Surprised we didn't hear one word about these before release?

http://www.crosskites.nl/cross-sonic

Will be interesting to see how they price them. And how they fly...

On that link you posted don't forget you can click the English flag icon top right corner for the English version. That info just went up on the web so up to this point as dealers we only really heard more about it in the last week.

They are priced just slightly above Reactors of comparable size but well below Vapors of comparable size.

Mark

Ok anyone know anyone that is stocking these yet?

Quote: Originally posted by pyro22487

Ok anyone know anyone that is stocking these yet?

Probably no one quite yet as there is always some lag between posting to the webstite, RTM, and "store shelves."

In the US, I expect Kent at AWindowOfChange would likely have them as soon as anyone else.

ATB,
Sam

The opportunity to place first orders was just done the last few days so it'll be a little while before they arrive.

(double post deleted)

I'm curious about how "affordability" effects the quality?

well in terms of material used they are not using expensive chikara like the Vapors and priced slightly above a Reactor (that also does not use Chikara) so possibly that Reactor comparison for quality might be closer but hard to say until I get one in my hands

This might be the kite that gives that top level performance without the ultimate in materials and workmanship for those that aren't considering winning a race a top priority. It seems like it could fill a large gap in performance/price in the market.

Quote: Originally posted by markite

well in terms of material used they are not using expensive chikara like the Vapors and priced slightly above a Reactor (that also does not use Chikara) so possibly that Reactor comparison for quality might be closer but hard to say until I get one in my hands

They list the same fabric that is used in the reactors...

The Sonic looks like a Combat to me.

It looks very high AR. At least Vapor if not more. Different angles would give a better feel. I was thinking it looked more like a Chrono.

Edit: Donnie, I saw another angle on the kite and see what you saw regarding the Combat.

Crosskites in general seem weird to me. Why does vliegroup (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) want a competing brand to their PL brand? Is it suppose to be their more affordable brand?

Quote: Originally posted by WELDNGOD

The Sonic looks like a Combat to me.

Race kites goin' look like race kites?!?! :o

Cover the little ones' ears....




Restrict them to a certain A/R range and, outside of color schemes, kites can only look so different.




... and a lot of that will depend on the angle the pic was taken at....

At other angles, the Combat seems to have a much more severe taper at the wingtips.




The internet is still rubbish for comparing real world things.

ATB,
Sam

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Crosskites in general seem weird to me. Why does vliegroup (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) want a competing brand to their PL brand? Is it suppose to be their more affordable brand?

Vliegergrop is distributor as well as a manufacturer.

The distribute Mirai and Chikra nylon as well as Icarex polyester.

They distribute the HQ Prodigy and the PL Vapor.

The target audience for the Sonic is a bit different than the Vapor.

The people that can only afford a a few Vapors can have a more comprehensive Sonic quiver with greater wind range coverage. They might never notice the performance difference if they just want to go fast, but don't actually race that often, if ever.

Every kite category/class needs its own gateway drug.

ATB,
Sam

Ron, you are correct that it is Marai and I was saying that it may be closer to comparing quality based on the Reactor since it's priced slightly above the Reactor. and made from the same fabric. The Reactor would cost a lot more if it was made with Chikara.

I've worked in design and advertising for many years and quite often people are surprised when i tell them which parent company owns different competing brands. People want choice and will shop around so a smart business will create it's own competition but branded different to keep the value or character of each distinct. Sometimes created as competition on a level field and sometimes created to offer different price points - the list is almost endless in consumer products. Like Sam said, if there is a category that people are spending money, get in on it or create it.

Quote: Originally posted by markite

I've worked in design and advertising for many years and quite often people are surprised when i tell them which parent company owns different competing brands. People want choice and will shop around so a smart business will create it's own competition but branded different to keep the value or character of each distinct.

The above is scary in its accuracy.

In the world of glasses....

Luxottica... the not so little company you've probably never heard of.



Owned by Luxottica...

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Designed by Luxottica for:

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Smart Money magazine: "The appearance of variety is an illusion."

Luxxotica CEO: "Everything is worth what people are willing to pay for it."

ATB,
Sam