Stopped by GWTW today to check out the proto "Fox" and thought I'd pass on some first impressions. Still no air movement here in Chico (will somebody send us a box if you have any extra!) but I couldn't give a pertinent flying report anyway. Visually the kite is stunning, the one I saw was represented as a "pre-production sample" but in my view the details are complete on the one Steve has, and very well done.

If the production models have the same features (I'm pretty sure) and comparable workmanship the bar has been raised at this price point. Well done & thought out re-enforcements in Mylar and Dacron address every weakness bemoaned on some Sport Kites with a well done solution. One thing Steve didn't mention is the covered stand-off attachments on the sail, these along with the covered upper and lower spreader connectors, no snag nose, capped LE tension line & knocks, plus the center outhaul line serves also to keep the bridle from snagging on the tail, you'll be hard pressed to snag a line on anything but the yo-yo stoppers, which BTW are a harder plastic like material and shouldn't get cut into like the rubber APA's.

The kite comes with a very "Blue Moon" tail weight system and center pull leach line tensioning, nice features, and the tensioning system has the addition of a bungee cord making tensioning a snap and it should retain proper tension even if you Lawn Dart it and pop the Velcro, very well done.

Like Steve mentions, those beads on the bridle sort of turned me off too at first glance, but they're color coded and with the included instructions and diagrams it sure makes understanding the available adjustments and modifications a breeze. I'd probably take a hammer to mine and split them off in time and use some colored Sharpies to re-mark the positions. The bridle construction is first rate and includes a leader line, it uses a Spectra over Spectra line with very tight braiding, a nice stiffness and enough friction to hold knots and adjustments, although all adjustments are made simply by moving larksheads from one bead or knot to another. The instructions also come with a complete parts list and diagrams; only the bridle seems to be missing from the available replacement parts.

All these details along with the Dynamic T18 and T15 rods might make this kite a little heavier then one available from a full custom maker but I don't think it's significantly heavier then other offerings aimed at the upper end of the retail market where you would expect to get new flyers interested in getting a kite and willing to spend a bit more for "good" kite they can learn on then grow with for quite some time rather then a so-so entry model. It looks pretty bullet proof and should outlast and outlive many other kites.

The bag is well done and marked and includes a spar pocket for extra spars or to put your spreaders into, I like an inner pocket for lines myself but this was missing. The zipper is a little short and could've continued over the top to make getting the kite easier to get in & out, but then this design should keep the spreaders in the bag if you don't get the zipper completely closed.

 

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Written by EWF (Registered)