F One 9m Dream Took the new FOne 9m Dream LEI out on Friday afternoon for it's first UK flight, last seen in Tarifa being neatly packed by Jeremy in Kitesurf Mag, and very nicely packed it was too!
Conditions were spot on 20 to 25 knots SE low tide at Hayling
First thing I noticed was that all the struts had non return valves including the leading edge bladder, which meant the kite pumped up and stayed up with ease even with gloves on. There is a large dump valve to deflate the main bladder.
Bar and lines are the same as last year but with additional quick release systems fitted, Velcro type. I rigged up using my own trusty bar and lines.
Got out onto the water and put the kite through its paces.
It has a good sheeting range being a medium to high aspect kite falling in-between the Magic and the Mach II. I stopped a few times to power up the sheeting strap so this kite should be able to handle 30+ knots.
Jumps were high in control and landing dry, when from what I could see most around were having major wipe outs, but Rob was out on his 16m he must have had a big business lunch.
The kite was smooth and stable making me feel at home from the outset, no nasty surprises, it did what I told it to.
I stuffed it in the drink to test it's relaunch, came up no problem but then it was windy.
Build quality is good but not heavy duty F One kites are built to be flown not dragged across the shingle or put into the Golf Club fence Bully.
Overall a nice no frills lots of thrills kite. Ideal for intermediates but shouldn't course any problem to the ambitious beginner