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Well, where do i start, I have waited a few months to write this review. This because I wanted to get a good idea of how the kite flys in all conditions and application. But this is where the story starts. After a year or so of flying I wanted a larger kite and after watching videos and taking advice i decided that it would have to be depower kite. And after trying out various kites, and deciding that i would like to get into kitesurfing, I knew I was looking at an LEI. Now being only 16 money is a little tight, and i didnt want to buy something that I was going to be dissapointed with, so i decided to go for a qualtiy kite, and the one i chose just happened to be one of the latest and hottest kites on the market at that time. After watching Ollie Raby on his sonic down at mudeford and at wallop and asking him about what he thought, as well as a whole host of other people recomending the kite, I decided to go for the GK sonic, and I just happened to stumble upon a bargain. My friend Dan who had jsut been sponsored by north, had a quiver of sonics which he was no longer allowed to fly, and to fund his new quver of North Rebels the sonics had to go. So i got a virtually unsed 11m sonic for £550 (£800rrp). I was chuffed and couldn't wait to unleash the beast. Before i move on to the all important flying characteristics, the build quality. I wouldnt say this kite oozes quality like an Ozone. but its certainly equal to or better than most of the leis I have seen close up and the overall finish of the kite looks fantastic. The bar is ridiculously simple to use and adjust. The bag is fantastic too, it's understaed but looks great it has enough room in there for two kites! as well as pump and bar etc. It also packs down very small. all of the stitching on the kite is excellent and I was very pleased with my purchase. Now on to the exciting bit, My first fly was in 5-10mph winds. not rely enough wind to get moving on the board. but the kite flew very well and generated a hell of a lot of power compared to what i was used to, even in these light winds!! i packed up and went home chuffed. However my next experience was not so good, i went out on my own. and struggled to set up and reverse launch. It was also incredibly gusty. so that time I was left demoralised. My first proper flight however left me gagging for more. When you get this kite up in 15-20mph OOOOHHHHH BABY it is a totally different animal. the turning speed is ridiculous, faster than a 4.9 blade on handles the bar pressure is light enough to make the kite childsplay to fly. but strong enough to give the perfect amount of feedback. and the depower is incredible. You can fly this kite in 30mph and with the bar out its like your not attatched to anything!!! no joke. it really is 100%. fortunately i have never had to use the chickenloop release on land but the punch through safety system works well. self relaunch on land is also amazing. in 8knots+ that is! you jus pull one side of the bar the kite flicks on to its side and your off!! Now on the landboard. this kite is awesome dip it into the power and you get instant consistant power, edge up wind a little, park the kite just below the zenith and you fly along. send the kite back, in with the bar, first time airs of 6-8 foot were not a problem (first session i had ever board jumped with a depower) with a bit more practice 10ft barrier is easily broken on the board i've been to scared to go higher although the kite is perfectly capable. The depower on this kite is like a throttle. too fast let the bar out and you will slow down. too slow lower the kite pull in and the acceleration is phenomonal. this kite is so forgiving. when you stack it big the bar punches through the stopper the kite loses all power and slows right down. then you can compse yourself as the kite slowy flutters down, grab the bar pull in and the kite instantly takes shape and makes its way to the zenith. There is one slightly annoying thing with this kite, this is the punch through safety system. its great when it is used, extremely effective and instinctive to use and it does fully depower the kite. however you don't want to fully depower the kite when your 10ft up. this has happened to me once or twice whilst attempting cannonballs (grabbing both tails of the board) and unlike a c kite you drop like a stone, and yes it does hurt!!!!!! but that is my only gripe. also the kite is hard to get going on sub 15mph. On Water, now as this kite is an LEI its main purpose is for use on water, and you guessed it, it excels here too!! now im not the worlds greatest kitesurfer. i can go left, right and just about upwind lol but this kite makes it so easy. waterstarts are effortless and once your planing and you've done a few sine waves you can park and ride, again using the depower like a throttle. simmilar to land this kite is excellent on the water. but the thing that impressed me more than anything is the water relaunch. Well I was speechless at how good it was. you go wrong the bar goes out the kite sits at the zenith totally depowered. if the kite is at the edge of the window the kite will slowly flutter down and gently land on the water surface. from that point on its just case of pulling on one side of the bar, the kite drifts round to the edge of the window, just one more pull and the kite rises up effortlessly. it is the best and simplest re-launch system i have ever encountered. it is instinctive just like it should be. Overall I would highly recomend this kite to anyone, perfect for the beginner out on the water to the progressing or advanced freestyler on land or water. it is so versatile and so easy to use! believe the hype, it really is that good!! the lift and hangtime is amazing. in my view still one of the best sle's on the market. if you want an all purpose surf kite that you can go big with yet is probably one of the safest kites on the market the sonic is for you!! Hope this helps Chris By : cwatson