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Forums > Kitesurfing Gear Reviews

LF Hi-Fi

Reply
Created by prokiterUK > 9 months ago, 18 Aug 2007
prokiterUK
136 posts
18 Aug 2007 10:09AM
Thumbs Up

Just unpacked the Hi-Fi and it looks sweet. No wind to try it but had a question about the bar..... Has anyone else noticed how the 5th line works? Does it get in the way? Any one have any ideas how to make it better. Got a few but not sure until I get to fly it.

Cheers

SurfConnect
QLD, 1674 posts
22 Aug 2007 11:22PM
Thumbs Up

It is the sweetest SLE hybrid kite I have flown to date. Stable as with lots of lower grunt. Had the 15m out in 8-15kts conditions and flies with ease. I believe this is what both c-kiters and bow-kiters have been waiting for - performance like a c-kite but with good depower. Will serve well as a new school freestyle or competition kite.

The 5th line does fly around a bit, I have reflected this to LF and hopefully we'll get a reply shortly. Bear in mind it's only protos out at present so production may be slightly different. Cant wait to try the Session out in good wind. Anyone wanna try it in Brissy give us a bell. We have all 08 models in stock. 08 Boards are also here too! Heard of the lace straps?

smurfo
VIC, 106 posts
23 Aug 2007 12:00PM
Thumbs Up

Sounds like they have the 5th issue sorted.
Padi Havoc or Hi fi? Dont tell me I'm gonna have to grab both?

alsbirk
3 posts
23 Aug 2007 2:35PM
Thumbs Up

Hi Guys

You are not supposed to hook your HP leash to the 5th line extension, hook directly to the torpedoplug on the mainline below the clamcleat instead and everything works a lot better.

personally I ride without the 5th line extension on the bar(it is really easy to unmount from the stopperball), if I need to pull the 5th line I just grab the stopper ball and pull but often that is not nescessary.

best regards

Thomas Alsbirk /LF

Charl dv
WA, 2485 posts
26 Aug 2007 2:01PM
Thumbs Up

so does this kite look / fly / perform exactly like other C kites with swept tips? or does it truck like a Bow when your unhooked?

Leadinedge
QLD, 164 posts
29 Aug 2007 7:00PM
Thumbs Up

The 2008 Liquid Force Hi Fi is an awesome kite.
Although the Hi Fi is a Hybrid design the feel of the kite is very similar to that of a C design kite. When you unhook the power is constant & the kite feels solid but does not pull like a truck.
My advice to you would be to contact the Liquid Force Retailer closest to you and get them to let you have a demo of one. This way you can decide for yourself.
If you are looking for the advantages of a hybrid but enjoy the constant feel and unhooked performance of a C Design, I think you will be very happy with the Liquid Force 2008 Hi FI.

SurfConnect
QLD, 1674 posts
4 Sep 2007 11:53PM
Thumbs Up

You had any wind yet Smurfo? Was up at Cairns last 10 days, blew 20-30kts every single day. It was unreal.

quote:
Originally posted by Charl dv

so does this kite look / fly / perform exactly like other C kites with swept tips? or does it truck like a Bow when your unhooked?

Rhys McClintock
NSW, 995 posts
9 Sep 2007 10:40PM
Thumbs Up

Ok i rode the 12m HiFi today and OH MY GOD....
Since i started kiting I have ridden 2 standout kites: the 12m M80, and the 9m waroo... Ive flown countless other kites from most brands along the way and i can't really think of anything else that i liked from the first fly..
But flying that Hifi today was INSANE.... It has everything i loved about the M80 - the smoothness, the turning, that solid wake feel when you unhook and most of all, the feedback from the bar... AND ITS GOT A 5TH LINE!!!!

Combine all that with 80% of the depower from a waroo, its lightning turning and crazy jumps; and theres the HIFI

It has more bar pressure than a Havoc, (that was of course expected and a huge plus for me) Its about the same pressure as a 9m waroo and less than a 2007 Assault so you can really feel how the kites flying rather than be forced to look for it (Which i found you had to do with the 07 Havocs)
Its certainly not prone to stalling or feeling funny when you unhook, it just feels the same as it did before so you can concentrate on whatever our doing, rather than keeping speed and keeping the kite flying...
My biggest surprise was its jumping power, especially for a 12m kite.... I hated the way the M80's boosted, LOVED the way the waroo's did... This feels very very similar to a waroo in jumping style; but its got this explosive lift-off and then gradual hangtime back down, pleeeenty of time to take the board off, flick it around and stick it back on

Everything about it just seemed smooth and flowing, very different to the Havoc's style of sheeting and turning. It was a comfortable ride, yet at the same time quite powerful and relatively fast...

In regards to the bar, I just tied the dangly 5th line thing up to itself to get it out of the way, that thing could take out an eye if its left flying around! I just hooked my leash to the little black thing like usual...
Crashing an attempted kiteloop pass was the only time i let the bar go, and the usual depower was more than enough, kite crashed, i stood up, grabbed a side line and up it came... Of course its not gonna launch like the havoc or session but its still exceptional for a C style kite...

