Flexfoil Rage 4.7 M - Beauty and the Beast!

Did a search and was surprised no one has posted a review of this kite? Maybe I missed it?

Anyway, on the off-chance someone might be interested, here is my assessment:

I flew this brand-new 4.7 meter beast of a kite today for the first time in very modest wind conditions measured objectively by my WeatherFlow anemometer and Wind Meter application as 7.3 mph with gusts to 8.0. The kite was flown with the supplied Flexfoil ProLink 4-line handles and 25 meter long 200kg power and 100kg brake lines. These were carefully checked for equivalent line-length at home prior to heading to the beach and were found to be spot on. Good job, Flexfoil!

I hot launched the kite and as soon as all 17 cells filled, headed out of the power zone to the left edge of the wind window and then up to the zenith, where I spent some time traversing left and right to get a feel for the kite's responsiveness and Prolink handles. A word on the handles - fantastic. Not sure what they're covered in, but they are "grippy" as heck and instill a lot of confidence through their size, robustness and strength. I love 'em. They are cleverly engineered, very ergonomic, and the safety leashes affix easily. The leashes themselves are also the highest quality of any I own or inherited from my son.

I was a bit surprised at the kite's appearance. The aspect ratio is given by the manufacturer as 3.6 for the 4.7 meter size. It sure looked longer in the sky - somewhat reminiscent of my Spiderkites Smithi. Also, it looked like the serious kite that it is. Straight out of the bag its tracking was razor-sharp. Turns were stable and predictable in radius in both directions. In 8mph wind I would not call them brisk nor tight - especially when you fly principally at the edges of the wind window - as is advisable the first couple of times out. If you dive this kite, the increase in speed instantly translates to a very significant increase in power, so be EXTRA prepared or you will experience a "Code Brown." Bring a pair of undies if you go out to static fly this beauty in winds over 12 mph, as it is also a beast.

After about 10 minutes of static flying and assured by the near-constant wind velocity, I eased across the upper reaches of the power zone - nowhere near max. I scudded twenty feet almost before realizing it. Holy COW!!!!!! As advertised, there was LOTS of power, not much lift. It pulls like a bull. The Rage was easy to park at the zenith to get a rest with no evidence of tip collapse. In the alternative, just use the brake lines and gently descend under control and park it trailing edge down for a quick breather if you must - and as I also did since I'm 62 years old and this was a helluva upper body workout for me.

On the subject of the zenith...wow...it seems like a little momentum would carry this kite right up and over. It was still very willing to fly forward as it reached 12:00, which shocked the crap out of me. Get on the brakes to avoid disaster!

I have little else to say except the kite appears to be very robust and well-made. I kinda wish the kite had the red white and blue color scheme, but as I bought it "new in package" (and it was) at a good price from someone who bought two and presumably kept one, beggars can't be choosers. My kite is principally black, has some white, 2 shades of green, one shade of yellow at the tips. Video of the (fairly boring) first flight to follow if anyone has an interest.

Anyway...I got my first "scudding" lesson in with more to come, no doubt. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. At one point I fell backwards and landed on my a$$. I swooped the kite and it stood me right up like I was an inconsequential toy! And I weigh 190 naked!

Frank

Yes, well said...this has become my go-to kite for most conditions. It'll pull a lot more than me and a landboard in light-ish wind. Got a bit scary at times in WW this week but it is so obedient in the sky... What about that O-ring at the bridle?

I know they're not much to look at, but they're my first scudd lines, so, I screen captured them from my video. Smirk if you will, but at 62 years of age I think they reveal a little something about your elders. Don't count us out of the fun just yet. :moon:

Frank

Quote: Originally posted by FlyGuyFrank

I know they're not much to look at, but they're my first scudd lines, so, I screen captured them from my video. Smirk if you will, but at 62 years of age I think they reveal a little something about your elders. Don't count us out of the fun just yet. Frank

Some of us over 60 can run circles around most of those kids, don't think for a moment your old.

Quote: Originally posted by WELDNGOD

Basically , if you adjust the knots one direction you get more low end grunt and sits deeper in the window. The other way gets you more top end speed and it sits further out at the edge of the window, which can get you more upwind performance. I have one on my 4.7 Rage. Here a link to some info http://www.coastalwindsports.com/102NextFlights4LineHandles....

Great link, thanks WELDNGOD. I knew there was an AoA adjustment, I just wasn't completely clear on what adjustment provided what change. Now it is abundantly clear. Learned something. Makes it a good day!!!

I may just print that page and stuff it into my kite accessory bag in case my understanding fades or I have a senior moment and don't have the courage of my convictions when I'm at the beach. Basically, moving the knot UP (towards the kite) helps you stay DOWN (i.e. less lift) as it lowers the AoA.

Frank