Flexifoil Blade III 4.9m

I first encountered the blade almost three years ago now when I had a shot on my friends on some sports pitches in loughborough. This was the very first time I had encountered and traction kite for that matter! Instantly I was hooked and went out and bought a 4.9m version of the blade III.

The Kite

I bought the package off ebay as a second hand deal and paid probably too much but was desperate for it! The kite is pretty huge on first inspection in my small university room (I considered living under it as it was bigger!) The build quality was fantastic, I closely inspected it as it was second hand. The stitching was all uniform and secure, the bridles look like they could hold a tank and the lines were brand new, lightweight and sturdy.

Maiden Flight

I took it out in very light winds, talking 4-5mph if that. I did struggle to get it going as can be imagined but it did fly, and could even get some pull out of it if I worked it. However I thought id save my energy for a windier day!

Continuation

Since this time ive been taking the kite out in progressively more windy conditions. If you have ever been to loughborough then you'll know it can be a windy place. The first thing I realised about the kite is its amazing amount of lift, it lifts you up with barely an audible "whoosh" then floats you down with a very audible "thud".

Second thing I realised was its amazing wind window. Im a bit of a wind freak, sailing, windsurfing etc, and I really was quite shocked that it appeared to go upwind, fantastic!

Thirdly its stability. Ive thrown this thing around the sky in very little wind right to the edge of the window with hardly a luff. (When the kite depowers due to lack of wind). And also when it does lift me it is very easily to keep it powered up for a nice gentle landing.

I could go on forever ranting about how good this kite is. However it does deserve alot of respect too. I have been static flying mine for two years now and have never learn't how to pendulum jump (thats how much lift it has!) it has lifted me clean 12 ft in the air in 20mph wind and I weigh 12 stone. And it also concussed my brother on his first go (he weighs 13 stone). Aslong as you respect the kite, it will look after you and make you a happy bunny!

Landboarding

For christmas this year I recieved a landboard - a flexifoil flexdeck (I dont know alot about the different types of board so I wont pass judgement on it just yet!). The blade 4.9m is great fun on this, it has immense power at the edge of the window, more than a 9m samurai or a flysurfer cool 6m. Both of which I tried on the same day. I got some good speed on the flat beaches, but the only problem was stopping. Due to its lift, turning the kite upwards to slow the forwards speed only did 1 of 2 things.

It spanked me - lifted me up, forwards, left, right, and finally DOWN.It made me go even faster arrgghh!

I guess when I get more compedant on the board my powersliding will stop me, but for now ill carry on jumping out!

Finally Id like to say I have no regrets with buying this kite, its an awesome bit of kit that will give fun at all levels but also deserves respect. Also sorry for any bad spelling/bad punctuation!

Chris Roberts

By : crobo