^
Tom is not a beginner on HF
I've got used Sonic FR v1 a couple of weeks ago. It is a dream. The bar input is decent, what we love on a TT. Backstalling it like a pro. Could not front stall it, was not windless. Loops like a heli, 3 times or more in a spot, no probs. Moving it from each side of wind window was like a nicest experience ever. This is not a kite, it's a small paraglider on steroids.
Back launch did not try.
Sonic has velcro vents on tips. I think this is important since I did splash heaps of water inside to clear the sand and salt, and kite was dry in 3hrs on 25C outside. I always wash my kites after a few seshs I think Chrono v1 has no vents.
Re water relaunch, I witnessed and watched Psycho 4 in a white mush for 45 minutes or more. And the guy launched it after, rode in. Also seen the guys swimming in with Chronos on flat water. It really depends.