Eclipse Nano 9m

Okay so I’m a newb and will struggle to give lots of ‘techy’ details on this kite so I will tell you all my Nano story…..

Prolouge:

My kiting experience: Newb that had one day lesson late last summer and had struggled to learn over the winter in the cold, wet choppy mush in the West of Scotland. Was just about getting upwind and through the chop before leaving for a two week holiday to Thailand where I have much improved and was beginning to make small jumps, but came back to the chop of home and will take a bit of adjusting.

I have had a 12m LF Assault that was a bit of a handful to an out and out newb – inverted on me a couple of times, but on reflection mostly my input at fault. Had a 12m Naish Shockwave that was excellent and really got me going, super stable but the bar pressure could be a bit much. Recently acquired a 14m Turbo Diesel that was for a trip to Thailand as I had read about the light wind ability of this kite and there was no lies here – it pulls like a truck, takes some skill in kite flying ability but when dialled this thing goes up wind like a machine.

So I have tried a few kites in my short kiting history and also had a few boards – 150 LF Proof, 130 Skywalker Pro and 130 Nobile 555 both too small a transition (the Nobile was mis-advertised on Ebay), but I ride now on a 135 x 41 Fanatic Sky Solbach Pro that suits my level perfectly. Also form my eclectic past you can see that I have no affiliation and if anything the Naish has been so far my favourite kite – rock solid and looked bombproof, but they are expensive!

Chapter One:

So I read up on Hua Hin Thailand and everything points to a big kite for what is a relatively fast thermic wind that lacks the ‘punch’ of a more cold or consistent wind. So for my 87kg’s I sell my Shockwave and buy the 14m SS TD. However, my 52kg wife is planning on getting lessons out there so we settle on the 9m Nano for her everyday size/my higher wind kite.

Reason I plucked for Eclipse was I like the ethos of the guys and they seemed genuine enough in a sea of pimps, plus they donate to charidee mate. I started making enquiries and was met by an amazing level of customer service that extended to me having one of a very initial batch of kites being shipped to my hotel in Thailand when the delivery would not make it to me in the UK for my holiday (vacation) (thanks again Chris).

I chose the Nano as it had one-pump and I liked the idea of the 3 strut construction being easy to pack/store/travel and that the low end might be a little better due to it being lighter. This is something I’m extremely glad of as I get to Thailand and find most guys on 12m Switchblades and Xbows but think I might be able to hold down the TD, which I could early in the session, but as the thermic built during the day it became increasingly hard to hold the power down. I was also told that the wind was unusually strong this year and got to the beach 4 days in to find it just blowing too hard for the 14.

Chapter Two:

Nano to the rescue!!! Never having flown a 9m Kite I did not know what to expect but one of the instructors told me that with some flying of the kite I would be able to get going, maybe loosing a little ground on the 9m. So I pump it up set it to free-ride on the switch system, launch it have a play with the power settings, dial it in have a play on the beach and think “mmmmmm powerâ€Â

Glad you liked the Nano 9.

I myself have the Nano 6 and really like this kite for traveling due to it's size and abilities to get you going when others are on 12s.

I weigh 75kg wet and can ride the Nano 6 in around 14knts on a Nobile 666 129x39 board.

This post is for s29feb.
I just wanted to let you know that the post you put up about the NANO was very well put together. I am sorry to ask this but who are you if I may ask? You can send me an e-mail via ECLIPSE kites.
I need to have more info about what you thought about the kite and what can be done to make it even better for 2008. What else you like and desliked about the kite because I am working on 2008 models. So please send me an e-mail.
Thanks.

Dimitri,

I'm John Barber

We have had some emails about the one pump tube clips and the neoprene covers

I will post more feedback the kite as I use it more, looking like a good 25 knot on-shore forecast for this weekend.

I want to start to learn to jump on this kite - much less scary than my SS TD (not a bad kite), and the very short throw on the chicken loop will help I suspect?

Might also develop some 'technical kite speak' as well to help me with future reviews - however I think a story told really helps those in a similar situation/level to me?

How to improve it.... get the 12m finished so I can truly travel light in the future, I suspect I could get a 9m and a 12m with bar and lines into one of the bags and get it on a plane as hand luggage.



Whe I was away in Thailand one of the instructors took it out and was really lit, throwing loops and doing handle passes. I asked him if he liked the kite when he cam in and all he did was grin ear to ear and give me the thumbs up sign

So it is you.... Thanks
I am very happy that you like the kite. Concerning the 12 Nano I think you should try the 12 THRUSTER. This kite is sick, ofcourse it is not a one pump. But this kite has some big air and very fast.

Hua Hin:

View from 'Monkey Mountain' looking up the beach the kite centre is about 3/4 up and the wind is crosshore going upwards in the pic (from behind)



Kiters





Me on the Nano

Would appreciate any more feedback from John and other owners of the nano 9. I have a friend who is interested in this kite who is also a newb.

What would be the expected windrange for a 75kg rider with a 128cm twin tip in flat/choppy conditions for both the nano 6 and nano 9?

By the way - I have been happy with my Chameleon 13 - will take me some time to get used to it - unable to get out on the water due to lack of wind and a shoulder injury.

Thanks

I have the Nano 9 and love it. This kite is super high performing but a breeze to use even as a beginner. I am about 85kg and ride a 131 Skywalker and my wind range is about 22- 32 MPH. Yours I am sure would be a bit less.

Hello guys.
We are in San Fransisco doing demos and today was a very very gusty windy day 18 to 35mph. I did not even go out. All I did was letting people try the NANO 6, NANO 9, and THRUSTER 10.
It was amazing to see how many people loved the kites.
I think you are going to have few people posting some reviews about the NANO and the THRUSTER so this might help you learn more about these kites. Two of the riders wanted to buy the kites right on the spot but we need them for the next Demo in Pismo Beach.

Sburlo,

What are your wind conditions locally? ie. cold punchy strong or more constant thermal stuff?

Also how much of a newb? I think board choice might be important here as the 9m certinaly has more low end that other 9's but I would always couple it with a larger board