2010 Liquid Force Havoc

[grantman54]

Well I just finished trying out 6 new kites after the Pismo Beach Kite Expo. For the sake of time, I am only going to review the aspects that stood out to me on each kite. I am going to review the 2010 Liquid Force Envy, 2010 Liquid Force Havoc, 2010 Best Kahoona, and 2010 Caution Zombie.
Kiter Background:
Well I currently own two 2009 Liquid Force Sessions; 12m and 9m. I am only 20 and have been kiting for 3ish years. But I really started riding this last season. I weigh 175lbs and ride a Liquid Force 133 Recoil mostly but have a 145 WLF too. I am really working on progressive riding right now; working on my airs and technical skills such as riding toeside and waveriding. Every day I am landing a new trick or catching a bigger wave.
Conditions tested in:
The wind I tested the 2010 10m Havoc in was about 20mph onshore. The water was rough. Swells up to head high and ocassionally, what I call cross waves (waves going perpendicular to the beach). But of course we also could ride in the little whitewash close to shore. I spent about 2.5hrs on the 2010 10m Havoc.
Performance:
-All around SLE. In fairness my Sessions I ride are very similar to the Havoc. But the Havoc is the best all around SLE I have flown. I was right at home with the Havoc. It was 10x better than my Sessions but all the other kites I flew were also better.
-good hangtime
-great power through the window
-great bar input
-speed
-Craftsmanship. I am a fan of LF build quality. They put small detail work on many areas kite companies leave out.
-Below the bar depower. I like having the depower below the bar depower. I feel I can get more precise with below the bar depower.
Complaints:
-When I used the below the bar depower the chicken loop pulled up as you pulled on the line. Felt like you were gonna unhook. Just a weird sensation that I could get used to.
-Line twists. When all three lines going through the bar get twisted you can feel it. This did not affect your throw, just felt weird.
-Apparent wind. When you compare this kite to the Envy, this kite likes the rider to get moving. Once you start moving it hauls!
These are small complaints that I noticed. I am sure if I spent more time on the kite I might find these complaints false/unfair.
Who is this kite for:
This kite is for anyone looking for an SLE performance kite.

Thanks to the LF crew for the demos.