Power Kite Forum

*review* XXtreme ApeXX

ripsessionkites - 6-3-2008 at 04:37 AM

I figure its time to write a review here. So today (March 5/08) I finally received my XXtreme ApeXX from Ruudje. It took about a month to build (three buggies where coming to Canada) with all the specs from my body dimensions, and it was shipped here in under 48hrs from Netherlands. I have to say it was totally worth the wait.

30% of the buggy is custom build to your size. Ruudje wants to know your leg length, hip bone and waist measurements to start construction. The rest of the buggy is generally the same on all. Front Fork, Downtube, Seat, Rear Axle. However the XXRacer comes in one size only, but I think you can ask for custom width, since I’ve read that the seat can be a little bit for the smaller riders, i.e. like myself.
When I opened the box (no fantasy packaging), but who cares. I couldn’t imagine how big everything was, even the BBS Booster I had before seemed smaller in size. Everything on this buggy looks sleek, and beefy, like its ready to run a long distance race. As I began to assemble everything with my two other buddies that now own ApeXXs as well. Ruudje skyped me and wanted to chat, so its nice to see how the design webcams you through the assembly direction. We laid everything out on my living room floor and started at it, getting directions from Ruudje and everyone working on a part. Finally it was put together, 40mins later. LOL. So much for that 6 minutes on the Peter Lynn XR+.

Seat:
We proceed to ask Ruudje custom seat options, and I’ll tell ya’ll there are so many set-ups that you can do, there’s buckles and straps here and there. Tighten and loosening makes the seat up or down, tilt or expand. I have spend the half the day in sitting on it, and still can’t find a comfortable position, since its all sooo comfortable like sitting in your favourite computer chair. The side rails come up just high enough like a sofa but gives a lot of side support. The back of the seat feels nice, with padding inside, it’s like a chair. I like to sit upright, but the other two like to lean back more, personal preference when you’re buggying I guess. I can see why they have so many adjustments, because Ruudje wanted it to be customized to your liking.

Frame:
Its stainless steel, but its been powder coated to a dull grey. I think in future my next Xxtreme buggy will be in Blue or Black, or maybe GOLD. LOL. The rear axle is huge, its like thick steel, and heavy too, probably the heaviest part of the buggy than the side rails. I ordered my in 140cm, but you can order it any length you want it in. Most of the European riders that use BF Wheels have 140 to 160cm rears. The side rails are about 120cm in length with 2 curved bends, which keeps you in there tight. Heavy pads on the side rails keep it comfortable again. The side rails connect to the rear axle with joint system, where you have adjustments to increase / decrease rear height. I have dropped mine to second last from the bottom, lower to the ground. On the joint where the sail rails hold the downtube in place has another 3 settings to adjust the rack. I’m still playing around with this setting, cant really tell until my first buggy ride in it.

Extras:
When you buy an ApeXX there are a lot of extras that come with it. You get a nice seat protector as they call it. It’s a rubber mat that similar to a buggy bib, and it ties around the front of the downtube to the rear axle. He also throws in buggy plates with your racing number on it, made out of coreplast modded plastic. You get a nice little front wheel fender that mounts to your front fork. If you get the BF version than you get a cool 3-D fender that cover 20% of the wheels. I didn’t want the standard footpegs, so he opted to give me the footpegs that come with straps. However the straps go on the heel side, which seems to work well, since there is no chance of your foot every falling off the peg. You can even steer the buggy with one leg, and yes there is a Dutch buggier who is one-legged.
Other things you can request for is a weight set, however the buggy itself is already 77lbs, I didn’t feel I need more weight. There are predrilled holes to place weights in certain spots on the buggy.

Overall:
I’m very happy with my new buggy, and being 1 of 3 people to have it here first. I just need to get it out and use it, probably not until NABX. Come by the camp to view my buggy or have a test ride. Since "Pass the ApeXX" might be out of the question.

Pictures of the build process (I’m in my PJs like Christmas Day):
http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z193/kitemama/?action=vie...

ApeXX video: http://www.ripsessionkites.com/xxracer/XXtreme-Apexx-2007.wm...

[Edited on 3-6-2008 by ripsessionkites]

[Edited on 3-6-2008 by ripsessionkites]

[Edited on 3-6-2008 by ripsessionkites]

Bladerunner - 6-3-2008 at 07:23 AM

SAWeeeeeeeeeeet !!!

:cool: :alien: :cool:

elkiter - 6-3-2008 at 08:56 AM

Congrats!
Can't wait to try this bad boy. See you in few weeks.

Excellent initial review by the way.

e

BeamerBob - 6-3-2008 at 10:22 AM

That looks very heavy duty. Industrial even. Very nice. What is the round tube for under and in front of the rear axle?

lunchbox - 6-3-2008 at 11:07 AM

Whow,,,that is impressive!! That is the mother of all buggy's. I think I would be a little embarrassed to ride along side of you :o

Can't wait to see it at NABX.

Bladerunner - 6-3-2008 at 01:11 PM

My little flexi is going to look like a joke beside these things. :lol:

Will someone explain to these 3 how keeping the buggy clean until NABX only reduces the number of days you will get to ride these beasts in your life time.

