The Hype;
Ultimately Superior, ultimately precise, the Lithium delivers exactly where and when you need it. With the smoothest ever power delivery and forgiving gust response, the 2011 Lithium gets you riding at a level you never thought possible. Optimal turning capability, increased range and decreased bar pressure allows for a refined yet direct feel, putting you in control in all conditions. Standing out as a kite than can do it all, the lithium suits any level of rider, offering the best in effortless re-launch, pivotal turning and smooth power delivery. Designed to excel in performance where it matters most, the Lithium integrates the V2 bridle system for the ultimate riding experience with simplicity and safety always at the forefront. When every session counts, let the Lithium change your perception on what high performance really feels like.
Test team notes;
We’ve tested airush’s excellent smart bar before, but the brief run down is that you can shorten the bar by removing two sections at the end via a push pin release system, so one bar fits all. The bar itself is very solidly constructed, relatively narrow and very grippy without being like sandpaper. The chicken loop is generously sized, the donkey dick lengthy enough to stay in your hook but bendy enough to flick out when you want to unhook. The push away release is very clean and smooth and the chicken loop is a self righting rigid design that auto positions itself so its easy to hook back in after a trick. The two trimming tabs operate a pull-pull strap system and work beautifully. All good in that department.
Moving onto the kite, there’s a sturdy one pump system and there is no central strut which normally keeps the canopy from rubbing against the inflate and deflate valves, Airush have reinforced this area of the canopy with two patches to stop rubbing. The build quality is good without the kite feeling too heavy. Reinforced where necessary the Lithium is clean, of minimal fuss and all about function.
As soon as you put the kite up its obvious how well balanced the Lithium is. As a hybrid kite the sweet point on the bar throw is around half way up, so there’s loads of response in terms of power and depower and the riding position is nice and upright with no hunched over bent back. The bar pressure is quite light but very direct, the 10m responds sharply and predictably and is at home in the hands of the very intermediate rider getting to grips with kite movements of boosting and transitions as it is with a seasoned skyscraper and wave rider.
Very stable at the edge of the window, if you mess up your landing or lose your orientation the kite is still there, just very forgiving. We tred the 8 in 30+ knots and although it handles well, and is obviously a bit quicker than the 10, the main negative point we have about these kites is that they definitely reach their upper limit and then, possibly because of the lack of centre strut support, do tent to loose their shape a bit in huge gusts. On the other hand, this is compensated for by a really excellent bottom end. We had sessions powered really nicely on a twin tip, just pleasantly juiced for popping out unhooked tricks when other riders were struggling on 12’s. This is a really good quality as it’s always nice to get out on a smaller kite, particularly for waves.
The boost on the Lithium is lofty and smooth. There is a definite tug when the kite is ready to pop; just pull down on the bar and off you go. Steady as you like above your head you can pilot your way down very steadily and it’s all very relaxed. The kite will pivot hard or turn more progressively, responding very well to bar input and there’s plenty of poke available by just pulling in on the bar when your riding along and need more power. The re-launch, as ou would expect from a swept back profile like this, is a simple pull on one line technique. What was most surprising was just how well behaved the Lithium is unhooked though. With barely any trimming, you can just stand there with the kite unhooked and it’ll sit there without a twitch. It’s not a really punchy pop when unhooked, but in terms of behaviour and reliability you can learn so much on this kite.
Summary;
Great low end drive and fantastic all round characteristics for 90% of riders sees this come very highly recommended from the test team.
KW Liked;
Beautiful predictability and behaviour in and out of the loop.
KW would change;
Twitchiness at the kites very top end, but then there’s always going to be compensations for having such a great low end.
Sizes;
4, 6, 8, 10, 12
