This is a progress report on the MONSOONZ, WiND-X's Ultra Flat Light Wind Kite (before this it was known as Project Thunderer in previous news/posts). This report does not go into full technical details. More information will be posted on the WiND-X website.
General Opinions
WiND-X demonstrated their collection of kites during the Malaysian Monsoon Madness in Balok Beach-Kuantan, Malaysia. The Monsoonz were tested by both experienced riders and beginners. The general comments by the experienced riders were good, to quote some of them; "No bar pressure…" Everyone was using 12m, 14m and some 16m but WiND-X pumped the Monsoonz 10M and it performed just as well. The wind was about 9-12 knots.
This kite was actually designed for more advanced riders but it was also tested by beginners. Surprisingly, the beginners seemed to love it as well as it was responding well to them; especially the water-relaunch. They were relaunching the kite faster than the experienced riders did with their Cs. At first, the beginners (who started learning on Cs) mentioned that they couldn't feel the kite due to the light bar pressure.
The 10M kite was tested on different wind conditions:
9 - 12 knots: Riders with the average weight from 65 to 72kgs were riding it well. 65kg riders were jumping but there was little hang time. 65kg riders were sometimes overpowered in the gusts. The 14M Monsoonz should fit riders above 80KGs well in this wind condition.
15 - 18 knots: Riders above 80kg were soaring! Including jumping waves. Riders weighing 65kgs were overpowered. A 7M would be just nice for them. There's a 90kg rider who never rode on a 10M before. This was his first time on a 10M kite. Obviously, it was not his right size for those wind conditions.
20 knots and above: The 7M would be the most recommended kite.
Everyone admitted that the kite's response was very sensitive.
Flying Characteristics
NEVER INVERTED. The kite maintained its structure well. It did not over-flatten. It stayed as flat. We will test it with the 14m to see if it has the overflattening effect. The kite was very sensitive to the control bar (without pulleys).
Another feature of the kite is: once it is depowered to the max, it stays stable in the air. Unlike most of the first generation bows, where it'll just fall behind the rider when totally depowered. This is one of the features that most riders (on the demo-day) like especially the beginners. This is the effect of the the new strut design. WiND-X is looking into implementing this construction method on all WiND-X future kites.
Water relaunch was simply amazing. It simply peels out of the water. The kite has also good speed.
The kite was tested on 2 bars. The preference was more towards the standard bar. There was more feel on the standard bar. Bar length was 53cm. It just swings the kite, it gave some feeling of a C and the kite was very predictable.
Aspect Ratio:
7M Monzoonz - 4.9
10M Monsoonz - 5.1
14M Monsoonz - 5.2
Advantages:
- faster to inflate
- smaller and lighter in your travel bag
- easier to handle on the beach
- develop less drag when on the kite leash
- faster
- ride upwind better
- turn faster
- shorter bar, easier when traveling
- maybe it will be possible to have a one kite quiver with 2 boards and 3 sets of lines (15, 24, 30m ?)
Front view:
Conclusion
This kite is the second generation bow and the 7M will match the current 9M or 10M bows that are in the market. The 10M will match 12M or 14M; and the 14M matching the 16M or 17M kites. The wind range is so much bigger than the first generation bows and C-kites with its depower system.
The fast turning speed and light bar pressure will give advanced riders more power and flexibility to go freestyle.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. WiND-X is preparing the pricing for this new model and will update all of you soon. Updates will be posted on www.wind-x.com.
Video of the Monsoonz proto shot by Mr Geert of Belgium during the Monsoon Madness Event - Click here to download
Photos of the Monsoonz proto by Mr Ken of Malaysia
The wind is not blowing yet but it's flat.
Notice the new strut design?
