Flexifoil Sting 06

I've had the Sting '06 now for around 3 months - this is the kite I've learned the basics of kiting on and I've also used it for high wind flying.

The Sting '06 comes in a canvas shoulder bag with a drawstring and padded shoulder area. The bag feels extremely durable but has no real water proofing so it's probably a good idea to move the instructions booklet from the front pouch to the inside of the bag as my booklet and free stickers turned into mush from a sudden downpour (the front 'panel' pouch is pretty well hidden with velcro sealing - I actually thought they forgot to put the instructions and sticker pack with mine!). So, the bag is no nonsense, durable, fairly comfortable and absolutely practical.

As well as the instructons, stickers and a handy limited repair voucher, the bag contents are the handles with kitekillers attached, lines on a winder and the actual kite.

I find the handles to be great and very managable due to thier slightly compact size - excellent in reducing hand fatigue compared to other brands I've used. With colour coded neoprene grips for comfort; I've really enjoyed using them. The attached kite killers are also highly comfortable and fit snugly with velcro fastenings.

The main lines are colour coded to assist identification and also help with tangles but I can honestly say that this has never been an issue in the 18 or so times I've flown the Sting '06 - the lines are so well coated and light that I've had no problems with twists, knots or tangled lines, the brake lines are of the same quality so 10 /10 for the handles, kite killers and lines.

Now the kite itself. Build quality is excellent. The material is still totally crisp after the many flights I've had and the seams are stitched perfectly with reinforcement, ensuring durability. I went for the Petrol colour scheme and I find it a great contrast with a bright blue sky but can look a little drab in less favourable cloudy days due to it being mainly grey. However, thier is a good range of colour schemes which have been applied to most if not all of Flexifoil's new kites so I'm sure their will be something suitable for all tastes.

Actual flight with the sting '06 has been such a great experience it has ensured that kiting is now one of my main persuits and has provided the hook into this great sport / pastime. How has it done this? Simple - every flight has been successful. For a beginner this is great news and ensures progression. I have found the Sting to be so stable in low/moderate wind flight that I learnt the control/brake mechanics easily. I can now control exactly where I want it to go. The kite holds it's shape so well with no luffing making it totally suited for a beginner ( I've flown the Sting in wind as low as 3-4 mph and it still performs well for the wind speed; although totally underpowered in low wind circumstances - it still flies - I think alot of kites this size would be unusable).

That's not to say this kite should be dismissed by flyers with more experience - as a high wind kite ( my high wind flights were topping out at 25 to 27mph approx) this has been a total blast to use with blisteringly fast responses and such speed that it would have felt like I had a large Delta on the end of my lines if it was'nt for the pull; It has a decent amount of power, enough to get some quality scudding on, more than ample for it's size (I only fly static - but I'm sure the Sting would cater well for the boarder in high winds). Another important aspect of the Sting is that I felt totally in control of it(never had to use the kite killers), even with generous pull in high winds and super fast speed. This made the experience even more exciting as I was flinging it around in all sorts of ways with a lot of confidence expecting it to luff; taking it right to the edge of the wind window but it was just coming right back at me - handling every erratic instructions I gave it with lightning fast responses

So, my conclusion is that this is a superb kite. Excellent for beginners to learn on and for the advanced flyer, an absolute blast of a high wind kite with rock solid performance. Absolutely reccommended.
 

By : FireForEffect