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Inner Space (Benson Kites)

The Inner Space is the latest offering from Master Designer, Tim Benson. Conceived originally as an indoor kite, but also offering good outdoor performance, it is well balanced and easy to fly and offers excellent trick capabilities.

Build/Design
Like all Benson Kites, the Inner Space is constructed to the highest standards and features the Benson "B" logo appliquéd in an eye-catching Icarex/Mylar combination. Reinforcement points are a combination of Icarex P38, Dacron and Mylar. A dedicated outdoor variant, the Outer Space is also in the pipeline featuring a more robust sail and frame. Like Bensons’ outdoor kites, the Inner Space tricks easily and cleanly. The additional benefit of having such a well balanced kite allows for some truly stunning flat spins and axels that seem to go on forever.

Indoor Flight
The Inner Space has excellent drive characteristics and flies smoothly and responsively indoors with a minimum of effort on the part of the flyer.

The balance is almost perfect and allows for sustained floating of the kite, both in overhead manoeuvres and more conventional flat spin type moves. The lack of a trick line was the cause of frequent annoying tangles around the spine and wing tips. Precision is reasonable, but the kite tends to drift without tight control.

Light Wind Outdoor Flight
Although designed specifically for indoor flight, the Inner Space transfers well to outside flight in minimal wind. Fans of Benson kites will appreciate those same features that give the "Benson Feel": positive response, easy trickability, good recovery; and all in a package that requires little effort in light wind.

Verdict
An enjoyable kite; performs well indoors and out. Good drive and smooth flight without sacrificing precision. Good trick ability.