G'day all,

I found it interesting that Naish have said that the new Naish Fly 15m has the power of an 18m, and turns like a 12m. Over the weekend I got to test the Fly and put it head to head against a little list of proven light wind kites. We had on hand Dyno 18m, Dyno 16m, and Ozone Edge 17m.

First interesting thing was the size of the kites, and as a quick test we layed the 18m at the bottom thinking it was the biggest then the 17m, 16m and the 15m last being the top one. Sure enough, the 18m was the longest but the mid section area (where you would think you get the power from) was not the biggest. The Naish Fly was clearly larger than the 18m, up until the last quater strut where the 18m just came out, and if you think about it, not really doing much for lift in this area.

We pumped up the kites and shuffled them about and no matter which way we put them, the Fly was bigger, with about 4 or 5 inches more canopy on the trailing edge, up to the last quater strut panel, the Fly again was bigger.

The Fly has has a huge tip and it appears that the turning/steering tow point is way out further than all of the other kites so I would say this is the reason it can turn faster, hence turns like a 12m which it did in our flying test.

But the true test for me was the flying test and although the Fly is a great kite, for my heavy arse (ass) the Dyno 18m is the clear winner for power, 17m Edge next then the Dyno 16m and you can imagine, the sizes would probably be a reason for this. I could not say how the Fly went exactly as I found some adjustments we hadn't done yet so after we put the bridal in the power setting, then I'll make my observations.

Turning speed the Fly was the winner but not by as much as you think with the Dyno 18m by far the slowest which isn't a bad thing at all, just the way it was designed (park and ride).

My son has riden the Fly for the past 3 days and is starting to really enjoy it and loves it but he's into the flicky stuff and I figure this is where the Fly is aiming for, rather than the shear power and speed. I couldn't get it to go upwind near as well as my Dyno 18m, or jump it as well but it did loop nicer, but I could get the 16m Dyno to go just as quick in the loops but remember I'm a little different as I'm really heavy and tend to get different results than others as I can put alot of force into it when I need to. Infact, if the Ozone Edge isn't pumped to 8 or 9 psi, every kite loop the leading edge would fold, where as the Dyno's didn't show any folding or distortion.

I can't comment on upper wind range except that I know the Dyno's and Edge are fantastic, and all jump really well, just not sure on the Naish Fly.

Interesting indeed, power of an 18m, turns like a 12m is mostly true.

cheers for now,

Robbie

... this pic showing the difference in the 18m to the 16m Dyno, clearly the 16m is smaller as you would expect!

ps I pay for all my kites, no shop stooge here, just an observation!

... this is frustrating, 4 attempt now, Toby, when I do mulitple pics, the last ones are gone and when I go back, I get a blank page... here I go again:

... again:

... you can see clearly the Fly is bigger in the middle section!

... and again:

16m Dyno in front, 17m Edge, then 18m Dyno with 15m Fly at the back:

.. and again:

Bottom up: Dyno 18m, Dyno 16m, Ozone Edge 17m and 15m Naish Fly

Daily I add pictures to postings, never a problem.
Try another browser and see if that works.

Thx for the comparison. Would be nice to hear what happens if wind gets stronger and you jump with all kites. Lift and hangtime!

Great writeup. Makes sense.



This is mainly the difference between high and medium aspect kites. I know you know this, but there is more to the shape than that...but you know in general The Dyno og Edge are race kites, and should normally be slimmer in the center, and longer, but the modern kite hide a little in the bend down You probably tried this, but did the fly seem longer if you put it on top too?

Normally you'd experience more power in race kites once you get some speed on them. The Fly is not geared towards the race scene as far as I have seen, but I am sure in super light wind it would work. Either way, it would be exactly what I'd expect..the free style free rider likes the faster turning, kite, the racers like the race kites?

As someone pondering a new light(er) wind kite, this was an interesting and informative post, thank you...... I dont suppose anyone near you has a Fat Lady or an Airush One 15, do they ?:)

Nice post mate actually had some facts instead of some pimps paid opinions, we need more informative posts like this that actually say something and compare things. fortunately my biggest kite is a 9 but it was interesting info that I was curious about!

thx for the info Puetz!

Could You let me know what is your weight and at what wind speed did you start planing with the Fly.

Thank You!