Peter Lynn Reactor 4.9M

Peter Lynn has launched the Reactor as a medium/high aspect ration kite aimed at intermediate to advanced flyers for buggying and landboarding.

The package comes with a reasonably good quality backpack - not as nicely finished as Ozone but useful all the same and the same style as the larger bags used for the twinskin kites such as the Venom.. Inside you'll find the kite and a ready to fly pack comprising 2 x 25m 210Kg lines, 2 x 110Kg lines, a plastic ground stake and aluminium handles. Each pair of lines is on a separate winder so its VERY quick and easy to set up. The handles have ground stake loops and the usual attachment points for a strop. The package does NOT include kite killers (or a strop).

The kite itself (4.9m) is made from a good quality fabric and the construction is extremely neat throughout. The seams are double stitched and nicely sewn. The bridle is made from dyneema which is spliced and stitched at the attachment points to minimise drag. The actual attachment points are simple tabs sewn into the kite but no additional reinforcement patches. In some respects the bridle is unusual in that many kites now use lightweight, braided dyneema cored line, however the Reactor's bridle looks durable. All but the end few cells are open and are a basic rectangular shape so nothing fancy here! The centre cells have diagonal ribs, no doubt to maintain the kite's shape in tight turns. So, overall a "simple" construction. Graphically the kite looks very good - this particular one in red, grey and black hence very distinctive with screen printed "Reactor" logos.

Setting up was VERY easy and took no time at all. The lines were attached to the ends of the handle leaders and with no other adjustment it was ready to fly.....

Once launched in a wind -I guess of about 8mph, 10 max, the 4.9 accelerated quickly up to the zenith with a real feel of potential power. The kite is very responsive with or without brake assistance. In this wind I was able to spin, stop, reverse without any problems at all - in fact it felt REALLY good, particularly straight from the bag as described. Even in the lightish wind, the Reactor had an impressive wind window and flew fast. Therefore first impressions are encouraging.

I've yet to try the Reactor with a buggy however the first flight suggests it will be interesting. Its certainly VERY responsive, agile powerful and quick so a more thorough test is needed.

The Reactor is priced competitively - this 4.9m is "only" £209.99 list and represents great value for money considering the size of the kite, the bag and the ready-to-fly pack. Although the construction is fairly simple, it does have a quality feel. I can't comment on absolute lift and performance just yet but will post the results ASAP !! Considering how easy the 4.9 was to set up and fly, its probably suitable for beginners with some knowledge and experience.

Andy (K720, Hoylake)