to say the least. Bar pressure is heavier than I expected but not heavy like older bow style kites. The Fuse offers depower comparable to any kite I've flown (rev, sonic, flexifoil, switchblade, crossbow among others) and the safety system worked as advertised. It  was easy to reset and offered a nice sense of confidence.  I didn't like the mini 5th line hanging slack and blowing about but it never tangled and works as it should every time.  Bag has plenty of room and is quality made.

Over all, it's a smooth well-made product, well thought out and had no quirks or surprises. It's a darn sharp looker as well.  Glad to see that North didn't go crazy with heavy graphics (sometimes less is more) and they look bright and clean.
                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[North]]></category>
                <pubDate>Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:47:12 -0700</pubDate>
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