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3D (Prism)

With a name like 3D, is Prism flying towards the 4th dimension? It's certainly a way-out looking kite ! Its translucent Icarex and ultra-thin Mylar film, reinforced with triangular pieces of kevlar placed at strategic points in the centre and the trailing edges, give this kite an extra-special look that is well worthy of its Prism pedigree. Only the top spreader connectors and wiskers could be improved. The top spar is made from 2 mm carbon, while the connectors are 3 mm! They've stuck a plastic end cap on either end of the spar to take up the slack, but it's a bit basic. The way the wiskers have been fitted is not ideal, either, detracting some -' what from the generally high standard, it really is necessary to stiffen the edges of the holes in the sail by heat-sealing them, as each time the wiskers are reset, the fabric frays. There is Dacron wherever there's likely to be wear (wing tips, nose, keel and central connector). Adjusting the bridle is tricky as it is slippery and the knots are hard to move and lock in place. There are no stoppers on the lower cross-spar (which would stop the spar from moving sideways, thus making the kite totally asymmetrical). And it would have been nice to have had end caps on the tips of the spars at the nose and the wing tips.

The kite's 17 cm wiskers (somewhat deep for an indoor kite), long curved wings, low cross-spar makes it easier to do tricks such as axels. and the short turbo bridle delivers direct and refined control responses. This kite is really fluid and precise, with easy speed control, flat spins are easy. The 3D is very stable and flies great straight lines and precise angles. It also has good consistent drive and so makes freestyle figures look disconcertingly easy. And it does it all with truly amazing grace. The four alternative positions for the wiskers are only effective when flying the kite outside. In the hands of an expert, this little jewel will show the way to some exciting figures.

This review was taken from
Kite Passion Magazine - March/April 97