Blade Kiteboarding Trigger 8m 2015
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
Blade have been gaining quite a bit of momentum in the industry over the last few years. They now focus solely on making kites and the product just keeps getting better and better! After last year’s offerings we were incredibly excited to get our hands on the new Trigger. Now in its 7th reincarnation, Blade have kept working away at this kite to produce an excellently versatile 3-strut freeride machine.
The Trigger has had a few major changes from last years model, most noticeable is the change to wing tip shape. Through widening and enlarging the wingtips, the Trigger has increased turning speed and offers a much more responsive kite.
The build quality on the Trigger, and in fact all Blade kites, has come on leaps and bounds and the kite here on test had some serious quality to it. All seams and attachments have impeccable stitching and have been reinforced well, whilst the leading edge features moulded bump guards to protect in the gnarliest of wipeouts.
There is an effective one-pump system in use on this kite with angled connectors resulting in less twisting of the hoses. Having used some other kites recently with larger inflate/deflate valves, we did notice the standard size valve taking that little more effort to pump up, but that is merely a very minor observation.
Sizes: 5m, 7m, 8m, 9m, 10m, 12m, 14m
The Bar
The UniBar was launched last year and is one of the best kite bars on the market right now. It features a quick-release that is compact, neat and simple and, above all, very easy to release and reconnect. The trim for the kite is looked after by an above-the-bar cleat system. There is a swivel for the front lines and the set up uses high quality Teufelberger FL series lines. These lines have a much better stretch resistance without being any thicker than normal lines. At the heart of the bar is a solid billet of aluminium to ensure stiffness and this is wrapped in a special nylon shell to give the bar its shape, and finally wrapped in a soft EVA grip.
In The Air
The Trigger straight away felt very lively, and as soon as we hit the water we had an absolute blast on this kite. Marketed as an all-round kite, it really does perform well in a range of conditions and disciplines.
There is constant power throughout the entire wind window, and smooth predictable power delivery. The larger wing tips have added even more response and speed to the handling compared to last years kite.
Getting up and riding is easy and the kite flies well at the edge of the window with solid upwind ability.
Jumping with this kite was a whole heap of fun, and it really does have an excellent boost and incredible hang time. Unhooking was comfortable and impressive with a good amount of pop and drop for those looking to work their way through their first handle passes. Kite loops were really enjoyable, and the predictable nature meant we had the confidence to throw them in a range of conditions. Playing in the waves was very fun with the Trigger, quick turning, good drift and excellent low-end power.
Perhaps not an early beginners kite due to its slightly more aggressive nature, but would still be well suited to those with good kite control who are confident in their skills.
As with the current crop of 3 strut kites on the market, there is a reduced overall weight, not only a great feature for any overseas travel with your kite, but also the lesser weight really helps on those marginal light wind days. We were incredibly impressed with the wind range of this kite; the low-end in particular had us out when we were really not expecting to get riding!
“As soon as we hit the water we had an absolute blast on this kite.”
For
Smooth and predictable power, great all-round characteristics. A slick package with top build quality, excellent flying and fantastic fun. Clean and simple bar system with one of the easiest rebuilds on the market today.
Against
We would love to see this kite with a fast inflation system, when we are pumping up we have really noticed how great these new systems are. It’s a simple fix and one we hope to see from Blade in the future.
Overall
The kite has definitely been kicked up a notch from last year, and the higher performance is noticeable. Not an all-out beginners kite, but still incredibly user friendly. Excellent for a range of disciplines, the Trigger will treat you well for whatever the conditions on the day prescribe.
Videos
This review was in Issue 49 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit Blade KiteboardingRelated
By Robin and Sukie
With years of kite sport experience combined, you can be sure you’ll be receiving the highest quality of knowledge on the best equipment the industry has to offer.
