CrazyFly Hyper 12m 2022
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
The Hyper 2022 is CrazyFly’s big air machine. A 5 strut kite offering great loft and hang time, 2022 saw adjustments to the previous years giving this kite an extra edge. The design is a 5 strut, delta bow shape offering lots of depower yet boosting capabilities.
CrazyFly has been a leading kite manufacturer since 1999. Based in Europe, the brand is known for having the longest warranty in the kite market: 3 years since 2019. Furthermore, CrazyFly has taken a firm stand against climate change by becoming one of the leading eco-friendly manufactures in the industry: all their kites, bars and boards come in eco-friendly packaging.
One thing that has changed from the 2022 model is the material used on all 2022 kites. TerTex is two times stronger than the Triplex used previously whilst also being forty percent lighter than the previous Dacron used. TerTex is used along all struts, wingtips and over the central strut. In these areas, TerTex replaced Dacron and the 2022 Hyper 12m weighs 3,7 kg instead of 4 kg on the 2021 Hyper 12m. So, what does this give you? A lighter kite has better low end mobility, more power in lighter winds, it moves faster throughout the wind window, turns quicker and is easier to relaunch. With this new material it really helps open new avenues for all the CrazyFly kites across the range.
With this weight reduction the bridling needed to be redesigned, the canopy has also been refined with a reduced number of panels whilst the leading edge seems have been moved inside of the leading edge for better strength and a cleaner closing seam.
The canopy itself continues to be Triplex. Exclusive to CrazyFly, Triplex has a fantastic strength to weight ratio and with a triple coating the canopy is protected from UV rays, salt and abrasive objects. Triple-coating Triplex also reduces elongation and deterioration of the canopy, meaning your 2022 Hyper has plenty of life in the tank.
Like 2021 the Hyper includes an airlock valve. This valve is super easy to use and deflates instantly (which is needed with a 5 strut kite!) Contact with abrasive surfaces can seriously damage the kite’s material and so CrazyFly has incorporated Arptex into all their kites. This material is added to all the common contact points such as the wing tips and strut connection points to prevent damage to the kite.
Sizes: 7m, 9m, 10m, 12m, 15m
In The Air
The 2022 Hyper offers great lift. With big air kites you're looking for unmatched lift and serious hangtime. The kite offers a huge sweet spot for jumping, which means that you can send the kite overhead, pull and the Hyper will keep you elevated. With plenty of hang time this allows riders to perform tricks such as board offs, front rolls, back rolls whilst having plenty of time to spot your landing and complete the trick.
We also had the chance to test the 9m out in stronger winds. With the new materials used and lighter weight reductions the kite loops nicely and fires back up to 12 catching you quickly. It gives a comfortable pull and handles the strong winds and powerful gusts really well. These new materials have really taken this kite up a gear. Its sharp and snappy turns allow riders to adjust any mistakes mid trick and when looping give the bar a good pull and the kite is already back up to catch you.
If you are a rider who wants a do-it-all kite, this kite may not be for you, due to the high-performance nature of the kite. But the Hyper does what it's designed to do. If you want to foil, ride strapless and big air, I would recommend a less aggressive, 3 strut kite such as the Sculp.
There's plenty of adjustments to be made on the Hyper. You can change the back line attach points for even quicker turning speed. Paired with the simple and clean Sick Bar you’ll feel at one with the kite. No nonsense, no rubbish, just good, clean, easy and high performing gear ready for a range of conditions.
Overall
If you want to go big and elevate your jumps, but also want a kite with fantastic low end power in light winds, the 2022 Hyper is a great option. The 3 year warranty is also very attractive but the gear speaks for itself. Beginners would probably find the Sculp an easier kite to fly and progress on but if big air is the route you want to follow then the 2022 CrazyFly Hyper is the kite for you!
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This review was in Issue 94 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit CrazyFlyRelated
By Liam Dredge
Liam fell in love with all Watersports after completing numerous seasons aboard, he then picked up kiting whilst in the warm tropics of the Carribean and has been obsessed ever since! Anyone that knows him would say it's near the only thing he talks about (which drives some crazy), and he loves to keep up to date with all the latest news, equipment and events that kiting has to offer. Liam also runs his own Watersports Centre along the south coast of the UK, LOOP Watersports, which is where our IKSURFMAG Test Centre is located!
