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ERAZOR (Flexifoil)

Designed by Andy Preston, the Erazor is slowly gaining in reputation. It is an all rounder in the wider sense of the term, being able to fly in any style and is able to be used by pilots of differing skill levels. Everyone can get something out of this kite.

PRESENTATION
Carrying on the Xtro / Psycho line, the Erazor comes packed in a box which is printed with instructions for assembly and flight. The design is relatively classic with a highish lower spreader with a low cut sail which has lightly cambered leading edges. There are Dacron reinforcements where required and a sleeved Dyneema bridle. An elastic band holds the bottom spreaders into the 'T'; at the other ends are the excellent Trade-winds connectors. The kite is packed with a trick line (which you have to fit). The sail is well made with double fold French seams. The graphic is a mixture of classic and techno with a screen-printed sail.

FLIGHT TEST
From take-off the Erazor did wobble a bit and needed a little care. As soon as it was moving smoothly the kite started to develop some serious pull, although it was progressive as the kite flew through the centre of the window. Tracking was very stable, angles were clean but not over snappy. The Erazor is a 'jack of all trades' quite capable of all the basics of both precision and freestyle. If you add to that the robustness and power that the kite generates, you have a very complete beginners' kite. All the basic tricks were easy to achieve even in a marginal wind. It was was impossible to stall the kite even when two or more 'heavy-handed' controls were thrown at it; it would shrug them off and power away again. Make sure you choose a heavier line for this kite than for most of the others in this category (150 to 2OOlbson a windy day).

CRASH TEST
Only the odd leading edge connector slid around. Not a single breakage. The Erazor confirms its strong and solid reputation.

CONCLUSION
The Erazor was popular for its power. An excellent all rounder that will do as it's told. The learner gains good grounding in all aspects of flying without fear of breakages. A kite that will undoubtedly carry on satisfying a more experienced pilot, especially in lighter winds. Kids - beware of the pull.