Peter Lynn Guerilla 13M

A few thoughts on my beloved 13m G1.

1. The Bag
Ok, the bags annoying, size wize, because, unlike the newer models they had not yet developed the collapsable spars, so it does come in a rather wide bag, which is well constructed, but the zips are proned to getting stuck, and put the kite at danger of being ripped on if you don't take care. Still, as they say, you don't fly the bag.

2. Build Quality
Build quality is great. Very simplistic designs make them very durable and will put up with a good deal of battering.

3. Flying characteristics.
Let me just make it clear, Guerillas, and most of the arcs i have had experience in flying (G1, G2, Venoms) are near useless in sub 10mph winds, even the huge ones like the 22m G2, they are not designed for this kind of wind... so don't expect them to be, have different kites ready for those days! And... on water, they are useless in sub 15mph, which i think i fair to say also applies to most of the arc range, to get cruising comfortably at least. Flying them in low winds is down right frustrating and you will want to throw the kite in the bin if this is all you get to fly in!

When that 10mph mark is hit though, these kites kick into life... they REALLY kick into life.

The G1 is a slow turner, but very controlable, predictable, safe, and produces some lovely lift. Its extremely easy to jump with these kites and they will almost always bring you down softly and slowly. I use a naish UDP bar, which isn't ideal and doesn't give me quite enough depower on the kite, so when the wind gets up a bit more, the kite starts going a bit mad and totally kicks my arse. Won't life you too much unless you ask it to but the horizontal traction becomes a tad uncontrollable without a long enough depower line, when the winds right though these kites are amazing. However... I would not purchase a MK1 Guerilla larger than the 13m size. Even the 13m is slow, especially when you compare it to the venoms super speedy turnability. I find it turns at a comfortable, controllable speed at 13m, the larger models though are too slow and won't give you much pop because of this and so revert primarily to traction engines.

In Summary...
I love this kite, and no matter what other kites i get, i will always keep my 13m G1, its a lovely bit of kit. At the prices you can get these kites for these days, i would advise anyone to get one to just have one, as you can pick them up around £200 which is SICK money for such a wonderful kite.

By : domdino