Just got my hands on the new flysurfer speed 5. Definately a different kite from the lotus and speed 4 in general. the kite feels more solid in the air and definitely a little more aggressive. The new deluxe material feels stronger to the touch which is great because although the lotus fabric was nice and light I had my doubts about how long it will last. the higher aspect ration makes for a beautifull look in the sky and the Lift is incredible as usual. Also the bridles look a little thinner and unsleeved which is supposed to reduce drag. I initially had some issues with backstall when I did my first test flight . I took it home and did some mixer test and turns out the bridels were way off . I was a little worried for a second tht something was wrong with the kite but got eventually got everything sorted out. Its a little unexpected for flysurfer quality control but this is the first time I had a problem with their kites. Can wait to really put it through its paces when the wind is right next week.:wee:

So they went back the other way with aspect ratio on the speed series? Not the first time I heard about a kite coming from the flysurfer factory without being properly tuned, but as long as they keep improving the speed series, that can probably overlooked. Not sure if I will ever need to upgrade from the speed 3 but nice to know the tech keeps advancing.

yea I was surprised with the bridle tuning issue. The aspect ratio is higher and the kite definitely feels more solid and a little more aggressive. even If u own a 3 series u still have one of best performance kites out there so don't worry.

It's friggin 3d out w/ 30mph NW winds...really?
I spent the day eating brick oven pizza and drinking beer in rockaway

go back to sleep that was when I was out yesterday. and there was a nice sw wind lol

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

It's friggin 3d out w/ 30mph NW winds...really? I spent the day eating brick oven pizza and drinking beer in rockaway

very nice!

I recall Flysurfer sets the mixer in the way so it normalizes after first five flights

Quote: Originally posted by grigorib

I recall Flysurfer sets the mixer in the way so it normalizes after first five flights.

i think so, once the lines have "bedded in" with load/time a better tune is certainly available. the lines may be prestretched, but in total the system needs load to arrive solid tune.

tht sounds like good idea. well ill test it out again soon as I have some consistent wind.

Quote: Originally posted by grigorib

I recall Flysurfer sets the mixer in the way so it normalizes after first five flights

so ....picked up a lightly used speed 5 15m. got a chance to test drive yesterday in gusty 5-10 ....wow. i had the original speed1 17 m. wow night and day. the DLX material is so light and high quality feeling. Seems very nimble and its so stable inflight, rock solid and the torque is solid

so yeah what i meant to say was yes the fs speed 5 is a BEAST!