Gaastra GXR 12,0 test
Door:
Wake
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20 May 2003
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18:16
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GAASTRA GXR 12.0 Gaastra are playing in the big boys’ playground with their GXR. This is a wing with all the qualities of a high performance wing but also one that is pleasantly accessible… A nice evolution from last year’s model. | |
| On the beach… Make: Gaastra Kites Model: GXR Real surface area: 12.0 Aspect ratio: 6.6 Recommended wind range: 14 - 22 knots Extras: Pump, adjustable carry bag, repair kit, control bar, 27 metre flying lines. Control bar: Measures 51cm. Rigid tip mouldings and foam ‘floats’ for the leader lines. The chicken / de-power loop passes through a hole in the centre of the bar and adjusts by means of a strap. The chicken loop also has a quick release and there’s a locking strap to hold the harness hook. Gaastra haven’t included a big ‘power’ loop on the bar. Safety systems: The small harness loop has a quick release and there’s no big loop. As far as wing safety is concerned there’s a leash also with a quick release running to the front lines. Design/Finish: The leading edge tube curves at the wing tips to form the wing battens. There are 5 other independent inflatable battens. One inflation valve on the leading edge. There are numerous control line attachment / tuning options on the wing. Usual principle applies : attaching the rear lines to the outside point will make the wing faster ; attaching to the inside attachment point makes it slower and means you’ll need to ‘work’ your 51cm bar more to actually turn the kite as it will be less responsive (strong winds excepted). As for the front lines, attaching to the outside points will maximise your range and de-power, attaching to the inside points gives less range but more grunt. In addition to those 4 tuning options you’ve also got extra adjustment via the knots of the de-power system as well as via the de-power strap. The graphics are fairly sober, likewise the finish but it’s great quality fabric. The game plan: The GXR is a high performance wing which combines power and a wide wind range all at the same time. The segmented leading edge and its profile give the wing excellent stability in lumpy winds. Fluid flying and solid manufacture thanks to a good materials selection, such as Dacron G4. | .jpg) |
.jpg) | On the water… The safety system in action: When you quick release the small loop without too much power in the wing there’s no problem at all, the leash safely neutralises it. Re-launch: Re-launch is no more difficult or easy than any other 12 m2 of similar aspect ratio. Power: The new 2003 GXR pulls well but handles gently. Good depth of power, good presence on your arms without them being ripped out! Feels half way between a high power and a low power wing, big pull, soft touch. Stability: No quibbles, the GXR is very stable no matter the circumstances, bumpy wind, jumping…. Stable through gusts, meaning it can absorb surges without kicking. Handles really well through turns and I could see this being great in waves. Flying/General handling: Quite fast even with that short control bar. Tendency to be less manoeuvrable when (fully) de-powered. Easy handling and very comfortable while riding, very reassuring. Lift/Jump: The GXR pulls upwards giving it very good lift in the jump. Thanks to its easy handling that lift power is comfortably manageable. Range: Has a big de-power range giving the wing a generally wide range. |
| Conclusion… General description of the wing, sensations and feeling… A really good compromise of soft handling and raw power ! It’s a very comfortable wing (very sensible) to fly with very few surprise moments. Gentle but has real presence, quite lively and with great lift. Big wind range. Gives a real feeling of safe kiting even though it’s a genuine high performance wing. Pluses: Soft handling, performance and range. Flysurf.com verdict: No limits! Target market: Intermediate riders up to expert Game plan fit: Fits its game plan really well! And you could even add a few knots to its top end wind range for the larger size of rider. Tester responses (in a sentence) Marco, 28 years old, 86kg: "I was really pleasantly surprised! The wing is gentle but very present, it's stable, lifts really well, superb (wind) range, comfortable control bar and totally safe flying!" Cedric, 21, 77kg: "An all-rounder that really can do anything…" Caro, 33, 63kg: "Gentle but strong (just how I like my men) ! It’s no soft touch wing but manages to pull hard, gently. Comfortable and confident. Seems to have an excellent range." Richard, 43, 76kg: "Very gentle and comfortable in light winds. Consistent handling through gusty conditions. Careful when the wind’s stronger though, lifts off like a space rocket!!!" Test conditions Wind strength: 11 - 23 knots Boards used: TT Deska / Marek 138 ; TT Fanatic ACDC 50 ; Wipika Edge 146 ; TT Vent de folie (Mad wind) / Richard Test panel: From 63 to 86kg, expert skill level Testers’ regular wings: Naish X2 8 + 12m2, Slingshot Fuel 10 + 14m2, Wipika Airblast 8.4m2, Takoon Skoop 8.5 + 11.6m2, Gaastra GXR 10 + 14m2 Flexifoil Storm 16m2 For more information about Gaastra Kites: www.gaastrakites.com | |
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