Flexifoil Blade 2 4M

Hi ffolkes, here's the first of hopefully many reviews from myself on the toys that i play with.

I first got into my kites couple of years ago. Had a couple of days off and invested about £40 on a delta. Wow, seeing it fly, and controlling was fantastic. So i had a word with a man in the know about other beasts out there, He put me in the picture of a flying day organised by the local council, and a guy called Rob Smith (chap who is well known all over, and has a hand in organising windfests). Rob introduced me to 4 line kites, had a play with 3.5m Blade, and attempted to get the wheels rolling in a buggy. After a few wise words from Rob, made the decision to treat myself to a Blade 4.0m.

Love At First Flight
The first time out was great. Flexifoil went to town on packaging and instructions. The kite had a descent rucky to store it in, with plenty of extra pockets for things like gloves and stakes. All bridles were well secured and ready to have lines attached. Lines were spot on, and the destructions were quick and easy for a novice to set up the kite and enjoy it within 30minutes (ish). Flexifoil even supplied a manual for flying. The kite was unbelievably strong and well built. It filled with air nice and evenly, and launched with ease. Once in the air, it was smooth on turns, and slow enough to realy get to grips with bringing down low in the wind window, and taking it across the window. It definately felt like a strong kite in the air, and would never loose its inflation in the cells. Packing it away was a doddle. The bridles and brake lines were always easy to sort for the next flight. I can see why at the time people were saying that Flexifoil were one of the best.

Out Growing the relationship
After a year of just recreational flying, I decided to get a buggy. This is when me and my blade grew apart. Although the blade was a well built and easy kite to set up and use, it had far too much lift for the buggy. I found myself having a good 30mins of just flyng. Then as soon as i sat in the buggy, the kite would just pull me straight out.. It always wanted to lift aswell as pull. After a few batterings and bruisings, i decided that i wanted to keep with buggying, and that this kite wasn't for me and my buggy.

The Break Up
After having words through the grape vine, i discovered that the then new Bullet had less lift and concentrated on pulling. I managed to find a good home for my trusty blade, and so we parted.

Looking Back
I would definately say that the blade is a fantastic kite. Extremely well built, fairly bomb proof in packing and using, well kept kite. It would definately give lift for getting air, and playing with the wind window. It's a shame they don't put new kites in bags like the blade 2 had, it was great. Blade 2's didn't have the sleeves over the main lines on the handles, so definately wear glove, if you value the skin on your fingers. Great kite, just felt it was too lifty for me in my buggy.

Blade wherever you are, i miss you......

By : Grinner