Review Flysurfer Sonic2 2017

Rider profile

Hydrofoil, airstyle & race

Designers goals (manufacturer text)

The SONIC2 embodies our vision of a modern, highly advanced racing wing. Each detail designed with performance in mind. Beautifully balanced and responsive turning, optimised lightweight construction and refined aerodynamics all come together to create a sublime riding experience.

Features

• Double Cordwise Ballooning

  Double Cordwise Ballooning minimises the creasing of the cells on the kite to an absolute minimum. With exactly calculated arc-shaped panel cuts and double-stitched and glued seams, a perfectly smooth, high performance airfoil is created. This optimizes the aerodynamics, especially the glide ratio and the low end of the kite.

• Flat Winglet Technology

  The Flat Winglet technology reduces the induced aerodynamic drag, whilst at the same time increasing lift. This leads to a noticeable improvement in lift to glide ratio and forward flying speed of the kite. As well as constant pull while turning without wingtip collapse.

• Maximum Pressure Valves

  The M.P.V in the center of the leading edge provides maximum air flow into the kite. The kite fills faster and accelerates even when fully depowered. A moving separator inside the valve transfers the airflow directly into the kite, regardless of angle of attack. Improved internal pressure means the kite is stiffer, more responsive and stable.

• Lightweight Construction

  The SONIC2 benefits from a unique material composition. The LOTUS top sail forms a wrinkle-free airfoil and facilitates the relaunch in light winds. The DLX + bottom sail contributes to the directness of the kite and allows a reactive bar feedback. The ribs, V-belts and cells of the inner construction are designed for diagonal rigidity at highest loads to keep the SONIC2 in form. The weight reduction obtained increases stability and allows deeper downwind courses.

• Triple Depower Technology

  There are 3 ways the kite achieves its maximum depower: Reducing the angle of attack, profile change and reducing the projected area. This leads to a huge wind range and ideal handling.

• Sharp Mini Ribs

  Doubling the number of cells at the trailing edge increases its shape stability substantially. This means less turbulence, improved aerodynamics and thus performance.

• Automatic Drainage System

  The proven drainage system integrated in the whole trailing edge of the kite, with finally openings near the tips, about the size of a hand. They allow water and sand to be drained automatically, without influencing the performance of the kite.

• Rigid Foil Technologie

  These stiffeners integrated in the leading edge ensure a smooth, creaseless and stiff topsail. This results in reduced aerodynamic drag and enhanced kite stability. As a result, the kite translates every gust of wind into propulsion without deforming the canopy. Overall, the Rigid Foils increases the kite’s stiffness and makes it more dynamic.

• Super Charger

  The Super Charger is an optional extra which uses a special redirection of the brake level of the bridle allowing it to be pulled-in more when powering up. The result is an extra boost on the downwind course and a higher glide ratio on the upwind course. The holding and steering forces increase significantly though, when powering up. Also there is an increased possibility of tangling the additional pulleys when launching and landing, as well as during (water) re-launch. The Supercharger can be modified and adjusted to your personal needs. We recommend this optional add-on specifically for competition use, to get maximum performance from your SONIC2 or SONIC-FR.

• IKA registered

  FLYSURFER is passionate about kite-racing and has registered the SONIC2 kite officially. This allows you to attend every official IKA racing event. Even if a FLYSURFER kite construction is officially approved for kite racing in the IKA class – Formula Kite, this does NOT mean that the kite itself is automatically IKA registered. This must be registered by the rider him/herself, so that he/she is allowed to officially compete in the IKA class – Formula Kite and it’s specific events. Link to registration form: http://flysurfer.com/ika-registration/

Control bar Flysurfer Sonic2

Video Flysurfer Sonic 2 

KiteFinder interview during the 2016 Pringles World Cup in Fehmarn

Kite review Flysurfer Sonic2

Test conditions

wind: tested from 4 to 20 knots

water: Flat water 

bar setting: fabric

boards: Tested with a Hydrofoil in light wind and Twin tip above 15 knots

Conclusion

This isn't only a race kite! If you're all about light wind riding or about big floaty airs. The Sonic2 is the kite for you. 
The Flysurfer Sonic2 is the real thing! Better than its predecessor and we believe better than the Speed5. This kite flies & rides amazing in 5 knots of wind with a hydrofoil and in +18 knots you can boost big airs with a twin tip.
Stable? YES! Depower? YES.Wide wide wind range? YES. Relaunchable? YES, you need the the light wind skills, the Sonic2 gives you around 7 minutes relaunch time ... so YES best foil relaunch we ever tested!

PROS & CONS

+ 4 to 20 knots of windrange
+ usable fora wide range of conditions and surroundings (water, beach & snow)
+ excellent for light wind hydrofoiling 
+ great for high wind big airs
+easy new power handling with a sheet and go power delivery

+/- We understand this is not a kite issue, more a skills issue! The Sonic2 is made so well that you easily foil in 5 knots, but it can bring you in a tight position if the kite crashes.
Beware of your light wind kite relaunch skills. You have around 7 minutes for take off.

Yes, we are thunderstruck by this kite. The power control, the stability and the wind & user -range! Love to see how Flysurfer tries to break light wind & high wind depower boundaries.

Well done Flysurfer!

Youtube Kite reviews Flysurfer Sonic2