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.

High performance 5th line kite from Liquid Force. Performance for wakestyle riders with with the feel of a hybrid.

Check out the sick video:

Here is the info from the Liquid Force website. Full specs HERE.
The HiFi is LF’s new flat water, wave, competition oriented kite. If kite looping and new school wake style is what you are into than this is the kite for you. It is a 5th line hybrid, giving the kite the de-power of a SLE with the direct feeling of a 5th line kite. The HiFi also features a two option 5th line riding system in which you can ether ride with the 5th line above the bar, free from bar obstruction, or below the bar for the classic 5th line set up.

Complete De-power:
The 5th line system of this kite allow it to have 100% de-power when the 5th line is engaged.

LF Direct 5th Line Support:
This 5th line SLE utilizes a 5th line for it’s leading edge support giving it the de-power of an SLE but the direct feeling of a 5 line kite.

New Diamond Wingtip:
The Diamond wingtip speeds up the turning of the kite and maximizes its de-power ability.

Nuke Proof Construction:
The HiFi features triple stitched, taped seems and connection point reinforcing all over the kite and where the canopy meets the LE as well as along the LE seam making the HiFi one of the most durable kites in the industry.

No Brainer Pigtails:
The looped front line attachment points and the knotted back line attachment points ensure that you always hook your lines up correctly.

Union Inflation System:
The Union Single Point Inflation System allows your entire kite to be inflated from one nozzle.

Dumb Valve:
The HiFi has an extra large dump valve to rapidly release the air from your kite.

Anti Flutter Technology:
The HiFi kite incorporates black Dacron striping to eliminated flutter and distortion when flying the kite extremely de-powered.

Profile Enhancing Segmented Struts:
Each strut on the HiFi is broken up into multiple segments in order to aid and enhance the kite’s profile.

Molded LE Skid Plates:
All the skid plates are molded making them stylish and extra durable.

And you have to check out this 313 on a Liquid Force Hi Fi.