I was in the market for a fixed bridle, high wind kite. A dual role kite if you will for static fun and cruising on the land board at the beach. After
a bit of research and speaking with a few PKF members, I decided on the Profoil 3.5m signature series by Ted Dougherty..............................
The Bag
"man this thing has grunt and lift"-- seriously a nice bag, not overstated or too small. Kite, handles, and lines all fit nicely. I’m a parapacker and
there is plenty of room to stuff in the lines. If you wrap your lines on the handles, even more room. Adjustable padded straps and exterior pocket
with ample room for a ground stake, kite killers, keys, cell, snack, etc. A mesh vent in the bottom of the bag allows the sail to breath if put away
wet and dirt or sand to escape from inside the bag.
The Canopy
Crispy, light, and durable nylon ripstop. The two center cells are closed adding to the stability of the sail. The bridle attachment points are well
stitched and reinforced at the canopy. The bridles are dyneema but are tied not stitched. The bridle set up reminded me a lot of the Mac Para Bego
series but make no mistake, this is an original Ted Dougherty design. Very detailed and pain staking to tie rather than stitch I'm sure but you have
to admire the time and effort spent to produce a quality product. The air inlets provide ample air flow in making this a great low wind performer at 8
to 10 mph wind speeds.
The Handles
Small, padded, color coded, aluminum handles. The leaders are the same dyneema material used in the bridles. The handle leaders themselves are a bit
on the short side not leaving much line to tie extra trimming knots. Also, there are no strop attachment points out the back side of the handles. The
handles work fine but for those who like to hook in for the buggy or board , a short set of Ozone handles with longer leaders and strop attachment
points would work nicely here, an easy, effective, and inexpensive upgrade.
Lines
The Profoil series DO NOT come ready to fly so you will need lines. Most of you have a spare set and for those who don't, it is no problem getting a
quality, inexpensive set. I purchased a set of Peter Lynn 170/110 kg lines and they are a nice compliment to the Profoil.
Flying Characteristics
Fast, stable, responsive, grunt, huge wind range, and a stunter, yes a stunter! This sail will spin on its tips, so fast it almost makes you dizzy.
When you’ve had enough, add a bit of brake and it comes to a screeching horizontal stop, sitting there waiting for you next maneuver. Working the
window, the sail is stable at the edges, climbs and sits nicely at zenith. For someone just getting into the sport this would be a great kite to
develop and refine your skills. It flies very well in 10mph winds which will allow you to learn basics while not putting you at risk of injury. As
your experience and confidence grow, and the wind really starts kicking, the kite only gets better. Speed and grunt increase while the canopy remains
stable due in part to the two inner most cells being closed. This kite does produce lift and surprising float in its upper wind range. For an
experienced pilot, the speed and responsiveness your inputs will provide hours of delight in the buggy, on a board, or static flying. I would say the
overall effective wing range of the 3.5 is 8/9 up to 30 mph depending on your experience.
Conclusion
For someone just getting into the sport, a great kite to develop and refine your skills. The quality of the sail and bridles are excellent. Flies a
treat as you say, and would make a nice high wind addition to anyone’s quiver. The only negative comment is the handles but they are functional. The
pure quality of the sail and its amazing flying characteristics will provide you with years of memorable flying experiences. As always fly hard and
safe!acampbell - 14-11-2007 at 08:32 AM
Spot on write-up, Don. I've been spanked bad by a 3.5 in lumpy winds. Don't underestimate. But still fine for a newbie in easy winds.BeamerBob - 14-11-2007 at 08:38 AM
Does anyone have pics of these kites? I've got one on the truck headed my way and still don't really know what it is going to look like. I ordered
the purple 1.5 but I guess the shape is consistent among the sizes. So Don, what kite are you going to buy this week? I'm having a hard time keeping
track of your quiver!:wow:acampbell - 14-11-2007 at 08:52 AM
Is the 4.5 really fast through the window? I was attracted by price and the reviews of how fast these things fly. I'm hoping it is like a 4 line
symphony. I notice tracks behind your shoes there Angus!tridude - 14-11-2007 at 09:00 AM
Ouch!! Im hoping that this review will spark intrest in the Profoils and Ted will start his proposed new production line. A 5.5 or 6.5 would be
awesome. It really is a great kite for experienced pilots and newcomers as well. You and the kids will love the 1.5. Im set for depower but have never
flown many smaller kites and with winter winds here or hereabouts, I thought Id experiment. Looking forward to reviews from Angus and DaVinch on the
M3.tridude - 14-11-2007 at 09:02 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
the 4.5 m on Jekyll Island Beach...
Nice pic and you're def working by the looks of those scud trails. Come on folks, ping Ted @ Kiteinnovations and lets help him get the new series
rolling.acampbell - 14-11-2007 at 09:04 AM
Yes they are fast. A little lifty too. Good compromise between the two. Your 1.5 will be very zippy.tridude - 14-11-2007 at 09:12 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
Yes they are fast. A little lifty too. Good compromise between the two. Your 1.5 will be very zippy.
Does that Jacksonville Jaguar cap provide maximum protection?BeamerBob - 14-11-2007 at 09:18 AM
Dang Don! You must have some young eyes because all I see is white on the cap!BeamerBob - 14-11-2007 at 09:31 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by tridude
Ouch!!
Don, you know I'm just jealous.tridude - 14-11-2007 at 09:42 AM
Nah, Powerzone and Pablo have the "to be jealous" of quiverslunchbox - 14-11-2007 at 10:49 AM
Heard there good in light wind...is it the weight of the nylon there using, less bridles, etc?Pdxnebula - 14-11-2007 at 05:05 PM
Still hoping to get "Pinky" in the air here, but its been To windy all day...Pdxnebula - 16-11-2007 at 12:44 AM
Well I got "Pink" in the air today, Plenty of long scuds in 10-12mph winds maybe a few 15mph gusts or so... My kid (21) had a ball with his
1st scuds... Thats him standing behind the kite... & me flyin it...
I'd say from flyin the 1.5m & the 3.5m that they're probabaly all pretty fast considering the shaped profile... I had a few bowties with the
3.5m, just from the lousy winds at the park, (shifting directions seemed to always do it), but a bit of fancy line work usually seemed to get the
kinks out, "If your fast enough to get em out before a gust catches it in the middle of the powerzone then watch out because it'll power up bigtime
& pull you like a truck..."
I've got the grass & mud stains on the butt of my pants to prove it, & left the streaks in the grass from my feet also...
Not bad for a 50yr old man on his B-day... tridude - 16-11-2007 at 06:16 AM
Nice pix and happy birthday!archkiter - 16-11-2007 at 11:03 PM
you've build up quite the quiver Pdx! Glad to see that your getting some good flying time in. Makes up for days like today when it's nothing but
rain.SecondWind - 17-11-2007 at 06:53 AM
Happy belated B-Day Pdx!Pdxnebula - 17-11-2007 at 09:46 AM
To bad no 1's come out with the "Totally Waterproof Foil", MADE for the Rain... But then again around here, they'd have to make a set of Rain
Gear, Clothes to go with the kite... Thnkx All...
