par rogue » Mar 15 Nov 2011 20:05
Avec ces 3 nouveaux tests et un prix aussi concluant sur ce k-f modèle 2011, le coup d'oeil vaut la peine
1 kitesurf.me
We tested the Slash 11m in both light conditions and a nice steady 20knots at our secret spot at Climps. Rolling the kite out on the beach, the first thing you notice is just how much quality CrazyFly have injected into their materials, the Slash is so well made, built to take a few slaps whilst you bust out some new moves. The Slash has a multi vent pumping system, in other words, 5 struts and the leading edge to pump up, all a bit time consuming when you’re used to a one pump system but you can see why CrazyFly have done this. Individual bladders give the kite shape added strength and this allows for a really quick relaunch off the water. Unhooked, the Slash is really stable and needs very little trimming, the Slash is a big boost machine and gives immense hang time. What really surprised us was just how much power you can throw out the kite when you need to. The Slash has two set-ups, freestyle and wakestyle. Freestyle gives the rider the most de-power and on this set-up the Slash becomes less aggressive and comfortable for an intermediate rider to use. We really pushed the Slash during our test and on several occasion slapped the kite down hard, only to find it pop straight back up off the water, super easy relaunch which we put down to the rigidity through the structure.
The CrazyFly Equip Bar 2 has a simple and clean design, nothing crazy going on here, it’s easy to use with quality components and easy to use push away safety system. The bar has a comfortable EVA grip and a smart stopper, which allows you to position the bar at whatever reach you need.
The Slash is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea; set-up on the wakestyle setting it’s a boosting beast that will see every pro rider improve their style in a big way. A bomb proof C-shape kite with stunning profile, one of the best looking kites on the beach right now.
2. Test - Seebreeze
Well, after a few false starts I finally got to demo the new 2011 Crazyfly Slash kites from Stonker in Torquay. They cleared customs Friday afternoon and I had the pleasure of riding both the 9m and 7m. I kited flatwater on 9m Slash at Pt. Henry (Friday) and 9m and & 7m flatwater/surf at Torquay (Sat).
what I'm After in a kite: I ride about 50% flatwater 50% unstrapped surf, depending on wind direction. If given the choice I'll go surf everytime. I'm looking for a kite that will push my loops/unhooked riding but still performs well in the surf. I tested heaps of kites and personally ridden/owned slingshot Fuels'06, 07, North Vegas '06,'08 and have been riding the 2008 North Rebels (7 & 9m) for the past couple of years. My Rebels have performed well, especially for the surf riding but are a little limited now for my kiteloops. I was looking for something that has more pull than my rebels through the loops and always flys back above to catch the landings (something my 9m rebels struggled to do) from bigger powered loops.
I've now had the opportunity to ride the Crazyfly Slash 9m and 7m both in the surf and flatwater. I have had 2 sessions on each and havn't stopped grinning. Obviously this is going to be a positive review but it didn't seem that way from the start. The demo kites were the first kites shipped for dealer review and did not arrive ready to ride straight out of the bag. There was a quick adjustment to line length required to front line attachments before they could be test flown. Once this was sorted we were ready to go. Apparently this issue has already been rectified for commercial shipment so we shouldnt see it again. O.k so with my only negative out of the way here's my review:
The Slash is a 5 line C kite with a very basic uncluttered bar setup. The bar is small, with a soft comfortable grip that made me feel like I was at the controls of a high powered sports car. It has "push away" quick release safety and below the bar depower that is easy to engage. the chicken loop aligns easily for unhooked riding and overall I really liked the lack of clutter and the comfortable feel of the whole setup.
The kites themselves look really well made. Material and stitching looks strong with obvious attention to detail during production. The Slash is a 5 strut C kite. It has multi-point inflation, which although not everyones preference, is something I personally prefer as it allows the struts to be inflated harder. There are no pulleys or bridals, as you would expect with a true C, and consequently it delivers a smooth powered feel. Bar pressure is much lighter than what I was used to but there was no doubt as to where the kite was positioned. There was plenty of depower available through the throw of the bar and power delivery was smooth and precise. The Slash has 3 choices of flying settings from freestyle - wakestyle and fast or slow settings for rear lines. I tested both kites on the middle front line position between freestlye and wakestyle and on the fast rear line settings. I didn't play with these settings but plenty of room to tune the kites to suit your riding style here.
