Pansh Blaze

This kite arrived at 08:30 this morning. By 09:30, after a swift cup of coffee, I was already nearing the end of a fantastic 40 min flying session. If this doesn't tell you everything you need to know, then read on.....

The kite was supplied by Roy (shore leave). Ordered on Sunday, delivered wednesday. As I said before, we don't get next day in Aviemore, so this is as good as it gets.

Kite is supplied, neatly folded in a fairly small nylon sack. Ideal actually, as I have adopted a stuff bag storage system (used successfully by arctic expeditions)

There was hardly any wind this morning. My wind meter gave a reading of about 2.5mph, with "gusts" of 3.5. A good morning for just laying out the kite and checking things, then waiting for some wind, I thought...

Lines are colour coded and neatly wound round a plastic winder. Handles are better than either my Radsail or my HQ ones and do not look "cheap" at all.

The stitching on the kite is fine and the workmanship of the kite is perfect. I did notice some white inner threads showing through on the brake bridle lines, but on closer inspection this where the lines are spliced back on themselves and the wormanship is fine. I'll keep an eye on these, but can't see it being a problem. Anyone else noticed this?

Roy had warned me that I should check the brake lines to make sure they were the correct length. They were. Connecting up was a cinch and everything appeared to be in order.

Still next to no wind, but what the hell, I'd got it laid out now.

It launched first go and climbed firmly straight up the power zone. A pull to the left and off it went to the edge of the window.

By this point I was waiting for the sucker punch: line stretch, uneven bridles etc. etc.

Not a bit of it. This kite flies perfectly, straight out of the box. I gave it a good work out from edge to edge of the window, figure eights left and right, long swooping passes and loops. All good. Response to both power and brake lines was fine. even in this slight breeze, there was a lot of power in the zone and now I can't wait to get it out with the buggy.

I've read all the other Pansh reviews and I'm aware they've had their teething problems. However, their web site states that they've addressed these and, if this kite's anything to go by, they have. Go and get one!!

I'll be putting a 12m on my wish-list for still conditions....

By : Corsican Dave