hey folks, welcome to another episode with Marian Hund
This time there is also Ralf Grösel and Aaron Hadlow
We are currently on Rügen
Came all the way from Hamburg this morning
with my brand new v-class
and we are ready to test some new kites
Ralf has developed some new Evos
more powerful and more sporty
really excited because last time we have tested them here as well
but there have been some details which had to be fixed
but the character was there already
really promising with lots of power and fun
now raid worked them over
can't wait to try them!
I'll take you with me testing and show you what we are doing
also I have some tips for you how to test new gear
 
Things you have to prepare in advance and what to look for
stay tuned its going to be exciting!
its on! Kites are pumped
Ralf did it already
and the lines are prepared
which means we can start
Mr Grösel!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We are in Wiek on Rügen
the spot is incredibly big
and is surrounded by beautiful nature
ideal wind direction is west
in case of good weather you probably get some thermal support during the day
almost everywhere you can get your feet on the ground
there are no stones, no mussels and no other hidden things in the water
 
in the entrance area the water is around knee level
further out its getting a little deeper but still hip level
the spot has a huge area for pumping and launching
 
directly behind there is the parking area
in case you are looking for kite lessons
 
check out fly a kite
Daniel and the boys are doing a very good job!
 
 
ok Ralf, there is one thing which nobody knows
yeah except you
Marian: But I am a nobody
Ralf: wouldn't say so
 
But there is one kite which will probably led to a lot of attention
and it has a internal project name
it has!
Whats the name?
its KOTA
Just guess for what this might stand for
but we will show you, why this thing is called KOTA
And what this kite is able to do
But we are not able to show the kite yet
sure not :D
We can't show the kite unfortunately
but the kite is incredible
we don't have much wind
currently flying one of the bigger sizes
but what's about to come is a milestone in kiteboarding
Id simply say that it is a lot of fun
 
it really amplifies kiteboarding
quite a lot
especially in terms of riding a twintip
 
 
 
 
let me tell you how the testing works
we have one or two kites
depends on which kite we are currently testing
here in the background
there
there is Aaron
Ralf is currently on the water
then we just alternate the kite
discussing feedback about our impression
 
huups
Ralf wants to be in the picture as well...
we talk about what we noticed
in terms of characteristics
and then we mostly change some knots on the kite
or we agree on the kite and we go on with the next one
Ok what can I tell you?
We have different versions we are currently working on
 
that means we are probably getting some kind of a AMG version
 
and the one we are testing at the moment
will change everything in kiteboarding
everything you know in terms of getting upwind
the way this kite steers
the speed it flys and also your riding speed
you will have to rethink this
because there is a new benchmark about to come
and in terms of jumping there will be a new benchmark as well
it will destroy current benchmarks
and it is so much fun!
its because of the new material
which is lighter, stiffer
and this is why
this kite feels like nothing before
look forward to it
something special is coming!
in the past there have been a few revolutions in kiteboarding
invention of the quick release
the bow kite, 5th Element
yeah
but there is one more thing coming!
 
Alright, lets have a look
what's important for you you are
going to test or compare kites
What are the basic requirements?
from my experience it is
super important that you are testing the kites
in the same conditions. Means it is not
possible to test one kite in SA and the other one somewhere
at the Bavarian lakes...
 
that just doesn't make any sense
 
you called me?
Testing days are always pretty demanding
 
So unfortunately I didn't manage to complete the filming on Rügen
I'll do it now!
short summary:
try to test at the same spot
with the same conditions
its ideal if its the same day
and if there is no time in between changing kites
The main risk while testing is
that you are lying to yourself. We are trying to minimize it
because you can't eliminate it<
which means you are trying to get the same situation
 
this means taking the same pump for pumping
in order to get the same pressure
same pump, same manometer
and then pump for example 7 PSI in both of the kites
if you are having 5 Psi in one kite and the other one has 9
you are probably facing in terms of flight characteristics big differences
the one is much stiffer than the other kite
that's why the way its building power will be different
that's why its important to have the same pressure
which you can achieve by taking the same pump
 
also the right setup of your lines is plays a major role
in case you have differences in lengths
even it is below 1 cm
it will have a huge impact
because the kite can't fly like it is supposed to do
And then there is absolutely no benefit in testing
So always make sure that the lines are fine
I have also done a video about how to check the lines
its here, or there, I don't know. Somewehere
If you are comparing two kites
you have to setup two bars
and then there is zero tolerance
 
for me While testing the first seconds are always the most important
those are the seconds
in which I am not used to the kite
 
and therefore able to tell the differences
I try to put my attention to
the way it steers, sheeting in and sheeting out
 
the way it develops power
I really try to get as many impressions as possible
in order to get a feeling for the kite
with some experience everybody can do so
 
and then you are able to evaluate a kite
for you its important that you are able to identify the differences
I always recommend to do a maneuver
dont do something very special
do something that works every time
 
its ideal if you can concentrate on the kite while doing the maneuver
you really want to feel
what the kite is doing in that particular moment
how does it feel like
in which way is it supporting you
and if you are always doing the same maneuver
you can be sure
that you get some kind of comparison
so you are finally able to say
I am that kind of rider
so I need a kite with these characters
so this kite is the right for me
there are so many parameters
so there is not one kite which is the best kite
there is only the right kite for a specific rider
and we are all different
and have different requirements
in terms of maneuver
for me a basic jump is working fine
I can really concentrate on the kite and feel the hangtime
 
 
but also a simple 360 rotation or a upside down rotation
works pretty well for me
while doing so you can really concentrate on the feedback of the kite
while turning you are not able to look at that kite
so you have to rely on the feedback
that's why this is a good maneuver
Also a simple transition jump helps you
to get a feeling for the hangtime and
the way it reacts
also the way it develops power
these are my personal basic jumps which I can highly recommend.
as long as you are already skilled enough to do them
I know - testing is always connected
to a lot of effort. Its nothing you can do on the side
you really have to plan it
but hey if you are honest
a kite which fits to you is worth quite a lot
and we all know this feeling. You are not a 100 % satisfied
with your gear because its not perfectly fitting your needs
or even lines which are not equal
and you know so
but all you want to do is going on the water
and maximize that time
but a certain point its important
to take your time and test and be aware of your gear
that's why I recommend to
take the time
use that day and if possible
ask a friend to join you. Ideally your friend has the same skill level
so you can really complement each other and discuss what you have just experienced
 
and also you can test together. Because doing so only by yourself is
actually not as good.
My recommendation: take a friend with you!
Good place to do so are testivals
here you can get the kites you want to compare
 
Take only two kites
maximum 3 kites at once
in order to keep it easy
and then you can just alternate
this is actually the best way to find the differences
 
Or you just go to your local dealer
and get the kites for the weekend
Thats it for now!
SUBSCRIBE!!!!
Tank you
 
If you enjoyed the video please give a thumbs up, thank you!
See you next time
Bye :)
