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170 CX (Worlds Apart)

Britain's biggest volume kite manufacturer, Worlds Apart launched their Air Sports range to great acclaim this year. Worlds Apart kites are difficult to beat in terms of value for money and they are widely available throughout Europe through their distributor, Gunther, although they are relatively rarely seen in specialist kite shops.

PRESENTATION
The design is very slim with a pointed nose. The tail sits high and the leading edges are straight. A lot of stitching goes into the kite for purely aesthetic purposes and the sail has a lot of different panels. Good reinforcement, a sleeved Dyneema bridle and wing tip pockets. The sewing was clean and the fittings were custom Worlds Apart. Packed complete with Dyneema lines (with clips) and moulded handles. Everything comes in a black nylon bag with a see through front; there is also a pocket for the lines on the outside of the bag. Good instructions.

FLIGHT TEST
The 170 CX needs a good positive takeoff (and a few steps backward). Once airborne, the kite climbs straight upward with no wobbles. It is surprisingly slow and easy to fly making it good for beginners. It tracks nice and straight and has no oversteer in either angular or tight round turns. It is a docile kite that responds precisely to the commands it is given. On the other hand, when it comes to tricks, the 170 CX fails to get the message. Angles are clean but not over crisp, the kite will forgive minor errors on behalf of the flyer and we liked the fact that it would recover from even the most ridiculous control.

CRASH TEST
Absolutely nothing to report. No sliding, no breakages. The 170 CX is a solid kite that will take all the punishment that the learner can hand out, but that's not the only thing on test.

CONCLUSION
The 170 CX is a true beginner's kite. It has all the qualities that the beginner will be looking for (price, quality and easiness of handling) to gain a good first step into kites. With less attention to the number of panels, perhaps Worlds Apart could have made it look as good for even less money. An excellent first kite for learning the basics, it would have to be replaced as the pilot becomes more ambitious.