gismal wrote:iksurfmag says that there is a little flex in the tips, but as a rider you don't notice. Anyone else? Can this affect how the kite flies ? Are there any other reviews ?
I have a few days on the 14m evo, and just yesterday a 6,8,11 showed up at my door. I have flown almost all of the North line up except the 2014 Dice and Neo.
The Evo is for sure different then years past and it does have some tip flex but not that is noticeable in bar feel but only while staring at the kite while looping, in my experience. So far I am very happy and have done some s-loops, and multiple glide loops and it loops like a much smaller kite with great pull and rise to the zenith.
It may not have the low end of the same size rebel but, not by much and nothing a few pumps of the kite doesn't change. It has plenty of high end and I have been out on the 14 in about 25-30k and and although I was lit I was not scared. In this hills we start off under powered at the bottom and find ourselves lit at the top, the nice thing is if the kites is uncomfortable you can just go down, with the Evo, I just keep trusting it.
Like any kite jumping is up to the rider, I have no problem boosting with confidence, and like how some of the delta aspects of jumping has been replaced with a more familiar c-kite style input with bow kite results, very rewarding if you like to send it. And once you are up there, the kite has great over head manners and input back to the bar. I did find the lightest bar setting seemed to have a vague feeling while flying (gliding of hills) but not enough to notice in jumping, and for sure a personal preference "trimming" item, I was more then happy with the medium setting.
As always build quality is amazing, and the new valve is simple easy, I feel like a kid again I can pump the 14 with out a "rest" and I have not had a problem with any of the 2014 valves, It seems the new Evos have a new version that close in the same direction as the screw on cap to stop any contact between the cap and the valve from cause leakage like the first generation, I only read about this happening on kiteforum.com I never personally experienced it with the old valve, but understand how it may if you had sand or dirt in the "cap".
I am more then happy to answer any questions, and can share more info as I fly the kites more. I ride race gear, twin tip (boots and straps), surfboard(strapless), and skim style boards, aleia, wake skate etc. I also snow kite (ski and board) so I am under gear year round. I am also a North athlete so I am a little baise because I love my gear!
Last year 2013 I flew the rebels, and the evos, and dynos and fuse and vegas. This year 2014 I have flown the rebel and Evo so far.