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Speed Series Supersonic (Revolution)

The new Speed Series of kites from Revolution mark the first
major departure in design terms from the original kite which
appeared as the Neos Omega way back in 1989/90.

DESIGN / CONSTRUCTION
There are two models in the new shape: the Shock Wave and the Supersonic. First big change - the kite is a little smaller in size than a standard Rev with a 7 foot (1.9m span) and it has a reduced wing area supported with two down spars instead of one on each side. The lower wing tip is flattened off so there is a straight line between the two down spar ends. The old leading edge and the gauze have gone, being replaced with a Mylar laminate and much bigger spars (known as SLE: 'Super Leading Edge'). The range of new kites all have Icarex PC31 sails, except the 'budget' model of the 1.5: the EXP. The kites have new Cordura bags with external gauze pockets for lines and handles. When assembling the kite there is much more tension in the sail than on previous Revs and when the down spars were inserted, they made the leading edge curl over. This is presumably deliberate and it creates an aerofoil type shape at the leading edge of the kite. The 3 piece leading edge spar felt chunky but reasonably light, although the kite is not designed as an ultra light.

The construction quality of the kite was good; the seams are flat (not rolled) with the glue and stitch method. The spars are fitted with the familiar bungee/end cap arrangement. The test kite was supplied with good quality stainless steel handles (a la Rev 1), video and pre-stretched Laser Pro Gold lines.

FLIGHT TEST
Initial tests were carried out in changeable wind conditions. The Supersonic was a little tentative when the wind died. However as soon as there was some wind you know why the

kites have been named the Speed Series. Forward speed is high and the kite makes some noise as it rushes around the sky. As it is a little smaller than a standard Rev, its turn rate and stopping abilities are much quicker, slightly reminiscent of the Rev II but with more security. The Supersonic is very responsive and reacts to the slightest twitch of the wrist. Perhaps the biggest difference (apart from its speed) was the improvement in its edge control and reverse ability. The kite could be reversed across the window from one side to the other at speed and there was no hint of over control of the wing which was familiar on earlier models.

Having got used to flying the kite and with the wind a little steadier, fine control got better and its ability to hover became apparent, as well as sliding from side to side across the window and up and down in a vertical slide. Once again, the double spar arrangement seems to prevent the wing tips from flipping out so the kite was more forgiving during

prolonged slides and hovers.

CONCLUSION
The Speed Series Supersonic is made for fast, fun four line flight. As the name suggests, speed of forward and reverse flight is higher than that of previous Revolution kites, but the speed has been achieved coupled with a gain in edge control and forgiveness on the part of the kite. Having said that, the Speed Series kites are probably less suited to absolute precision (competition style) than a standard Rev, they are more about the exhilarating speed and fast response of the kite. The new 'Super Leading Edge' adds yet more stiffness and robustness to a kite which already has strength and the Icarex sail will give longer lasting colour, less permeability and longer life. Having started with a Revolution, the Hadzickis have found a way to evolve their original design, giving it different characteristics, improved quality and durability and more reliability in flight.