Review Ocean Rodeo Flite 2014
« Return to search resultsRiding type: | Light wind kites |
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Year: | 2014 |
Brand: | Ocean Rodeo |
Size: | 14.5m, 17m |
Type: | SLE |
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Kite
High performance light wind kite
Designers goals
First on, last off. Designed around a grin-inducing three strut frame, the Flite is a brand new super-light kite that will turn those faint blue arrows on the forecast into a brilliant orange. 30% lighter than its forebear with an agility and lightness of touch unequalled in its class, we’re confident that the Flite is the world’s best light wind kite.
From the first power stroke the Flite lets you know what it’s all about. It tracks through the sky like a monorail, turns so sweetly around its wingtips and is positively hydrophobic on relaunch. Race it, unhook it, loop it, send it, slay the mush with it, the Flite is so good you’ll be dodging Frisbees.
Features
Total depower
Bar
Movie
Details:
Riding type: | Light wind kites |
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Year: | 2014 |
Brand: | Ocean Rodeo |
Size: | 14.5m, 17m |
Type: | SLE |
One pump: | Yes |
Bridles: | Yes |
Number of struts: | 3 |
Colours: | Various |
Bar length: | 48cm or 55cm |
Line length: | 24-27+3m extensions |
Bar: | 4 lines |
Depower: | Clamcleat |
Safety: | Push |
Swivel: | Yes |
Variable bar length: | No |
Oh shit handles: | Yes |
Light wind kitesurf review Ocean Rodeo Flite 17m
Wind: 7-18 knots
Water: lake
Board: Twintip & raceboard
Bar set up: 23m & 27m lines
Detail Pictures
Most prominent Characteristics
Pros |
Cons |
- Enormous wide usability range |
- Basic finishing touch of bar and kite |
- Stability & feedback |
|
- Fast turning |
|
- High-end |
|
- Low end |
Conclusion
We tested the Ocean Rodeo Flite in 7 knots and gusty 18 knots. This 17m works great in both conditions. Great low end and great fun with 18 knots. We loved the control & fast turning of the Flite, this makes the kite playful. Lack of explosive pop and lift makes it easy to ride in gusty conditions high end conditions. The durability we couldn't test, but the finishing touch is pretty basic. We think a shame because its characteristics are comparable with the best brands of our industry.
Overall the Ocean Rodeo Flite is a great all-round freeride kite for a wide usable wind range!
Basics
Safety system
Basic but it works well. We think this kite deserves more tuning on the bar and kite. Like a better easy pump system
Total depower
Long depower range, kite stays stable and no fluttering of the canopy. Well done!
Kite re-launch
Tested in 7 knots. Pulling on both steering lines and the kite went up immediately
Windrange
Biggest we tested so far.
Kite stability
Stable in low end with direct steering. Also a very stable leading edge and kite feel in its high end. And ... no fluttering of the canopy!
Oldskool
Lift
Very gradual, that makes this lightwind kite easy to ride
Glide phase
Gradual lift with a great float
High-end
Enormous great high end. Stable, fast turning and trustful. Don't expect to much explosive power!
Low-end
Plaining with a big twintip in around 8 knots
Wave
Feedback at edge of wind window
Turning circle
Steering with low line tension
Reaction to steering action
This kite is very reactive for a 17m size
There are 5 reviews on this product:
fast reaction and turn,
very light kite with good lowend,
goes upwind like a charm,
easy relaunch,
!A must have toy!
Replys to this review
I have no affiliations with the manufacturer but have to say that this kite is a great piece of kit! It does everything a big kite needs to do although I've not yet been underneath it when the wind has picked up and pushed to the 20 knot mark so can't advise on how it handles that.
But for light wind free-riding it offers everything. Great response, huge floaty airs, stability and relaunching that must be best in class. It's also forgiving if you get your timing wrong so perfect if you use a big like like I do to learn new moves.
Highly recommended!!
Replys to this review
Replys to this review
I have had flites before, but the 2014 one is much lighter than the previous generation.
Effortless relaunch, quick turning for a big kite, and super stable.
Replys to this review
Replys to this review
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