stryker2
Wind Seeker
Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 7
Location: Toronto CANADA
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 Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:58 pm Post subject: Ballistics Phoenix 2.2m beginner review. |
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This is a review from a complete beginners point of view, who has never flown a kite before.
Wanting a traction kite as my 1st. kite, I did a little online research and was persuaded to start small and go with quad lines from the get go, so I went ahead and purchased the Ballistics Phoenix 2.2m.
The Phoenix comes in nice black vented back pack with zippered flap and Phoenix logo, big enough to hold a couple of foils and/or field accessories.
Opening the Phoenix for the 1st. time, everything looked well made as well as everything was attached and ready to fly, so naturally I was eager to see what the kite and myself could do. ( I had been reading the basics of how a kite is controlled and I had confidence that I wouldn't encouter too much of a problem. Hey If I can ride a bicycle I shouldn't have a problem right?)
Setting up at the beach was a breeze(no pun intended) (I had a non kiting helper on my 1st.flight to assist me on my 1st.launch)
The wind was an approximate 12 to 15mph, which was perfect for my 1st kiting experience. (Video of my flying progress can be found on Youtube search under "Kite Ballistics Phoenix")
With the Phoenix directly downwind I was ready for a hot launch.
I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I picked up the handles and asked my buddy to raise the foil.
The Phoenix immediatly filled up and lifted straight up. I was careful not to put in any imputs, as I wanted to get the kite high up before learning how to control it and also feel the wind window.
At first I was a little surprised at the amount of pull this little kite has, as well as how controllable it was. "WOW!", is all that was going through my head at the time. In the power zone, this kite is fairly fast and agile and can turn on a dime with push/pull imputs. Within 20 minutes of flying without any crashes, I learned how far I could fly to the edge of the window before it collapses, figure 8's, Loops and Straight Tracking.
I found the break lines great for 2 things.
1. Makes landing anywhere in the window a breeze.
2. Depowering
Since getting the kite, which has been three weeks now, I have been flying almost every day and loving this kite more and more.
This is a very easy kite to fly (don't be intimmidated by quad lines, it's not difficult at all). It flies very well, with moderate pull. In the higher wind range, this kite can scream with strong pull and is an absolute blast to fly. "I WANT MORE!"
I would definitely recommend the Phoenix 2.2 as a 1st. beginner quad line kite or if you just want a smaller foil to tear up the sky with.
I've already got my eye on my next investment to add to my new kite bag and that's the Ballistic 4.9m eclipse.
I'm just a beginner recreational flyer who would like to do a little scudding down at the beach in moderate winds, and I think the 4.9m Eclipse will be perfect for my requirements.
I hope this helps anyone, who is perhaps considering the Phoenix.
Don't wait, BUY IT!......You WON'T be dissapointed.
Steve |
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