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XTRO (Flexifoil)

For once, FLexifoil has come out with a small introductory kite for beginners to have fun with. A real beach kite with a lot of colour and beautiful screen printing. The basic manufacturing quality is good, as featured by it's French seam stitching, but the leading edge spars are in pockets without elastics, which could split in the long run. The crashes are not terribly dramatic because this fram is made with a 4mm carbon rod. The assembling is ia bit delicate, with only the spreader (lower) that one must pass through a pierced durit acting as a central connector and whose hole is too small. It is absolutely nerve-racking when it is cold and the rubber is hard.

Nevertheless, this system has the undeniable advantage of being simple and reliable. It has a special bridle with two rings linked by a nother. This prevents the kite from deflating as a result of exaggerated hand movements which are frequent with beginners. When in position, the Xtro takes off from 2 beauforts onwards, without having to pull back too much on the handles. In gentle wind conditions, it is slow, stable and steers wide, with the wing folding. As soon as the wind gets stronger, it becomes very fast and lively, but not wild like many other kites. It's flight is rigorously silent, which will be very much appreciated at places frequented by tourists. Landings are difficult on the endge or middle of the window. Even though it is possible to bring it easily to a stop, it's preferable to let it fall. As soon as it has stopped and has not momentum, it has a tendency to be quite unstable. If one pulls hard on the lines, it does not deflate, but it executes a kind of axle and easily regains wind pressure. It is quite suitable for beginners, because it tolerates flying errors and offers the possibility to progress. It's aesthetic design and superb panelling are very appealing.