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City Session (HQ Kites)

City Session (HQ Kites)

 

Specifications
Manufacturer:
Model:
Dimensions:
Weight:
Sail:
Frame:
Bridle:
Opt Wind Range:
Rec. Lines:
Price zone:
HQ Kites
City Session
195 x 83 cm
175g
Ventex Polyester
Carbon 4mm
Sleeved Dyneema
3 - 15 mph
50-80 lbs
about £88.00

In the street

The City Session is based on the Session 1.1, but it has been made lighter to enable it to fly in light winds, or even no wind at all, if flown using short lines. The main differences are in the sail, which has fewer panels in the central section, the kite also features a "trash" style screen print. The leading edges are in spinnaker fabric rather than Dacron, and the nose has been strengthened with Kevlar under the webbing. The carbon-fibre frame is now 4 mm instead of 5 mm, representing a total saving in weight of around 70 g. This makes it possible to fly in winds of about 3 mph, using 801b 175 ft lines. This set up keeps the kite very stable in straight line flight, although it does not like cutting sharp angular or really tight turns. Having said that, it is pretty well-behaved.

In light winds and using this length of line, the City Session responds well and performs good figures, In winds of force 2 to 3 and upwards, the kite flies more quickly and starts to develop a slight pull, although the frame then beginsto deform. The kite's lack of weight goes against it somewhat when flying freestyle, especially when performing figures which require inertia. To get it going you need to exaggerate your hand movements a little. This particular feature disappears with shorter lines, because response times are quicker. The kite has a liking for flying on its back (nose away or turtle) and recovers very easily.

The City Session is at its best performing freestyle tricks on very short lines, say 35ft and in winds anywhere between 3 and 15 mph. Even in this configuration, however, it still won't turn tightly. When executing downward turns (especially at the edge of the window), it often scrapes its leading edge on the ground. Belly landings are not very easy either, because the kite has trouble popping out onto its belly.

The City Session is, first and foremost, a playful freestyle best flown on short lines. It has a fresh, fashionable look and is versatile in light winds.

 

Good Points Bad Points
Short line flying
Build quality
Unusual look
Wont turn tightly
Limited wind range

Verdict
 
Ease of Use
Reliability
Design
Price/Quality Ratio
Performance in it's category
Packaging
3/5
4/5
4/5
4/5
4/5
3/5

 

Kite Passion Magazine

Kite Review taken from
Kite Passion Magazine March/April 97

 

General Kiting Info
home
welcome
kite reviews
terminology
coping with wind
Beaufort wind scale

safety code
kiting links
UK festival dates
UK stores
US stores

kite fest photos
design and plans

Buggying
how to buggy

first lesson

buggy tricks guide
buggy pics
tandem buggying
kite buggy email group

Power Kiting
kite jumping
kite surfing

 

Flexifoils
stacking Flexis
launching a Flexifoil

spar maintenance

 

Misc
kite bag
KiteAstrophy
sky surfer

about me
 

Extras
sanibel

holder 14

aquaria

guitars


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