2009 Liquid Force Kite Gear - First time the no-wind new gear curse didn’t hit this year. Sweet.

2009 Liquid Force Havoc 3

These kites arrived last fall and have been riding them since. Both the 16M and 12M. These are sweet. Been riding the Havoc line since they came out in 2007. The Hav 3 improves slightly over the 2008 model. It relaunches slightly better. I find it better for unhooked as you can pull it out of the wind window easier. The construction is noticeably better. The kites have slightly more bar pressure than Hav2’s which is nice to be able to feel the the position of the kite within the wind window. Kite specific, the 16M pulls like a truck. If you can’t get going on one of these, its not worth riding anyways. It also has great depower, you won’t get blown off this kite right when it picks up. The 12M is fast and also has great depower. These 2 kites together make a great quiver for the midwest when the super honking days are few and far in between. Smaller and new riders might want to size down to the 10 and 14.

2009 Liquid Force WLF 145

I’m glad to have a big board back in my quiver. The WLF is a good one. Very light for a board this big, even with bindings on. The board rides fairly flat but you can still dig in and hold it down when the wind is up. Most likely due to the massive 2″ fins they send with it. I will probably size down to 1.5″ fins. Will update when I get a feel for them. Also, haven’t tested in light light wind for a low end yet.

As for performance, it is a high performance big board. Much better than anything else this large I’ve ridden. It has great pop for wakestyle. The big surprise to me was the low swing weight. Could still ollie 360 on it which was a surprise. Normally anything 140 or up I have problems getting the board around. Not with this one. I’d recommend it to a beginner that is looking for a board they can progress with and advanced riders looking for a big board to fill the quiver. The large area makes a great landing pad for learning new tricks.

2009 Liquid Force Synergy Bindings

There was a big improvement from the Escalade bindings to this year’s new Synergy’s. Notably, the heel hold down that is on the inside. Keeps your foot from moving around and in place. The foot pad is cushy. As for the internal material, it isn’t the slick foam anymore, LF has incorporated a slick fabric liner over the foam. Still super easy to get the foot into but more comfort. The front tongue flap nests much better and easier that wraps around your lower leg. The boot is still flexible enough to steeze it out. One oversight is the lack of a front handle in my opinion. Those always help getting them on, not too bad though. The laces are easy to tighten and wrench your foot down. Sweet boot. Big ups over the Escalade.

2009 Liquid Force Comp Harness

Comfy. Doesn’t rub into your sides like the 2008 Luxury Harness. Quick release is solid and doesn’t trip when not wanted. The harness feels good. Fits solid to the lower back. The back of it provides good support to keep your back from aching while riding. The spreader bar stays where it should, low and centered even when the kite is at 12 o’clock. Riding toeside, it spins easily to the side (very nice).

2009 Liquid Force Concept Grind 138

I’m patiently awaiting this to hit my doorstep. Will review when I get some time on it.

2008 Liquid Force Hi-Fi 9M

I haven’t had a small kite in my quiver for years and got this one for a steal. Love going back to a C-Kite. Really enjoy it for wakestyle and in high winds. It will not replace or convert me away from the Havocs just yet, but was stoked to ride it. More bar pressure decreases session time. Relaunches fine, as any 9M should when its that windy. Great wakestyle pop.

Here are some spy pics from one of the most progressive kiter, Ruben Lenten’s, competition kite. This yet to be finalized 2009 Slingshot Fuel will prove once again to be on the top of the podium yet again this year. The newest fuel appears to have slightly swept back inflatable wing tips, fifth line and a progressive design. This is a long running success story for slingshot and it looks to continue into the future. These pictures are from the Oregon coast just outside of Slingshot headquarters in the Gorge.

Ocean Rodeo’s newest kite surfboard.  This one will get you charging the challenging waves of the Pacific northwest and around the world.

Shape: This board blends the huge 9mm single concave, into a two step rocker template giving maximum bite and glide through the mid section. The tri fin thruster rounded pin tail sets up quick and produces tight radius turns at speed.

Foot Straps: Multiple foot strap insert options. 2 Velcro adjustable foot straps. 3 Layer EVA traction pads for added riding comfort and grip. Leash plug.

More info at Ocean Rodeo’s WEBSITE.

By far this is the sickest edited kite video ever. It is a product promo and I could watch it a thousand times.

There will be more info on this kite coming shortly but this will surely get you excited. It is going to be a fifth line C kite ready to take on the PKRA which Aaron has already won multiple times. Check out his website for updates on this beast.

From Aaron about his new kite:

After constant testing, improvement and refinement it is finally ready to launch, if you are looking for the best C kite on the market, in my view this is it. It’s major pop, ability to Mega loop in the strong winds and constant power are just a few key features that makes it perfect for me.

As progressive freestyle kiteboarding evolves, the Vegas adapts and conquers! The ‘08 Vegas is a high de-power C-design tuned for direct bar-feel and constant power to give you confidence when loading up, unhooking and throwing powered tricks and jumps. Smooth, reactive steering gives the kite a very lively and crisp feel and also makes the Vegas perfect for kite-loops. 5th Element safety lets you go for glory with peace of mind while the Vegas’ quick, easy re-launch gets you back up and riding hassle-free after a wipe-out.

In ‘08 the Vegas easily lives up to it’s reputation as the definitive freestyle kite, robust construction and unmistakable style.

Check the specs and some sick riding.