2009 bought about one of the best and most influential kites to the market. The Flysurfer Speed 3 re-defined the boundaries, possibilities and progression for kitesurfing in light to medium winds on land, water and snow.
Available initially in a 12m, 15m, 19m and later a 21m version. Skip forward to 2012 and Flysurfer released the Speed 4 in two small sizes for avid Flysurfer riders to extend their quivers without looking outside the brand. Using the technology and design principles from the Speed 3 and the Psycho 4 the Speed 4 provided a more stable, yet high performance kite for use in strong winds. This leads us 2013, almost a year after the smaller sizes of the Speed 4 were released and we are still waiting for the successor to the original 3 in larger sizes.
The Flysurfer Speed 4 Lotus is now available: www.atbshop.co.uk/kitesurfing-lei-kites/flysurfer-speed-4-lotus
Flysurfer sure enough must be facing a very difficult challenge to create a worthy successor to the previous generation but we are rocking some pretty tired looking kites right now! Obviously we hope that Flysurfer are right at the peak of their development already for this model, but just incase here is our wish list for the rest of the Speed 4 range.
- Increased lightwind performance, after spending a lot of time on the big Speed kites and the Ozone Zephyr the forecasts often come in lower than expected and there is nothing worse than trying to force yourself out onto the water in bleak conditions for the sake of 1knt.
- Increased turning speed in the larger sizes, hopefully this would allow for more crazy downloop action on the 15m and potentially even larger sizes.
- A mix up in sizes, The 12m and 15m have always been a favourite of ours but I wish we had a better performing 17m or 18m Speed 4 before hitting the really big boys.
- A new bar. The Infinity bar is good, but it also is starting to feel old in comparison to some of the other kite brands. It would be great to see Flysurfer innovation further into safety options and their spinning safety system.
- Lighter weight. We have always highly recommended the deluxe fabrics on the Speed 3. The difference in performance is extremely noticeable and when already spending a good chunk on a kite it makes sense to buy the best and not to regret it later. Hopefully in the time between originally designing the Speed 3 and the anticipated 4 Flysurfer have been designing and experimenting with more advanced fabrics and design concepts to further decrease weight and increase durability. A fabric which can hold off more water would also be great for when things go wrong in the waves.
- Safety leash. Its only a small part of the package but we would love to see a bit more exciting safety or handle pass leash inside the Speed package. The newer Speed 3 CE kites in the brighter colours look great and it would be awesome to see the accessories match this.
- Price. Hopefully this is something which will not change to much, Flysurfer kites already sit at the very top end of the market in terms of retail price.
If you have any thoughts, or things you would like to see in the new Flysurfer Speed 4 then drop us a line in the comments.
Really happy with my Speed3 12DL and 15DL! Agility has to do with physical size, so your dreams of future large wings may be a bit unrealistic as it challenges the laws of physics. But there`s a trick to turn these high-aspect wings rapidly: pulling inner brake-line makes it spin into new direction. You`re in fact stalling inner wing as outer wing keeps flying into new direction. Timing is essential. Greetings from Christofer in Norway
Hi Christofer, A good tip on the brake lines. Hopefully other readers will find this helpful!
I want less strings.
You can’t have everything!
We will do them all, except the bar/leash will stay the same.
Hi Armin, That is great to hear!