Both the 9m & 7m were fast flying responding extremly well to rider input. They generated plenty of power when worked through the lulls in the wind giving them a great wind range. These kites feel extremely stable in the air, with good feedback as to where they are at all times whilst maintaining a light bar pressure. Unhooked they feel smooth and stable producing a constant pull with heaps of pop. I also loved the way they drift back nicely in the surf with no sign of back stall, allowing me to concentrate on surfing without fear of dropping my kite in the impact zone.
Both kites exceeded my expectations as flatwater/surf kites. I had my 1st 2 sessions on the 9m and was ready to go out and make the purchase. It wasn't however until the wind came up late Sat arvo and I got to test the looping capabilities of the 7m that I was truelly sold.
To say that the 7m Slash is a looping machine is an understatement! I rode the 7m in 20-25knots maybe 30knot gusts on butter smooth Pt Danger flatwater. With all but a few local riders left for the day I was able to really get confident on this kite and push my looping limits. I am pleased to say that the 7m Slash is super fast and stable through the loops, Generates 5h!tloads of power, and catches you everytime! This kite can do so much more than what I'm currently asking it do that it isn't funny. I felt comfortable pulling the trigger, which is a feeling I haven't had after injuring my knees earlier this year, as I knew the landings would be softened by the kite above me. I may never have the balls to do a megaloop lenten style but for those who do this will not let you down.
Anyway after demoing these kites I have made the purchase. They may not be for everyone but well worth a test ride before you make your next purchase. Ive attached some pics for you to look at.
3. Test - Epikoo
The new 2011 Slash by CrazyFly is a high performance freestyle and wakestyle kite built for competitions and pro riding. It is extremely powerful, it offers plenty of pop and has excellent jump, hangtime and upwind potential. The kite is just what any experienced and hardcore rider is looking for to push his skills to the limits. At the same time, the CrazyFly has enhanced the depower and relaunch abilities of the kite, and has simplified the usability, so the kite can also suit an intermediate rider looking to progress. The Slash is a C-shape kite which offers a progressive power delivery, so any rider can enjoy a thrilling session. It can be powered up and flies fast in light wind, and it offers flawless performance if the wind picks up and gets stronger.
• Improved unhooked abilities
• Improved relaunch and depower features
• Adjustable back lines attachment points
• Adjustable front lines attachment points
• Push Away Safety System for fast depower
When it has created the 2011 Slash, the CrazyFly team has focused on performance and versatility. The result is a very efficient competition freestyle kite which excels at control and power delivery. The kite is intended for advanced and pro riders, but the user friendly features make it suitable for the intermediate riders looking for more adrenaline out on the waves.
The Slash is a C-kite which features an enhanced leading edgei and profile to allow the rider to experience a fast and smooth flight. The kite is powered up through a Multi Vent Pumping System. This system assures a fast inflation and maintains an optimized air pressure. The improved bridlei system and the five strut configuration significantly increase turning speed as well as the stability of the kite. The kite is very easy to operate through the five lines setup. The front lines can be attached in two positions, one for freestyle and one for wakestyle. Depending on the setup the kite can deliver additional power and offer a fast speed in low wind conditions, or can perform impressive jumps and deliver extra hangtime. The backlines can be also set in two positions, for more or less control bari pressure. Intermediate riders will appreciate the lower bar pressure and the increased stability, while hardcore ones will love an increased bar pressure and plenty of pop for extreme maneuvers. There is no need to worry if you crash the kite, because the relaunch option requires just the pull of one line.
Extra safety is added by the use of a total depoweri option, which is accessible the whole time. Great for pro and advanced riders, the CrazyFly can be a good companion for intermediate ones too, and it guarantees a unique freestyle session. It comes in 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 square meters sizes and it is available in four different color schemes
The CrazyFly Equip Bar II control system is very efficient and comfortable at the same time. It is designed to offer a direct contact feeling with the kite and to increase steering responsiveness. It features extra safety systems and it is very easy to use. It is available in 45 and 52 centimeters length and can be used with 4 or 5 lines setup.
- Push Away Safety System
- EVA grip and DUPont bar ends for extra comfort
- Easy to use Smart Stopper
- Self positioning chicken loop
- Intuitive design
- Integrated Clam Cleat for easy depower
- Adjustable internal back lines
Slash is for freestyle. It has impressive unhooked performance, it is fast, agile and powerful. It can get overpowered easy if you go out of the recommended wind range. It can be fine tuned with back lines adjustments. The kite is stable and has a direct control, but it may exercise too much traction for the beginner user. The advanced and pro riders should not have any problems.