Bring them out to Mud Bay this weekend for race practice and quit worrying about a bit of dirt ! :rolleyes:

wexler - 6-3-2008 at 01:20 PM

That is one beast of a buggy.
That thing is huge.

ripsessionkites - 7-3-2008 at 02:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BeamerBob
That looks very heavy duty. Industrial even. Very nice. What is the round tube for under and in front of the rear axle?


that capsule you're referring to, is the weight set that you can add, and also weight for the front fork too.

The capsule design is older, where you can add or subtract what weights you wanted. on the ApeXX they just add them on individually. http://www.xxtreme.nl/balancingset.html

Quote:
Originally posted by elkiter
Congrats!
Can't wait to try this bad boy. See you in few weeks.

Excellent initial review by the way.

e


its waiting for you! :smilegrin: ... see you soon.

Scudley - 7-3-2008 at 09:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by snowbird

Bring them out to Mud Bay this weekend for race practice and quit worrying about a bit of dirt ! :rolleyes:


Predicted winds for this weekend are not great for BB. Looks like another day at the lake. Maybe they pulled the plug the week. I guess we will see you there.

S

tdmc96 - 7-3-2008 at 08:06 PM

Woo Hooo..
Just got back from Ricardo's (Picking up my new PL Reactor 4.9):yes: and I also got a peek at his Apexx!
I realized then just how big this thing is compared to my PL Comp XR+
This thing is a beast!
An awsome looking Buggy and a great review.
Cheers bud!
K3

Bladerunner - 8-3-2008 at 09:56 AM

This explains the fog and drizzle today :yes:

You are going to get TONS of use out of that kite K3 .

Maybe we'll get out this afternoon !
:rolleyes:
K2

I'm looking forward to getting a picture with BIG K1 ( dirtslide ) in my tiny bug while K2 ( me ) sits in the Apex. Hopefully K3 ( tdmc96 ) will take it.

One great thing about this town. They can Kill Kenny 1 and we will have 2 more to step up and take his place ! :lol:

Quote:
Originally posted by tdmc96
Woo Hooo..
Just got back from Ricardo's (Picking up my new PL Reactor 4.9):yes: and I also got a peek at his Apexx!
I realized then just how big this thing is compared to my PL Comp XR+
This thing is a beast!
An awsome looking Buggy and a great review.
Cheers bud!
K3

dirtslide - 9-3-2008 at 07:57 PM

i have apexx no. 1 and yes they are as big as they look ,to put it in perspective when fully assembled the buggy will not fit in the back of my f150 pickup truck:o and the feel is like no other buggy Ive been in,with mine i have to sit at the front of the seat then slide back to lock in under the rails when wearing a harness but it is pure comfort and can still be broken down to fit in a golf bag flight case just a bit over weight .NABX here we come:cool:

ripsessionkites - 10-3-2008 at 07:31 PM

pictures of KC51's (3 of 3) ApeXX ... ready to NABX.



dirtslide - 10-3-2008 at 08:33 PM

looks like tim is ready to head south .get some numbers on that thing:lol:

Jeroen P - 14-5-2008 at 06:39 AM

Quote:

...since there is no chance of your foot every falling off the peg. You can even steer the buggy with one leg, and yes there is a Dutch buggier who is one-legged. ...


Hi guys,

My first post on your forum,..... I am Jeroen aka "Ozzy" from xxtreme, and yes as I quoted above, I am a " one legged" buggier here in Holland, also possible for me to drive the competition her in the " masters" . We really like it that you guys like the Apexx, it is a realy nice designed buggy...

Most probably we come over next year to the NABX with a bunch of Apexx buggy ! ,so n'till next year.

Here a picture of me in a Xxtreme buggy on a flate plane in France, with one leg ,...:



So,...there there is still hope for " one legged" pilots !!:wink2:

Sthrasher38 - 14-5-2008 at 02:15 PM

Welcome to the forum. and Ricardo, That is a great looking buggy!! I know I can hit 50mph in that next year at Nabx!!!

Bladerunner - 14-5-2008 at 04:14 PM

DUDE,

You must be HUGE ! This is the 1st time I've looked at this buggy and not thought that the buggy looked huge .

Ride On.

Hope to see you at NABX next year :thumbup:

ripsessionkites - 14-5-2008 at 08:30 PM

hey Ozzy ... welcome.

post the pic of your custom apexx ... love the Wheel Cover Plates. Talking lots with Ruudje to get you guys over for NABX 2009. The Dutch Invasion! :D

Dagon - 14-5-2008 at 10:02 PM

I rode this at nabx and it was soo very nice, I want one. I really like everything about the design

Jeroen P - 15-5-2008 at 12:58 AM

Quote:

....post the pic of your custom apexx ....

Hi ricardo, here is a pic of my Apexx, as you see the seat is stiched with my nick name : "Ozzy's Ride" , and this time it was already fitted with 4ply slicks for the upcoming NABX

and here custom designed "spinners" we have made for my ride:


If you want you can add me to your skype: xxtremeozzy

best regards, talk to you l8ter guys, we are searching hard, how to get our stuff over next year to the NABX, so any info is welcome,......

regards,
Ozzy

PHREERIDER - 15-5-2008 at 05:10 AM

APEX wow that is one tight rig!
gotta have custom fitted, that stock stuff just hurts my body!
caught popeyethewelder on you tube laying down 52mph in a rig like that
nice