Review RRD Obsession 2011
« Return to search resultsRiding type: | Freeride/New School |
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Year: | 2011 |
Brand: | RRD |
Size: | 05m, 06m, 07m, 09m, 10.5m, 12m, 13.5m, 15m |
Type: | SLE |
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Kite
Freestyle 4 line SLE performance kite by RRD
Designer Goals
RRD designers claim to have increased the power the Obsession can generate 10% - 15% more power than the 2010 model. Power, stability and more feedback for example during kite loops. These are the key points of the 2011 obsession.
RRD designed the different sizes to have the same timing in the 7, 9 and 10.5 M kites for freestyle riders. According to the designers the Obsession should also suit big-air lovers.
More power, more feedback and more performance!
Details:
Riding type: | Freeride/New School |
---|---|
Year: | 2011 |
Brand: | RRD |
Size: | 05m, 06m, 07m, 09m, 10.5m, 12m, 13.5m, 15m |
Type: | SLE |
One pump: | Yes |
Bridles: | Yes |
Number of struts: | 5 |
Colours: | Various |
Line length: | 22m to 25m |
Bar length: | 55cm |
Bar: | 4 lines |
Depower: | Clamcleat |
Safety: | Pull |
Swivel: | Yes |
Variable bar length: | Yes |
Oh shit handles: | Yes |
Who is the kite for?
This is a performance kite for freestylers and big-air lovers.
RRD designers claim to have increased the power the Obsession can generate 10% - 15% more power than the 2010 model. Power, stability and more feedback for example during kite loops. These are the key points of the 2011 obsession.
RRD designed the different sizes to have the same timing in the 7, 9 and 10.5 M kites for freestyle riders. According to the designers the Obsession should also suit big-air lovers.
More power, more feedback and more performance!
Off water
When unpacking the 2011 Obsession two things catch your eye. First of all, the unconventional back side of the kite. The middle strut is shorter than the ones next to it, this results in a canopy which looks like it has a bit missing in the middle.
The second thing you notice is the extra fabric next to the tip struts. In the clip (specifications) Roberto Ricci explains that this improves the feedback of the obsession by moving the center of pressure more forward. This extra fabric also allows the designers to tune the kites to maintain the same characteristics throughout the size range.
The Obsession has two pulleys. The top pulley (see picture below) is the most important pulley, it allows the kite to trim itself in gusts. The Obsession looks nice and has a good finish. The panels are close to each other which increase durability. The Obsession has reflective materials incorporated on the tips, for the people who like optical features!
On water
Once you launch the Obsession you immediately feel the pull the kite generates. This pull is easily compensated by the available depower. The depower is short (short depower range) but allows for full depower. Depowered the control tends to decrease, so ensure you keep the kite somewhat powered! The Obsession scores good points on the stability and wind range, the freestyler can start performing trick quite soon due to the good low-end. In its high end the Obsession transforms into a big-air kite, a lot of lift and good feedback in the glide phase. There is quite a bit of bar pressure which only increases in the high-end, a feature you either like or dislike; but I know riders who like the feedback. The good feedback through the lines and the total depower make the Obsession a safe kite that will challenge a performance rider. It feels dependable.
The safety system is somewhat outdated, but performs fine!
Conclusion
RRD markets the Obsession as a performance freestyle/big air kite. Even though this sounds like a somewhat unlikely combination, it is exactly what the kite is. In the low-end a quick kite with good pop and boost. Once you get more wind the characteristics of the Obsession change and you get a kite with more bar pressure, more lift and good feedback. Great characteristics for the big-air freaks.
Basics
Safety system
Kite re-launch
Total depower
Windrange
Kite stability
Oldskool
Lift
Glide phase
In the high end +18 kts
There are 4 reviews on this product:
I did tested the 9m. I think the best way to find out if the 10.5 or 12m RRD in the local RRD shop.
I am 95 kg and tested the 9m in 15-22 knots.
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Thanks!
The V3 bar. I see we did write about it on the RRD Passion 2011 review. But is not translated yet.
http://www.kitemobile.nl/nl/kites/946/rrd-passion-20 11
It will come up soon!
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I see that you have not commented at the rigid thread lines that rrd are exclusive with ?
good review
cheers
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