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The house of Elliot first came to my attention when my good mate Brian came flying past me at some speed shouting "Sky Tigers are for pussy's", or perhaps he said something else, the funny thing is I didn't know him at this time. We were on Dollymount Strand, I was helping some Dudes with a pop promo they were shooting, by flying my kite in the background of some shots, and "if you could do some kite buggying, that would be great" kind of thing. The lads were well lucky for the wind was stonking; on the first major charge down the beach toward the cameras, it happened; Brian overtook me and yelled something, and that was our introduction, the camera crew were giggling like loons, over come by the drama of it all. A star was born, Brian has never been camera shy since, I met a new friend, and his EKKO and my old Skytiger are pop stars, I'm told the pop promo was broadcast on RTE at sometime. He He He... It is true, that my old Sky Tiger still has a spring and a growl after being tended by the vet, sorry Flexifoil. Alas Brian's EKKO 1.7 had shall we say, a "Rock'n Roll" end. It burst on Tyrella, with no vet on call, within Europe. Brian and Colly Wobbles had come up from Dublin to check out Tyrella, for a bit of kite surfing. Collie's gizmo thing reconded the wind was 25 gusting to 30-35 mph and the water they told me was "boiling". The Dudes sat in the car chatting to an acquaintance Brian had re-encountered at the Gumball, while I had the ride of my life flying Brian's 1.7, two and a half hours of full on hyper-adrenaline mainlining, aquaplaning, powerslidding thing. The first runs were spent cautiously charting the hazards and charms of the beach. Tyrella when it is kind is vicious terrain, and on that fateful day it was Armageddon, you think I jest. As the tide withdrew more and more surprises were revealed, soft sand traps, deep pools, shallow pools razor sharp shingle, rocks, goats, burning cows, beasts from hell, locals and the rest. The 1.7 reacted like a total Demon, and I mean that in a nice way, it was everything you want, it was fast, stable and loads of power, there were a few twitchy moments there always is in a getting to know you scenario. For two and half-hours I was at one with the kite and the universe, the goal of all Pantheists. Check that one out. In true "Rock'n Roll" style that last performance was it's best. I like to think so anyway. When it was time to wrap the 1.7 went for a power dive while I was dreaming about putting an offer on it. The POP was mighty. There was no chance of recovery. Brian's face was a picture. After wrapping and bagging he said "that's yours I want one too". Short pause then, "or do I". hmm too Zen. I took it to two sail makers in Belfast, they marvelled at the craftsmanship and the development in kite technology. I looked at it too, it certainly had popped, and surgery would not be a cost-effective option locally anyway. I e-mailed Elliot for repair advice to no avail, several times. I got an e-mail to say the house of Elliot would e-mail me in the future, but that was about something else and they never did. Brian decided he didn't want one. He retired from parakarting and took up kitesurfing full time, in Forteventurra. He's a lucky devil and will do well. Ireland lost a parakart champion. Brian lost a kite but gained a bag. I heard from a normally reliable source that Elliot have added a Velcro valve on the trailing edge. Maybe they read their e-mail after all. I think they should. By : IR23

I,m very pleased with this kite it works great in high winds it can be a little fussy in turbulent winds. This kite does'nt waste any wind power it puts it to good use and works hard up wind it also makes for a fast start. This is a very fast kite,work it and it will work for you. By : tazz

Beasts........ These kites are so fussy in the setting up department, but once sorted......there's nothing like them. Incredibly powerful, strong, quick and no lift - Not really ideal for the beginner as the kites are not that forgiving! By : Colin