So yeah im pretty much certain this is what im gonna be riding this summer... Get a hold of one and try it, i felt instantly at home with it :)

Flyer
QLD, 48 posts
11 Sep 2007 5:26PM
Thumbs Up

Demo day again this Saturday weather permitting

Havoc Hi Fi and Sessions all available

Hi Fi stock is shipping airfreight on the 15th so should have plenty available by the 20th or so 7-9-12-15

Hope to have Boardshort harness samples late next week also

Charl dv
WA, 2485 posts
11 Sep 2007 10:49PM
Thumbs Up

where will the demos be flyer?

Flyer
QLD, 48 posts
12 Sep 2007 8:55PM
Thumbs Up

Sorry we were talking Qld demos in Brisbane this weekend

In WA contact Jason at West Oz Kiteboarding Jason on 0411 510 514
or JASON LEWIS
E-mail Address(es):
mail@westozkiteboarding.com.au

if you want to try out some 2008 LF kites, he has Hi Fi, Havoc and Session I believe

liquid_force
QLD, 2 posts
13 Sep 2007 11:09PM
Thumbs Up

I'll be there. Cant wait to try the new kites

SurfConnect
QLD, 1674 posts
14 Sep 2007 12:48PM
Thumbs Up

Yes, demo in Brissy all set to go tomor -

Event: Surf Connect 'Liquid Force' Demo & BBQ day
Date: Saturday 15th Sept 2007
Time: 12-3pm
Location: The Pool, Sandgate Beach, Flinders Parade & 7th Ave,
Sandgate, Brisbane.

Any questions call us on 07-3216 5666 or 0411-789 888.




quote:
Originally posted by Flyer

Sorry we were talking Qld demos in Brisbane this weekend

In WA contact Jason at West Oz Kiteboarding Jason on 0411 510 514
or JASON LEWIS
E-mail Address(es):
mail@westozkiteboarding.com.au

if you want to try out some 2008 LF kites, he has Hi Fi, Havoc and Session I believe

SurfConnect
QLD, 1674 posts
15 Sep 2007 8:12PM
Thumbs Up

Thanks for all those came today, had a great crowd and wind worked out perfect. 12nn seabreeze kicked in on the spot and all our kites were out and getting plenty of testing by our team riders and customers. Sausage sizzled till the last pack and the esky was topped up continously. All had a great time attracted plenty of spectators and a good number of new kiters we have signed up for lessons. Till the next demo - happy kiting!

Flyer
QLD, 48 posts
15 Sep 2007 11:38PM
Thumbs Up

Awesome great to hear the wind was kind to you
What did everyone think of the gear? What was the favourite kite. Havoc or Hi Fi?

SurfConnect
QLD, 1674 posts
18 Sep 2007 12:04AM
Thumbs Up

Over 40+ riders who tested the kites on the day, Havoc was the clear winner with HiFi 2nd. The Session had a few thumbs up too.

Look out for the next demo day in a month's time and the big one at Christmas with a top $1000 Board giveaway. We are running a demo day in Brissy once a month all throughout summer period, provided wind allows.

Future demo days will incorp 'Come & Try Kitesurfing for free', 'Gearswaps', 'Free Expression Comps' and 'Team Rider Sign Ons'.

mini_kiter_josh
QLD, 29 posts
19 Sep 2007 11:17PM
Thumbs Up

Awsome demo day Padi! Wind was perfect as where the new LF kites!!!!!Thanx heaps for putting on a great day had a ball.

Cheers

smurfo
VIC, 106 posts
20 Sep 2007 11:40AM
Thumbs Up

So pure wakestyle, and ease of use havoc or hifi and why?

SurfConnect
QLD, 1674 posts
21 Sep 2007 5:06AM
Thumbs Up

Just sent demo up to Coolum Kite Fesitval this weekend. Contact us or Adventure Sports in Noosa if interested in trying. Kite will be up Sunny Coast all next week too.

Rhys McClintock
NSW, 995 posts
22 Sep 2007 7:18PM
Thumbs Up

Go the Hi-Fi for pure wakestyle, Smoother, more bar pressure so you can feel it, turns a little quicker unhooked but still has more than enough depower for riding with boots. The transition to unhooked is much smoother than the havoc (Which just PULLS like a truck when you unhook) Its also got the 5th line option to bail 2 if ur feeling sheepish...

If you want a hella fast front line flyer - take the havoc...

If your after a slower, steadier pull that unleashes itself as you load up and pop, take the hifi...

Flyer
QLD, 48 posts
23 Sep 2007 9:06PM
Thumbs Up

Hi Fi's will be in stock this week!!
ALL SIZES 7-9-12-15
Should be in our warehouse Monday afternoon or Tuesday

SurfConnect
QLD, 1674 posts
30 Sep 2007 8:30PM
Thumbs Up

Thumbs up from everyone who tried it up the sunny coast last week. Demo kites back in Brissy if anyone likes to try. Should have good seabreeze tomorrow arvo.

smurfo
VIC, 106 posts
3 Oct 2007 2:09PM
Thumbs Up

Finally got the hi-fi 9 out on a few occasions…
The kite is sick! By far one of the most direct, smooth and responsive kites I have flown to date.

Going to be a hard decision between the Hifi and the Havoc, decisions decisions, maybe I will need both? Haha



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"LF Hi-Fi" started by prokiterUK