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DRAKAR 4M² - (Eolo Sport)

A lively foil with fast acceleration

European kite manufacturers have decidedly changed their focus and have decided to look at the traction market. Following Paimpol end their Mad Kyte, the Spanish EoIo Sport company takes its turn with the Drakar.

The Drakar is a traction kite available with two' or four lines and not two OR four lines. That's to say the kite isn't convertible from one to the other, which is surprising when the attachment points are the same on both kites with loops all the way along the trailing edge. The sail is exactly the same for both types with only the bridle being different. A difference which would appear strange as someone wanting to fly the kite on two or four lines will need to buy

two kites whereas an optional bridle would be much less expensive.

CONSTRUCTION
Available in 2,4 and 6 m2, we tested the middle of the range 4 metre in the two line version.

The bridle is an arch from which a series of three bridle legs go to the attachment points and then back to the arch, which should give good stability in flight.

The trailing edge is slightly elliptical giving the whole kite a non-rectangular form. The profile of the kite is quite fine with gauze over the air intake. The gaps between risers are relatively large; there are 16 pockets over the 4 metre span.

The general quality is good, the bridle attachments are sewn solidly into the risers. The sewing is generally very good, only the trailing edge wasn't absolutely perfect. One nice feature was the sewing on the trailing edge which stops on each riser, allowing an easy repair in case of a rip as only the cell concerned would have to he opened up.

FLIGHT TEST
The Drakar 4m2 will start flying in as little as 5mph and starts to generate a decent amount of pull when the wind gets up to about 12-15mph.

The kite is very stable even on the edge of the window, which is itself very large. It seems to always want to move towards the wind, even on the edges of its window and when overhead, the kite keeps going without deflating. It's only if you hold the kite still on the edge of the window and then make a downward turn that the kite will have a tendency to de-pressurize. Raving said that, if you make the same turn arriving at the edge with some speed, the kite stays well inflated. The Drakar will put up with more violent commands and responds well. It flies fast and has surprisingly good acceleration, and can be classed amongst the more exciting traction kites. In a steady wind, the kite's acceleration will propel the pilot quite happily but without violence.

CONCLUSION
The Drakar will best suit the leisure flyer rather than a "pro". It will be great for skiing barefoot down the beach, a few small jumps and, due to its acceleration, is fine for the occasional buggier or "body bashing" through the waves.