Question from Flyboy

[Toby]

What are the differences in design theory between the Air Blasts & the Amps?

[bob wendler]

The Wipika AMP is a newly designed kite from the ground up. The AMP is designed to have an even power stroke, more ramping ability. greater lift, more hangtime, and beter construction than the Airblast that is the same design as last years AB. The Airblast has its daraft further back so you will notice more bar pressure since it uses the rear lines more.

[Flyboy]

Well the 2002 AB was basically the same as the 2001. Does that mean that the 2003 AB is largely unchanged from the 2001? Is this:
a) a testament to the success of the original AB design or
b) an indication that Wipika has not really moved forward?

This isn't just a rhetorical question. I am looking to replace my kites & am wondering if it's really worth spending the big$s for 2003 or 2004 kites?

[bob wendler]

The Airblas 03 was produced the same way as the 02 due to demand and requests. The Airblast line will probably continue to stick to a similar draft and profile while the AMP will contiue to be cutting edge.

[niko]

Am I right stating that the Airblast is still the kite for the greatest kite range and the MAP has more low end grunt but not the same high wind area the airblast has?

Why is the AMP treated as the AB's successor, if the AB is still produced in 2003 ?

Were there no changes made between the AB 2001 and 2002? I thougth it flys much way better ?

thx
niko

[bob wendler]

To start the Amp was not intended to replace the Airblast. The Airblast is continuing due to popular demand and the AMP is a new kite in the line. Ask me which kite I like better and I'll say the AMP because I feel it jumps better for my style of riding. Next year It looks like Wipika will be adding some other additional kites to the line. The protp-type kites that were developed by Flash and Bill are by far the best kites I have flown. Everyone that has tried these kites are fighting to use them and are now spoiled. They are a bit harder to relaunch than all the other kites in the Wipika line but our new relaunch system will solve the problem. It is similar to the original Wipika and Recon system but much simpler and more basic. Next year Wipika will have a kite that will meet the needs of diferent style riders.

[windshreder]

Bob,
When will the new line be available? I am in the market for a new 12m kite and I will wait if it is in the next few months.
Can the new system be retrofitted to 2003 Amps?
If not, could you convince Wipika to add the required fittings to 2003 kites that are still being manufactured as soon as the design is finalized?
Thanks

[bob wendler]

Hello Windshreder, don't want to get into much detail but older models could be modified. As far as a release date it would be at least a few months.

[Toby]

Hi Bob,

thx for your great support!

You said there will be many lines from Wipika.
I really like the way my Rhino02 flies, not too fast and pulling with a great hangtime.
I'm afraid that the Rhino04 will be like the other kites on the market.
So will you offer a kite that is similar to the Rhino02 in its characteristics?

Thx
Toby

[bob wendler]

Hi Toby, I think they will have such a kite, It is a cross between a Hydro and an Amp. Hve you ever tried a Hydro? It is our number one selling kite in the states.