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Review-Blade 2012 12m Trigger

Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 11:03 pm
by rodeoclown
I had a session with a virgin 2012 12m Trigger yesterday in classic NW storm conditons.
Very simple and easy to set up, and the 3 strut one pump design is darn quick to get ready.
When I launched the winds were about 15-18kts but the forecast was calling for it build to the 30's and maybe more!
I paired the kite up with a 2011 Mako 165 for the low end with no worries about control when the winds built (these boards have an awesome top end)
I also adjusted the bridle to the advanced wave setting so I could get into drifting and carving the crud out of any wind waves that built and scream upwind afterwards. This turned out to be the right call as the winds built as expected.
I was blown away and grinning from ear to ear with the truly massive wind range this kite has, and how it handles when you are gliding through lulls or totally lit. Never felt like it was out of control and I could throw it straight across the wind window during transitions without it yanking me off my ride.
The kite reponds and turns beautifully in the low end and at full power even when all the de-power possible is pulled out of the sheeter strap, I was so stoked!
This is exactly what I was looking for in a kite because the winds here are always gusty and unpredictable.
Jumping is a real thrill ride, be ready to go high and go long cause this kite can jump HUGE!
Looking forward to the next sesh and pairing this kite up with freestyle Twin tip to go even HUGER!
No drop offs or loss of traction in the air no matter where I threw it. That was sweet!
It really stays connected and won't overfly or tumble when you just aim it at the edge or screw up.
Outstanding recoverys and drifts...you can really count on this kite to be flying forward and waiting for your every command.
If you are looking for a kite that can do everything and turn cruddy winds into an awesome session, this a most excellent choice IMO.
Awesome job Blade guys! I totally love this kite! :thumb:

http://youtu.be/rzPZbzPoi_I

Re: Review-Blade 2012 12m Trigger

Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 10:42 pm
by rodeoclown
I am still getting totally stoked from this kite!
Yesterday I totally mis-judged the wind speed and self launched tether style into what turned out to be gale force winds, 30 plus! I had no trouble holding it down on the beach, but once I was on the water it became clear that I was dealing with massive amounts of power...way more than I wanted to have! The kite flew very nicely and I went out and came back without ever feeling that it was out of control...it was me who chickened out. I re-rigged to a 7m Trigger after I set it down, and this size was bueno!
These are super clean designs that perform beautifully in conditions that are more than you can handle and will keep you as safe as you want to be.

Re: Review-Blade 2012 12m Trigger

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 2:15 pm
by rodeoclown
This is one of those kites that is worth a follow up on.
One of those kites you can't imagine getting any better as the new model year approaches.

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Its kind of unreal when you realize you are flying the smallest and fastest kite on the beach.
Yesterday was just like that for me at my local spot.

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The transition from the fat lady to the 12m Trigger has been a very good spread over the last year,
in fact I think you could even go from the 17m to the 10m! These Triggers are very grunty on the low end and have very enjoyable acceleration.

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The bar pressure is perfect for maintaining a tactile feel of what the kite is going through and where its at, without causing issues during long sessions. If you have the experience, you can fly this kite with your eyes closed!

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Adapting to the timing and pull when you want to jump has been effortless for me and its one of the aspects of the 12m Trigger that I fricken love! I can't get enough air time with this kite man!
This is why I love this sport so much...you can go out and jump 50 times during the session super huge and still walk away as hurt as you want to get. Big lofty floaters that set you down on a silk pillow or massive redirectional loops that send big g-forces coarsing through your body followed by hot landings. This kite is thrill to fly!

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Build quality really has payed dividends over time with all the self launching I do.
Tether or rotations there doesn't seem to be any wear on this airframe whatsoever,
its still as crispy and fresh as the day I 1st got it!
You will get many seasons out of the Trigger and thank your lucky stars when you go to travel to kite...(its so light and packs down small).
I give the Trigger my highest rating on all points and I am a huge fan now.
Stoked in Seattle!

ps- the 2011/2012 bars received a lot of bashing but none of those "fears" have proved true to me.

Re: Review-Blade 2012 12m Trigger

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 4:10 am
by Vikb
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I rode a 12m Blade Trigger spring through the summer this year. Super fun kite. Easy to fly and lots of performance.

http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/?s=blade+trigger