Review Takoon Chrono 2011

Kite

The Takoon Chrono is Takoons 4 line SLE Allround kite.

Designer History

The man Designing kites for Takoon is the same Frenchman who designed the first inflatable kites in the 90's with the brand Wipika. Now, many years later the kites have changed and developen a lot, different designers and different viewpoints have brought the kites to their current level.  Click here for the history of kitesurfing.

Designers Goals

The Takoon Chrono is a SLE kite with a one-pump system. Compared to the 2010 Chrono the 2011 model is more rigid.  This has been accomplised by changing the strut construction.  The new construction should make the kite more stable in gusty win.  Characteristics aimed for are: Good up-wind ability, good low-end, lift and hangtime and a large wind-range.

Who is the kite for?

The 2011 Takoon Chrono is a freeride kite.  The designers made the Chrono for big airs and high speed. The 10M Chrono which we tested is a 6 strut SLE kite with a large windrange. So we paid extra attention to the speed, big airs and wind-range in our test.

Off water

The shape of this 6 strut SLE kite is wide, giving the canopy a large projected surface. The kite definitly feels more rigid than the previous models. The struts are firmly connected to the leading edge. The one-pump system looks sound and performs good.
The bar has a lot of features.  the depower line has a plastic coating to prevent wear. The safety line connection is a bit simple with just a loop in the line, so when you want to connect your safety leash you need two hands to do so. The safety system uses velcro and is a bit outdated compared to some other brands, but functions fine nonetheless!

On water

The power buildup of the 2011 Chrono can be described as soft.  The Chrono accelerates quite fast once it's in postition in the wind-window (with enough wind). In the low-end it takes a bit more work to get up to speed, this is due to the gradual buildup of power and the steering force required to move the kite (note: Using a race-board instead of a twin-tip will increase the low-end significally). Going up-wind also strongly depends on the board you are using, but generally the Chrono will take you upwind easily and gives a lot of pull.  The feedback on the edge of the wind-window is good.
Once you gained speed the pull the Chrono generates can work against you a bit, especially in the standard setup when the kite will position itself back in the wind-window.
The glidephase is very good and makes the Chrono suitable for oldschool riding, even with mild winds you can feel the glide potential of the Chrono.  The lift is gradual and soft.  In it's high-end the Chrono is a safe kite due to the total depower and good feedback through the steering lines.

Conclusion

The Chrono is made for freeriding and racing, which shows in the characteristics. A lot of feedback through the steering lines, total depower, quick acceleration and great gliding. The acceleration fits with this being a race-kite. However, once you are at speed the kite will move back in the wind-window which results in more pull and reduced speed. The Chrono makes going upwind easy.
The Chrono offer oldschool/big air lovers great gliding, but the lift is gradual and will not take you very high.
It all comes down to what you are looking for in a kite.  If you are heavy you might need more lift, but if you are light and not an expert, the gradual lift of the Chrono might be exactly what you are looking for.
The designers decide what characteristics they want to put in a kite. The riders from all over the world have their local conditions and personal preferences. All I can say is "test it!". Decide what you are looking for in a kite and test the kites that are designed with those characteristics in mind, that way you will find the kite that will help you get the best out of your (sometimes scarce) session.

Final word on the Chrono; this kite is a sprinter and a glider....  what are you looking for in a kite?