Flexifoil Blade 4

I brought this kite because i was told that it was the best kite on the market today, on receiving and flying the kite i definately have to agree,.

I got this kitein the sexy petrol colors, extreme lines and handles predominantly for static flying and buggying as the AAA bridal adjustments change the angle of attack to give either more lift or less lift so a kite for all disciplines for the intermediate to the top end of advanced.

The new Bag is again on the small side although better than the B3 bags but no pockets to stash the little extras,its a shame really that a company that spends so much time designing the perfect kite couldnt spend a little more time making a usefull bag rather than a fashion accessory.

The lines i hate, strong im sure but i just dont like the stiffness of them,especially when winding they seem to kink an awfull lot.

The kite itself is another story, built to a very high standard, anyone who has seen a flexifoil will know the build quality and this is no exception.The pattern is stitched in so no stitches can be seen which adds to the quality finish that is set of by the amazing aggresive design.

On setting up the kite sits perfectly still whatever the wind even with minimal brake so i was at ease with the kite at once, the AAA adjuster is basic and fantastic transforming the kite from sedate to insane at the slip of a knot, also the bigger Blades both have a X-over on the bridle to aid the turning speed which works a treat making the 6.5 turn like a 4.9, the X-over can also be adjusted to further customize your kite allowing you to bring the tips in to speed up or flatten the kite to slow down.

On launching the Blade goes straight up unlike the B3 which launched to the side, incredibly though you do not get a nasty shock even when launching in the powerzone, it will obviously propell you forward but in a very steady and controllable way, once the kite is at the zenith its rock solid, try bringing it down by overflying if you can, i tried and failed ,it just wont go, same happens if you take it to the edge of the window, it just sits therestubornly refusing to collapse in a heapwhich is not to say that it wont luff ,it can and does but usually when theres no wind. On the lowest knot (3rd) the kite is at its most unstable but the most extreme in lift coming close to the power of the 8.5 B3, the 1st knot effectively takes the fight out of the kite and makes it perfect for buggying upwind ability is 2nd only to the racekite breeds of kite, the middle knot is the de fault and most popular setting giving a decent and stable lift and a very above avarage pull.

A low wind kite this is not as far as i am concerned, the old 6.6 was an excellent low wind kite but for some reason the same is not true of the 6.5 but fly in 10+winds and the kite will leave the 6.6 a mile behind on every count

In summary the Blade 4 is a completely different beast from the mk3 and cant really be compaired, this is a kite for every discipline , almost 3 different kites in one package, smoother, more powerfull, more stable, more durable, this is a peoples kite, the smaller version even being suitable for a novice in my opinion, very good traction properties and float to die for, buy this kite and you will never regret it....... some of you may ask why i no longer own mine, unless you are going to use this kite for jumping ,baording or freestyle buggying i wouldnt bother, i only ever buggy now so really the lift is wasted so not much point in having it so i went out and bought an U -turn Oxigen pro 6.2 instead.

By : jarv