So it's been a bit over a week since I've been able to get out but it was worth the wait. Last weeks weather was crappy and between the clouds/overcast and colder temps yesterday wasn't doing much for me.
I wanted to wait for clear blue skies, warm sun and solid winds. I wanted it to be special, my first time, you know?
No disappointment here, what can I say, went out today at Alameda in the afternoon in good 16-18NW winds, which are good readings for Alameda. On the inside, the wind came and went at first but then built up solid. Low tide was going out making for really nice butter in the inside.
Right out of the bag the 10m Switchblade is truly plug and play, steady, smooth, even power, smooth turning. I think most kites now come slightly detuned or "safety tuned", meaning if you rig it right out of the bag, set all lines on middle knots, you may generally find a little more front line tension, slacker rear lines and a tiny bit delay in turning and a more even-tempered feel. I came in after half an hour and bumped up the knots on the rear lines to tighten things up a bit and found it to be tuned to my liking. Great lofty jumps, upwind mobility high, overall very smooth and predictable. Loops were strong and even with minimal if any flapping. I need to work on my pull and timing a bit, but everything is within range and familiar. The bar is very clean and no dangly bits flying around as the power and depower straps are held downward and tight by a cool spring running around the sheeting line, so nothing loose. Very impressed over all. A majorly important aspect of a kite is how well is goes upwind and all expectations met here.
The Tronic board is a very welcome change. For years I've been riding low-rocker wider tip, and generally wider, decks which have their advantages with load and pop in flat water, but the reality is that in most conditions you give up some performance aspects trading them off for others, but the others aspects you're trading them off for may not be the most commonly appreciated ones. In todays normal bay chop, which is what you'd find anywhere on the bay or delta, it ends up being much more comfortable with no spray and water coming up in ones face and torso. Face and hair dry all afternoon.
I set mine up for the widest stance which is what I'm used to and I'm pretty cozy on it straight away.
I'm honored and really stoked to be on the new gear, today was an awesome day, everything was great right out of the bag/box.
The Tronic is bionic and the Switchblade for great kiting it made. At any time, if any of you guys see me at the beach (Alameda in Spring, Berkeley, Race Track, Marina Bay, Waddell, Dillon or OB and Sherman) and want to try the gear, it's available, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks Cabrinha and Neil Pryde USA! =- %$