Liquid Force Kites Envy 9m 2012
Reviews / Kites
12,160
At A Glance
The Liquid Force Envy is the all round machine in their range. Aimed at the rider who wants a kite that can do it all, whilst making kitesurfing easy. Liquid Force call the Envy a “beyond Delta” design and it features a fairly swept back shape to it’s profile, the Diamond Shape tips add to this. It is a simple three-strut design aimed at being lightweight to improve the flying characteristics. The bridle is fully integrated and a little more complex than found on some kites. Indeed the rear lines are integrated into the bridle as opposed to connecting directly to the kite. Build quality is excellent, union struts, segmented leading edge and plenty of reinforcements in all the right places. All Liquid Force kites feature the Max Flow inflation system; until you’ve tried it you won’t believe it. You can inflate the kite in seconds with minimum effort! On top of these innovations there is also plenty of attention to detail. The Envy reeks of quality whichever way you look at it!
The Bar
This is a polished bit of kit in itself; the floats and winders are integrated into each other to create a clean look. Simplicity runs deep here, the trim is integrated into the chicken loop and the release mechanism is very effective and easy to reset. There is a moveable stopper ball and the depower line has plenty of throw to ensure you can ditch the power when needed.
In The Air
The Envy feels very stable and solid, a great platform to launch your assault from it inspires confidence. The depower range from the bar throw is very impressive, the integrated rear lines into the bridle giving you more depower than a standard rear line connection. This gives you the ultimate control at the bar in gusty conditions. It does mean the turning isn’t quite as direct as some, but the Envy is no slouch and responds to input from the bar well. Once engaged the kite can be turned on a sixpence, pivoting around its axis with zero canopy flutter, a sign of a well built airframe. The low-end range is impressive, the Envy develops a lot of power as you fly it around the window. The bridle then helps to assist the kite with it’s top end range, adjusting the angle of attack but still ensuring the kite steers. Jumping is great fun, plenty of power to launch you and good hangtime. Upwind is excellent too and the kite is easy to fly lending itself to a wide range of riders. The bar pressure is a little heavy, a symptom of the bridle system used, but it isn’t overwhelming or a reason to not man up and build some muscle strength!
For
Amazingly well built, with lots of attention to detail, very stable in the air, plenty of control at your fingertips and a good low end.
Against
We could argue that the complicated bridle set up was a bit much, but it is this bridle that gives the kite its control and range, there are no real complaints here.
Overall
You won’t be disappointed, it’s a great all round kite that comes with some fantastic features, like the Max Flow inflation system. You’ll be out on the water in seconds with a great big smile on your face!
Videos
This review was in Issue 33 of IKSURFMAG.
Related
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!
