Just got my new 2008 RRD kites - HT2 in 10.5 and 15 m + Type 9 in 9 m. while waiting for wind .... and time, I just had to unpack them in my garden and pump them. Took a few pictures (below).

Quality/finish look very convincing/solid. Also there a lot of small features like e.g. bridle fixers and small pockets. Bar looks great. Played a little with the QR that is very easy to re-assemble. Difficulty of re-assemble was just sooo annoying with my old kites (not RRD). QR is kind of the same principle as Cabrinhas - simple and easy. And the bags - good

Can't wait to try them, as the flying is what really matters...........

And BTW. There have been some rumours that the HT2 have battens. Well I checked of course, and they do NOT have any battens

Is there battens on the leading edge or not? It looks like HT has no zipper. It was only on prototypes. My Type 9 also has it.
Orange kite looks great

As said above - no battens!
I thought there was a zipper too, but there is only a zipper in the Type 9. Not that it matters though.
Have you played with the zipper in yout T9's? If so, how does it change it?

WOW, looks nice

I'm surprised because I have read a recent interview of Roberto Ricci in a french magazine (Stance) and he was confirming that both HT and T9 will have a zipper on the central strut !?!

Well if you look closer at my picture nb. 4 from the top, you can see that there is no zipper. I thought it would be there too as I thought I had read it on their web. But I re-checked and it only says something about a zipper on the T9. Anyway, zipper is not on my list of important features, as I doubt I would use it anyway.....

Has the bridles changed somehow? or same as HT version one.

Don't know, never had RRD before. But as I understand it they have been through an very high number of prototypes to get the best possible kites in all sizes. Based on that it would be surprising if they hadn't changed the bridle setup I think....

hi i know this is a bit late but how did you get on with the RRD Hyper Type 2. are they wort looking into? thinking of getting an '08 model what are your suggestions. i just started kiteboaarding and this will be my main kite!

Even though we are in 09 and HT2 is a 08 model it is still a brilliant kite.
For sure you will be happy with the HT2. I especially liked the 10,5m. Also rode the 9 and 12m also very good.
The 15m get a bit big .... of course.

No reason to hesitate in my opinion. I am on RRD Obsession now.