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V-Max (Level One)

V-Max seems to be the name given to products of quality, whatever their area of activity may be. The legendary motorbike, a buggy from Libre and from now on a kite from Level One. Why V-Max? Does this name have so much sex appeal that it's a good idea to use it to boost a product?

DESIGN/ CONSTRUCTION
The V-Max must take its name from a very pronounced 'V' in its tail. It has significant depth and 30 cm inner stand-offs and 30 cm outer stand-offs. The leading edges are slightly curved, the nose and wing tips are wide giving it a rather squat aspect. Ten centimetres of the tip of the kite at the nose have a double layer of ripstop, in order to stiffen up the nose. The spine holds the upper spreader by a connection that can slide downwards. The leading edges and lower spreaders are in G-Force, the remainder m standard 6 mm carbon.

It has a three-point bridle with a fourth leg that links the upper bridle leg to the inner bridle leg that goes to the central cross piece. When the bridle is taken in hand it is slightly slack, and only really stretches out when the kite is under tension.

Adjustments are possible either at the attachment points, or with a series of knots along the upper bridle to the top connector.

Stitching is a mix of straight stitch without double turnover and zigzag.

The V-Max is fitted with both leech line and trick line, with the latter linked the tail to the outer stand-offs. Fittings are a mix of APA, Jaco and FSD.

FLIGHT TEST
The V-Max takes off in as little as 2 mph of wind, but only seems really exploitable from 5 mph. In initial flight it reveals itself to be stable and sure in its trajectories but makes it necessary for the pilot to concentrate hard on them if they want them to be really clean, particularly since it tends to jolt slightly, interrupting the fluidity of its flight.

These slight jolts are less obvious after flying for half an hour in a 15 mph wind, some kites needing in effect the time to 'mature,. Its flight is not very fast, it does show oversteer and its angles are clean but requires a little bit of attention from the part of the flier to get it to really settle back into its trajectory.

Its stop is abrupt and clean but shows slight instability if you want to maintain it for a length of time m this position. Precision is satisfying, but requires a certain amount of concentration from the flier. Landings are clean and precise.

As far as its freestyle programme goes, the V-Max needs a lot of work, notably with the axel and more particularly when flying with 150 feet lines. It reveals itself to be easier with the choice of 75 feet lines. In effect if little amplitude is given with the hand that gives, or if you don't advance towards the kite, the lines will catch the wing tips,

A fair few goes were needed to synchronize hand movement and succeed in getting an axe every time. Flatter figure seem more achievable, on the back as the belly, notably is flat spins and fades where it is very stable,

On the ground it is stable on the wing tip, but coin tosses and axel take-offs require, as for the axel, a little concentration so as not to get the lines caught up.

CONCLUSION
The V-Max seems very versatile if you know that you're going to need to devote some time to getting to know it better above all in its freestyle programme

It's flying is top of the range, and a good experience is needed to really make the most of it .It's very pleasant in ballet and it ha already seduced a fair few to the west of the Atlantic where it currently winning in several Team competitions.