JN Kites Prima Donna 11m 2009
Reviews / Kites
7,092
At a Glance
The Prima Donna 3 is a pure freestyle machine from JN, aimed at the kiter looking for consistent reliable top end performance. In its third year the Prima Donna has undergone some more tweaks to keep it at the top of its game. The profile has been opened out a little to give it more low-end power; wider larger wingtips help the kite to turn faster and the Floating Batten Technology is back to help create the ultimate profile shape even when the wind is gusty. The construction has also stepped up a gear too; this year the kite features One Pump which is a really good addition, there is also a new Patented cutting technique that allows for less seams at the tips of the kite, allowing for better rigidity and improved airflow, it also increases durability. Available in 6 different sizes 5m, 7m, 9m, 11m, 13m and 15m there should be a size to suit every quiver.
The Bar
We were supplied with a JN Switchcraft bar, there is a new one coming out soon which has different colours for the grips, but the features remain the same. There are O Shit handles on the rear lines for added safety and of course the Prima Donna is a 5th line affair so you have all the security you need should things go wrong. The quick release is a well built and thoroughly engineered affair and it works well even when it is sandy. The interesting thing about the Switchcraft bar is that you can changed the length of the bar by loosening the ends with a screwdriver and twisting them, by using the different rear line attachment points you can actually get 4 different lengths out of the 1 bar. Great if you want to have several kites and just use one bar. There is also a stopper ball which you can adjust using a hexagonal key.
In the Air
Last year we enjoyed riding the Prima Donna 2 as it had a very smooth predictable feel about it. The C shape giving it a direct feel in the turns that was very responsive. To the naked eye the kite doesn’t look that different this year but there are quite a few tweaks so we were keen to see how it would perform. In lighter airs you can really feel the wider arc profile working to create even more low end power, which was something last years kite never lacked. The 11m is very powerful and we were out riding it when others were on 12 and 13m kites and still tearing it up. The turning is precise and direct and a little faster than last year. It is the turning speed that makes this kite so fun to ride. You really can put it exactly where you want to for every trick and also generate huge lift when you send it back through the window. The jumping and hangtime on the JN is fantastic and sure to put a smile on anyone’s face who dares to push it as hard as they can. Unhooked the Prima Donna 3 really comes into its own. It is so stable and well behaved when you unhook it really inspires confidence. Allowing you to push even harder knowing the only barrier to improving is yourself and not the kite. Definitely a kite for the more experienced free rider or freestyle junky, as the performance will easily be tapped into. If you are an intermediate looking for something a little different to the usual bridled style kites then the Prima Donna 3 has a forgiving side that you will enjoy too.
For
Low end power, smooth direct turning and response, immense hangtime and perfect for freestyle tricks!
Against
We’d love to see a stopper ball that you could adjust a little easier, sometimes it is great to be able to use this feature on the fly. That said though the depower throw on the JN is quite short, so it isn’t too much of an issue.
Overall
The construction is much improved and features like One Pump and the great bar set up will be sure to attract a lot of riders. With top end performance that you’ll struggle to run out of, this kite should be putting smiles on the faces of riders all season long.
This review was in Issue 15 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit JN KitesRelated
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!
