Kiter Background:
Well, first off I am not the most experienced kiter, but would say I am knowledgeable when it comes to kiteboarding. I spend a lot of time, too much, on the Internet reading reviews, articles, forums, etc. I personally have been flying a Liquid Force 2006 Menace 10M C kite for a year and a half. But I have been struggling to actually be able to ride on the water. I bought the Liquid Force Session for the safety and beginner aspect.
Out of the bag:
I ordered a 12M Session package. The contents included: kite, bag, bar & lines, pump, and repair parts/pieces.
- • Kite: Pumped it up in my house and was shocked at the construction and time put into every detail. The kite completely holds it shape at all the joints. In addition to the construction, the graphics look very appealing too. Liquid Force thought of everything. They have tie downs for the bridle and even velcro straps for the bar right on the kite. They even added “notes” on the lines showing you which knot to use.
• Bag: Well it’s a nice bag, but I can’t get my 12M to fit into the bag in its smallest configuration. (EDIT: I learned that you put the kite in first, THEN you "shrink" the bag into its smallest configuration; which works amazingly!)
• Bar: Very clean and simple. Everything on the bar makes sense and is practical. However, the quick release is very tight. After “breaking it in”, it got looser but still not acceptable in my opinion. It works, but feels too tight. (EDIT: I actually just got a new one thanks to LF and it works fabulously)
• Pump: Standard pump. The nozzles for the pump don’t like to stay on but that has happened with my other pumps.
• Repair kit: Has everything you would ever need to repair the kite. However, it would have been really nice if they gave you colored repair material to match your kite instead of just standard gray.
Specs for flights:
- My weight: 200lbs
Board: 134 Liquid Force Recoil & 145 Liquid Force WLF
Harness: Liquid Force Luxury
Beach Conditions: Typical California coast with onshore winds and waves.
First Flight:
I flew the kite on the beach in 11mph just so I could see how it flew. I was instantly taken back by the kite’s performance, especially for such little wind. Sheeting the kite out (releasing the bar) completely depowers the kite, as you would expect. But the kite still flew depowered in 11mph wind! This was very impressive. I was also impressed with the kites turning ability for such little wind. If you power the kite it responds and turns tightly, close to a C kite. The kiter can also control the radius of a turn by bringing the bar farther in/out.
Second/Third Flight:
Wind Conditions: 15-23mph, some gusts
At first I was weary of flying such a large kite in 23mph winds. But after realizing I had so much control over the depower, I relaxed. Within 10 mins on the water I was doing short rides. Keep in mind, I am a beginner and have struggled to ride on my previous kite. Any time I fell or got into trouble I released the bar and the kite would go to 12 or mostly gently drift to the edge of the window. I did probably about 5 water relaunches. I never had a problem. The kite acted predictably and got up almost immediately. Super simple! I was completely stoked that after two days of riding on the water that I was actually beginning to kiteboard. This kite made all the difference for me. It was completely stable, practical, maneuverable, and most of all safe! As a beginner it is nice to have a kite that performs like a “Havoc/C kite” but remains stable and predictable. I am also extremely excited to have such a well-rounded kite. I rode in 23mph gusty winds and in 15 mph calm winds later that day, and the kite performed in both conditions magnificently. Overall, I would recommend the Liquid Force Session to anyone wanting a consistent everyday kite where they can go out and simply ride without any worries.
Light Wind Capabilities:
Well, I would first off say this kite does fly in light-wind BUT it does seem on the heavy side. By light wind I mean 10-15mph winds. My friends were flying 9m waroos and their kites performed/flew the same as my 12m in 12mph winds. It is pretty obvious that when you compare the Session to a Waroo the Session is a heavier kite and thus might backstall. It did for me twice in 12 mph winds when I had it fully powered on the bar and kite. Just something to keep in mind if you are purchasing this kite as a "lightwind kite." If you are looking for a kite for winds in the range of 15-25mph this kite will be perfect.
At a Glance Report Card
- Inflation system: Excellent
Control Bar: Excellent/Above Average
Control Bar Accessories: Above Average
Safety System: Excellent
Bridle: Excellent
Stability: Excellent!
Power: Excellent when needed
Turning: Excellent for an SLE
Pop: I don’t have enough experience to say. ☺
Bar Pressure: Excellent; Just the right amount
Depower: Excellent
Relaunch: Excellently simple
Durability: Excellent
Kite Bag: Average; good quality just small for a 12m [EDIT: Excellent! (see above)]
Pump: Average; nothing special
But It´s cool to get a beginners perspective on a kite, makes a change from the usual "buy this kite now cus its got mega hangtime and I can stay upwind in 10knots on a 10m etc etc bullsh!t"