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Northshore VIP (Top of the Line)

DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION
The VIP is a low aspect ratio sail with a full, deep ail cut and loose trailing edge. The frame of the model tested was in ProSpar which is a very strong carbon/glass hybrid but which is not enormously stiff. The fittings are made from additional vinyls which were stopped. The leading edge was heavy Dacron, which seemed very hard wearing. The vent is a single large panel in mid-sail.

FLIGHT TEST
The VIP flew well in the lighter wind section of the test. The pull was medium but manageable. The kite was slow and predictable with the characteristic Northshore roar. Precision was excellent, snap tums and stalls a doddle. When the wind was more extreme the pull became uncomfortable and the frame started to distort, leading to a loss of real control.

FUN VALUE
The Northshore is a very satisfying kite to fly for precision and it will even axel if set up well. Its real strong points are crisp flight, rock steady tracking and accurate, punchy turns. The loose trailing edge acts to keep the speed down but the volume level might not win you many friends on the kite field. The heavy pull made the kite quite handful strong winds.

CONCLUSION
The Northshore VIP was well made and the frame as strong if not very stiff. The fittings on the kite were somewhat archaic but still worked. The kite was a very able precision kite but did not offer much more than that to the pilot. The noise was impressive but could become annoying. The pull was strong and the kite became uncomfortable in high winds.