In the street

The City Session is based on the Session 1.1, but it has been made lighter to enable it to fly in light winds, or even no wind at all, if flown using short lines. The main differences are in the sail, which has fewer panels in the central section, the kite also features a "trash" style screen print. The leading edges are in spinnaker fabric rather than Dacron, and the nose has been strengthened with Kevlar under the webbing. The carbon-fibre frame is now 4 mm instead of 5 mm, representing a total saving in weight of around 70 g. This makes it possible to fly in winds of about 3 mph, using 801b 175 ft lines. This set up keeps the kite very stable in straight line flight, although it does not like cutting sharp angular or really tight turns. Having said that, it is pretty well-behaved.

In light winds and using this length of line, the City Session responds well and performs good figures, In winds of force 2 to 3 and upwards, the kite flies more quickly and starts to develop a slight pull, although the frame then beginsto deform. The kite's lack of weight goes against it somewhat when flying freestyle, especially when performing figures which require inertia. To get it going you need to exaggerate your hand movements a little. This particular feature disappears with shorter lines, because response times are quicker. The kite has a liking for flying on its back (nose away or turtle) and recovers very easily.

The City Session is at its best performing freestyle tricks on very short lines, say 35ft and in winds anywhere between 3 and 15 mph. Even in this configuration, however, it still won't turn tightly. When executing downward turns (especially at the edge of the window), it often scrapes its leading edge on the ground. Belly landings are not very easy either, because the kite has trouble popping out onto its belly.

The City Session is, first and foremost, a playful freestyle best flown on short lines. It has a fresh, fashionable look and is versatile in light winds.