Dr Surf Australia a écrit:... The now GK VSonics are brilliant kites. I use the 11m and 8m and was a bit uncertain about whether the new shape and claims of more range at the top and bottom end was true. It seemed too good to be true and usually being better at one end of the range means compromising the other. But it actually is true. I've tried the 07 models back to back with the 08 VSonics, (I sell them), and the 08 models have incredible range. And they turn better as well. The Trix are excellent as well.
They are also built to last. I'd sell more GK08 models if the GK06 models some of my customers have wore out. The 08 models are built far more strongly and even if you tore the kite in a tree or big surf they are easy to repair with the force frame style construction.
I don't know how Mat designs these kites to go so well but try one and you'll see for yourself.
Have fun, Dave (Dr Surf Jervis Bay Australia ph: 02 4443 7665 or 0411 572 725
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FROM Flyer51 Durban in RSA:
Flyer51 a écrit:My VSonic 11 is the best kite I have ever had.
...
Slight differences in behaviour between the VSonic and my old 2007 Sonic, which I have now adjusted to subconciously.
Having the lines as far back as possible makes the control so very light. I have since moved all lines forward as far as they can go (as an experiment), and this kite is so rock steady I take it out in 30+ knots easily. I have since got so used to the xtra bar pressure of this setting, and the kite turns super fast, and no more "squaring" out ever that the old Sonics did when overpowered.
All lines as far forward as possible is now standard on all three of my VSonics.
The 11 seems to lose a bit of it's bottom end with this setting, which is down to having a less sensitive kite, but I now end up using my 14 VSonic instead in very light winds, and with the 14's lines as far forward as possible I can easily use it into the 20+ knots range, and even tho a bit over powered at 20+ the jumps are the best ...
... I have owned the 8, 11 and 14 2006, 2007 and now the 2008 V Sonic.
I think the most dramatic improvement is in the 11 V Sonic.
The bottom end of the windrange has improved by 2 knots, AND the top end by 3 knots. Amazing..
I am now testing the kite out with all of the connection points as far forward as possible, and it is so impressive.
I am 90kgs and at 30 knots the kite is rock steady, doesn't even get canopy flutter. Jumps are still big, although you have to pull the side of the bar very hard to get a quick turn. I am now used to the extra effort required, and now I would have to say this is very close to a one kite quiver for me.
If the wind is light it takes me 5 minutes to move the connection points backwards again for a bit more power.
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FROM Beachboy California near San Dieggo:
Beachboy a écrit:I thought that the '07 Sonics were amazing. So far I have only tried the 14 VSonic, it felt like last years 11 in terms of responsiveness, yet had a low wind threshold of about 2 mph lower that last year's Sonic 14. I have only had one day on it, but so far I am quite impressed.
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FROM Neill :
Neill a écrit:i've ridden the 2006 11m sonic in 25 knot gusts without issues.
I've also ridden the 2007 11m sonic in 30-33 knot gusts without issues, still had some depower left on a custom, long-throw bar setup (wouldn't have been able to do it on the standard bar). just pump the LE up to 7psi and it will be sweet.
i'm a 63kg rider btw.
all this confirmation of the V-sonic having better upper AND lower end than the 07 makes me want to lash out and get one, then sell my other two kites ...
... i had the chance to fly the 8m Vsonic a week ago and was very impressed. I still fly the 11m 2007 sonic, which i think is probably the best bow kite i've flown so far.
anyway i had the 8m out in 15-32 knots (measured windspeed on the beach, 63 kg rider) and was properly powered almost all the time. I never felt overpowered, and i reckon i could have held the kite in 40 knots without too many issues.
the 21m lines make this kite very zippy, not too fast but extremely 'flickable' and you could just shoot it anywhere you wanted with the minimum of effort. bar pressure was nice and light, just how i like it, but you could still feel the kite when boosting big for the re-direct.
jumping is typical of a sonic, just awesome. sheet it out a little, send it towards 12 and sheet it in, pop and go. massive air, some of the biggest jumps on flat water i've ever done. The whole reason i fly sonics is because i like going big, and this little critter didn't disappoint. i was almost tempted to loop it a few times but it wasn't my kite and i didn't want to drop it in the current and risk wrecking it.
oh and one other thing: relaunch. HAHA! i sat in the water and let go of the bar, the kite gradually moved down towards the water and crashed nicely. i did nothing with the bar, just let it go. the kite drifted back downwind about 5 metres, then filled with wind and gently turned itself onto it's side, then slowly walked back up to the edge of the window and sat there, ready to fly, with NO BAR INPUT at all. it didn't take off until i pulled the bar and directed it up. simply awesome! basically and automatic relaunch kite, my 07 would relaunch easily but this one was even better.
overall a great kite, i'm keen to try the 11m as a one-kite quiver.
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FROM Alex6681 Singapour :
Alex6681 a écrit:Thanks willy
Just getting the hang of it! Great kite!! Very wide wind range. I was caught in a storm at 25+ and I could hang on with no major problem!!. I am only 60+ kilos
alex ... in 14m² Vsonic...