Flexifoil Hadlow Pro 2011 Kite Review
DISCLAIMER: I am sponsored by Hunstanton Watersports and have been given a great deal on the Hadlows. However, I hope that I can still offer some good insights and I will also start with what I don't love about it rather than what I do:
Dont: The bridle instructions.
I've been kiting for 10 years and it took me and three other kiters to realise that some of the bridle extensions on the diagram are already attached to the lines. This was really confusing. Out of the bag it comes perfectly rigged-and-ready for 5-line kiting but changing it is definitely an IQ test. If you opt for the Hadlows I would take the time to understand all the different settings.
Do: The different settings, once you work them out, are awesome. Essentially there are two main options:
1.) De-power mode with small pulleys
2.) Full-power mode with bridles to keep the kite stable.
With each option you have the ability to add the 5th line for extra safety and control. So this means there are effectively 4 different ways you can have your kite set up. The de-power mode is ideal for wave riding, learning new tricks and dealing with a kite-size too big. Full power mode is awesome for full-on wake-style and big, fast kiteloops.
Do: Pop and Drop!
For the last 3 years I've been riding the fuels which I absolutely love. The 2009 and 2011 models pull like a train which is great for fully-powered riding. One thing I did find is that all my mates on the Hadlows were learning loads more techy handlepasses than I was and always seemed to be sticking them. I took a leap of faith switching to the Hadlows and now realise it's all down to the way the kite flutters in the sky a little bit when you pop hard. With a sharp push on the rail into a slim, back mobe or KGB I found I was catching the bar really easily and even getting my other hand on it 90% of the time. When it came to flat-3s I was bearing down wind and seeing the kite (which pulls you into the trick with a truckload of power) gently fluttering and making the pass way easier. For the first time I was able to get all the way round, put my other hand on the bar and touch the bar on the backide 5 (double handlepass off a kicker). That's something I've never even come close to on the fuels. The Hadlows have all the power of fuels but seem to be able to dissipate that power at the perfect moment if you pop hard. Incredible.
Do: Build quality. Everything from the stitching to the bar and lines is top-notch. A lot of thought has gone into build techniques and when you pump the kite up rock hard and hold it on the beach it just "feels" so solid.
So who is this kite for?: My honest opinion is that if you're into freestyle or free-ride that hybrid and bow-kites hold back intermediates. This kite is not for complete beginners but if you're up and riding and making some jumps and spins, this is a great kite to take your riding forward. If you want to unhook, boost big and try some kiteloops with a kite is powerful but amazing at catching you.
Cheers,
Check out the Flexifoil Hadlow Pro here
Words: Richard Burton
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