BULLFROG

I got my first NPW5 4.8m about 2years ago and since the first flight I have steadily added to the range of NPW5 and NPW9's. The simplicity of the design and the fact that they seem uncommon on the beaches is probably what got me hooked on them. I was also intrigued with the low cost, with a full range of sizes for about a quarter of the price of three or four similar sized foils. Flying both models is easy as they will launch from the fart off a sparrow! and will fly in a huge wind range. The downside to these single skin kites is that although where I fly in Ireland is gusty most of the time, they can be a handfull in big gusts and your flying time is restricted as your arms just get stretched and stretched. The NPW5 range is the original design I've been told and it can be adapted with the bridle modifications that come standard on the NPW9 which is designed for buggying as it effectively turns the fourline into a semi two line with a braking facility. I have found that while neither model likes to put on the deck the NPW9 likes it less and a lot of flapping happening as it nears the sand. Once weighted with sand the kite behaves well and takes off with ease. The NPW9 does seem to fly faster and turn quicker. The nose of the kite doesnt seem to collapse as easy the NPW5 but this is not a problem with either design once you become accustomed to flying them. I tend to fly oversized and when flown in the zenith the kite provides little release from the enormous pull and you remain knackered. As everybody knows this type of kite provides no lift and is great in that respect for scudding and on the buggy which is where I use them. I have also been fooling about using the 12m for towing a canadian canoe along the coast with mixed results. But what is worth noting is that even if the kite gets a good soaking it will relaunch and full performance is returned quickly. In the Buggy these kites are mental, huge sideways pull and I have found that the pickup is comparable to G force when the kite hits the powerzone. For cruising on the beach the kite quickly finds its optimum angle to "sail" and little tweeking is required to bomb along the North Western beaches of Ireland. I hope to get the opportunity to have a blast on the beach with a foil of similar size to campare speed and upwind capabilities, maybe this winter? I do know that when tacking upwind the sideways pull is immense and your upper body gets pushed to its limits but your body is quick to forget as you turn around and blast down the beach. The speed of turn as to be expected decreases as you increase the size of the kite. The 2.3 and 3.4 turn very fast whereas the 12m is like flying in slowmotion with slow steady turns a bit like the difference between a porsche and a micra off at the lights! Conclusion of these little weapons is that they are simple in design, solid construction, easy to fly and inexpensive. I cannot understand why they are not more of them out there? I recommend them (smaller sizes) as an ideal starter kite to everyone who is thinking of giving kiting a blast but doesn't want to lash out a wad of dosh on their first kite and I have had not any disappointing feedback yet. Give them a try, you may be surprised! By : BULLFROG