Blade Kiteboarding Prime 9m 2012
Reviews / Kites
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At a Glance
The Prime is in its 4th year of production now, and once again it is billed as a thoroughbred performance machine. It is a hybrid C 4 line affair with a short bridle on the leading edge to add support and aid depower, the rear lines are a direct connection. The wing tips have been tuned this year to deliver even better performance throughout the kites turning axis. The kite has a 5-strut airframe with a very sleek leading edge, the construction is good and there are plenty of reinforcements in all the right places. It features one pump as standard and each strut features a “union” connection to the leading edge to ensure you get a stiff frame to the kite.
The Bar
The bar remains unchanged from last year, it is very neat and compact and the bar itself is short, which gives you a nod to the kites performance. There is an above the bar pull pull trim strap and a sliding stopper ball on the depower rope. The chicken loop features a plastic release mechanism that you need to rinse with fresh water after each session to ensure easy release when dry. When it is wet it works fine, but if you leave it in the boot of the car salty then the release can be a little sticky, as with any safety system keep it running smoothly and it works fine. The grip is comfy and the bar is finished off with floats on the rear lines. You can also untwist your lines should you need to using a swivel on the top of the chicken loop.
In The Air
We have always enjoyed the performance of the Prime, and this year was no different. The kite is crisp and direct in the air, you can fly it around the window with some precision and it really packs a lot of pace into it’s movements. The thin leading edge on the Prime aids the performance characteristics even more, allowing it to penetrate the wind window with ease. Upwind is good, the kite flies quite forward in the window so it is easy to get back to your spot after completing a trick or a jump. Jumps on the Prime are fairly lively, as are the kite loops; it really pulls you off the water. The hangtime isn’t as good as the Trigger or a flatter arced kite, but you still get a decent amount of glide on the way down. Unhooked the kite behaves impeccably, the steering is still very direct and you have total control. Depower is good, although the range on the Prime isn’t as big as some of the other kites in the range, as you would expect from a kite of this design. The Prime has a much higher top end range than it does a lower end.
For
Fast direct and crisp steering, good control in strong winds, great upwind and good fun to jump and unhook with.
Against
Lacks a little range compared to the Trigger, but then this is a more dedicated performance orientated machine.
Overall
The Prime offers great performance and control, we loved the direct turning and the speed through the window. Great for unhooked new school riding.
Videos
This review was in Issue 32 of IKSURFMAG.
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By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!
