Element V2 Review by terracquaria

ElementV2  Review by  terracquaria 

   

http://switchkites.com/headquarters/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2404

Took the new Element 13, after extensive testing I go writing my review:

Overall impression:

AMAZED!!!!!

I thought the V1 could be improved in the depower, but only at the expense of versatility.

I was thrilled: The V2 is better in many aspects, in any case, is not deteriorated at all. And the depower is simply dream.

Price and delivery:

Unbeatable as usual. € 700 for a kite to 13 mt NEW is priced absolutely correct.

Ordered on Monday at 14.35, delivery made on Thursday at 13.55, three days exactly!

Great!

Quality:

The kite is top level: Bonded seams (all), watermarked fabric and well finished, perfect prints.

Reinforcements Aramid even more than necessary, despite this, lightweight (weighs the kite really a pittance). nothing less than in perfect Switch style: A kite made to last.

Bag:

Only one thing to say: magnificent.

The external pocket for the bar is the improvement that I appreciate more.

Setting:

Easy and clear to those who already have some experience of technique, however, the Element is the right kite for beginners: a minimum of "instruction manual" would be a must.

My ideal setting is to house setting: more depower, more speed ... but here everyone can find their perfect match.

Differences from V1 to V2

* Bar much more present of the V1, but not hard (in the setting described)

* Rotation speed (if possible) faster than V1

* Much more POP of V1, perhaps for speed.

* PERFECT depower! Finally letting go of the bar, the kite will turn off!

* Controllable: You always know where it is. Also completely weakened, the kite is responsive and maneuverable.

* Drift: I thought the V1 was unbeatable. Well, the V2 beat the bad: you can go on against at any speed, he cares and later found the "pull" ... not to be a specific kite Wave, is pretty darn suitable for playing in the waves.

* Range: In low wind we have gained at least two nodes. Kiting with ability to return to windward with TT 150 * 49 and 10 knots scarce. At 12 knots go out with 137 * 42 and we are in full maneuverability. (Rider weight 92 kg) With the V1 were respectively 12 or 15 knots.

Sorry: I could not find the high wind ... to 25 knots with half depower is like carrying around in a 11 mq full ... 

* Gusts: Absorb as if there were'nt (tested with gusts of + / - 5 knots and basic wind 18/20 knots. V1 will detached your arms, or you would have to throw too much or for too many loops ...

* The kite flies on all 4 lines, not just on the front. One advantage of maneuverability and safety that can be appreciated in the water!

* Upwind + + +. I can swear that, with the same wind, you earn at least 3 or 4 degrees in the windward. I'm really sorry about not having a GPS to prove it, but on equal terms to make a 1 Km upper (ground reference) it took me 4 edges less. (6 vs. 10)

ON land:

Tested with mountainboard on the lawn, with 10/15 nodes, the kite is the top handle: the great depower allows you to get "accompany" quietly, without ever being too full of wind.

Probably also with a pair of nodes in the least, he would amuse.

The slope of the hill is possible without too many loops, simply a sinusoid tight.

Gusts absorbed well, changes of wind manageable.

On the Water:

After a season with V1, V2 was the arrival of a quantum leap impressive and, frankly, unexpected.

Obviously we are talking of a All terrain kite, suitable to do a little of everything but does not specify to do anything except play a lot:

For the Freestyle Combat, for the Wave's Method, for freeride Nitro... for EVERYONE, and EVERYTHING is the ELEMENT v2.

Sailing is easy as it should be an all terrain, but it is superior to many others in any particular usage.

The drift is simply awesome, looks like a specific wave kite.

Bar linear and predictable, but not hard, it allows you to always know where the wing and what they are doing, without much effort.

The gusts are no longer a problem, just remove 5 cm of the bar and are absorbed in a moment.

This is not a high jump wing, but with the right timing, does not regret anything: the lift is good and the hang time is spectacular.

Upwind, the only limit is the seal of your legs: if you can, he takes hit!

If you want to play the waves, the kite go behind you like a lamb.

On SNOW:

Coming soon in January 2014 (although I fear that 13 will not be a measure that I will use)

In short: The Element is like a German Shepherd Dog: Beautiful, strong, obedient, Versatile!