Rider: 72kg,advanced
Style: Freeriding, Surf, Freestyle
Weather: 15-22 knots
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 9/10
Disclosure: team rider
My Comments:
The Surf is the new wave-specific kite from Epic. It's available in 3 sizes 5, 8 and 12m (I've only tested the 8m).
This kite hits the market very recently so there is not much information available yet, so I hope this review will be useful.
It's a three struts kite with a very specific shape. The nose that doesn't touch the ground reminds me of the Naish Sigma but the rest of the kite is very different (see pictures).
I've only had a couple of quick sessions on this kite, with average surf conditions, so these are just my first impressions and I'll try to get back to this thread after spending more time on it.
The kite feels powerful but it doesn't rip me off the board through the turns, no matter how hard I sent the kite through the window.
The kite is super stable and drifts really well. I got washed up a few times and even with a bunch of slack in the lines, I always found the kite with a canopy full of wind, just waiting for me to grab the bar and get back on the board.
As most surf kites, it rockets upwind. Because of the shape, I was a bit skeptical about the relaunching but it turned out to be very good. The nose doesn't touch the surface, so the water doesn't go onto the canopy and it makes the relaunch super fast).
The 4G bar is the same as my other Epic kite. It's simple, very functional and comfortable, the quick release is at the top of the chicken loop and works very well. The only thing I'd change is adding some sort of padding or soft ends so you don't damage your board with the bar.
Build quality:
Very strong construction with a bunch of reinforced stitchings in high stress areas. It has a large dump valve with a nice neoprene cap to protect the canopy.
The bag is very well-made too. Plenty of space, extra pockets for the surf fins and the wax. All the zippers are in plastic and never get stuck with salt/sand/rust.
Goodies:
Not many kites come equipped like that. The kite comes with an extra set of 18m lines for strong wind conditions (I haven't tried them yet).
You also get an additional travel bag, a KiteAID repair kit (!), extra clip, patch, zip tie and tube, ...
The package is impressive, I really like the attention to details.
Purchasing & Delivery:
You can't argue with the quality and level of customer service offered by Epic Kites.
Dimitri (the owner) is always very keen to answer questions and genuinely considers users' feedbacks for the development of his kites.
The australian distributor, Nigel (East Coast Kitesurfing) does a fantastic job keeping his customers happy too. Don't hesitate to contact him if you want to demo any Epic kite.
Conclusion:
I haven't spent much time on it yet but so far, I'm stocked. It's a very specific kite for a specific purpose but it does a great job at it. You might be reluctant with the design at first (I was), but it works surprisingly well.
If you're hunting for a new surf kite or just curious about trying something new, I highly recommend to add this kite to your demo list.
There is 1 demo kite available in Perth at the moment. Just send me a mp if you want to give it go (I will be in Kitestock this weekend).
Otherwise you can get in touch with Nigel (EastCC), I'm sure he can arrange a demo for you.
I don't like it that the leading edge stands up like that when at rest. What if a sudden gust of wind picks it up!?
I know I was a bit scared at first but it doesn't seem move at all when on the ground (~20kn)
20 knots - we're getting used to 35-40 knots (Sunday was 45-50 knots) - then does it still remain on the beach when sanded ?
How about self landing ? Once landed does it remain on the beach without sand/weight on the kite ?
In any case what I like is that they show the kite in real ugly waves (not the typical perfect waves like most big brands where even a Wipika Airblast would have been fine) www.epickiteskiteboarding.com/
So I guess it has been tested in real bad conditions.
I took it out again last Monday, the wind was a bit stronger 28-30kn I'd say.
I was a bit overpowered strapless so I didn't stay long on the 8m but I tried to self-land (with a mate nearby, just in case). Smooth, no issue at all, the kite sticked to the ground.
At first, I was a bit worried it got blown away, but the shape doesn't seem to be a problem, it just behaves like any other kite and remains on the beach as long as you secure it properly
Here is a video of the prototype, not exactly the final version but it gives a good idea of how it flies:
We'll have the 12m Surf down at Currumbin tomorrow from 12 if you're near the Goldie and want a try
I can only tell from my experience with the Naish Helix and Bolt that the kink in the LE is no issue at all when it sits on the beach or for self-landing. I still have a 5m Bolt and that is my storm kite. Sits on the beach like every other kite.
Demo the 12m the other day. Enjoyed the feel of the kite even with its sigma style LE. Quick enough for a 12m in 20-22kts, but not twitchy unless the bar was fully out. Having said that, I was fully depowered on it at the time as im normally on a 9m strapless.
Get the trim right and its happy days. Power transition thru the range was gradual, and the canopy enjoyed board speed. Didnt rip me off the board at all with the decent long throw on hand.
Might not be everyones cup a joe, but works well as a wave kite. Felt comfy on it, but in the demo'd wind range a 10m would of been the pick if it was made. In short, get on one and give it a spin.
Well I am slightly biased
We distribute Epic here in the UK but we will only use what we genuinely like ourselves.
I was a little concerned what this kite would be like having flown a very early prototype kite whilst in Hatteras last year with Dimitri...quite frankly it sucked!
The Renegade is already a great kite in the surf especially in the smaller 6.5m & 9m, so I wondered how much better it could be, I needn't have worried it's even better...and some!
It really does turn on a sixpence, rotating on it's axis with out pulling you off the wave.
The feedback from people who've tried it is fantastic as well. People interested in a kite for the surf should deffo demo one!
MrsBlast on the 5m
Hi Blaskite, Your comments on the Reef 5'7" made me order one so let see if I will get an Epic Surf soon....
You sell other wave kites, I ride Religion 2011 and 2012 7m and 9m.
Now a few questions:
Does the Epic Surf drift well and does it go upwind well?
How is the 12m ? Is it still fast turning and is it powerful enough for light wind (on a Reef 5'7"
)?
Cheers.
