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Setting
up the Nexus is very easy and its helped enormously by the video. The
pump is fairly large therefore it only takes a short time to inflate the
bladders (carrying out the recommended checks to ensure that they are
at the ends of the leading and trailing edge sleeves). Once the lines
are attached to the bridle its off to the bar to launch. The video demonstrates
exactly how to launch the kite. Ideally the kite sits in an arch on the
beach with one end just into wind and weighted down with sand. As the
bar is pulled, the air lifts the unweighted end and the kite launches
across the wind window rather than directly up which would generate maximum
power !
During the initial tests the wind was a gentle 8-10mph (below Flexifoil's
recommended kitesurfing minimum of 17mph) and it was possible to launch
the kite directly downwind in the same way we launched a Blade II 4.0m
on test at the same time. The rear (brake) lines attach to short leader
lines on the bar which have a series of adjustment knots. It is essential
that they are set correctly since their placement affects the kite's angle
of attack. Although Flexifoil bill the Nexus as "intermediate to
advanced" its not too difficult to get the adjustment right - if
they're too tight the kite won't launch, too slack and there's little
in the way of turning response !! |
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In
the light 8-10mph wind, the kite launched well and steered remarkably
quickly. Directly overhead it did begin to sink as if the wind wasn't
enough to keep the kite in the air (its a fairly heavy kite !) However
there was absolutely no tendancy to fall uncontrollably and it was best
to let the Nexus sink a little whilst initiating a turn and let it dive
to regain speed. Interestingly we had the Blade II 4.0 on similar 30m
lines and in those conditions the Blade II only had a slight advantage
in flying speed across the window.
Another opportunity on the beach presented better conditions and a smooth
12-15mph wind. This time the Nexus felt superb to fly - very smooth, fast
with quick steering response. It was a good time to feel the effect of
the depowering system. To be honest the "feel" was VERY much
like the Peter Lynn ARC - a fairly small but appreciable decrease in power
as the depowering loop was pulled forwards. I expect the range of power
adjustment to increase in a stronger wind. Having flown my ARC630 regularly,
the Nexus showed similar characteristics. We found it better to "depower"
the kite to gain altitude and "power up" as it reached its zenith
to maintain the best forward speed. This is one area where the kite is
not particularly suitable for a beginner. I prefer to fly new kites "statically"
in which case you can appreciate exactly how the kite reacts to control
inputs and I suggest that ARC users would have NO trouble flying the Nexus
!
Now, the big question - POWER - well, in terms of sheer pull (in the "test"
conditions) the ARC630 was slightly more powerful and more responsive
than the Nexus but reasonably similar to the 4.0m Blade II. It probably
needs more wind to really get going, much like the Wipikas which could
be down to the kite's weight ? |
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The
control bar deserves a specific section.....
The two main lines are connected to short leader lines which pass through
SEPARATE holes in the bar to the depowering loop. This is UNLIKE a Naish
/ Wipika setup whereby there is a single central hole. Check out the full
screen images of the bar for the detail. In practice if the depowering
loop is hooked onto a harness the bar can be twisted so that one of the
main lines is in the "normal powered up position" and the other
is effectively in the "depowered position". Although this sounds
strange I believe it DOES increase the rate of turn. In comparison on
a standard Naish bar (albeit slightly shorter than the Flexifoil bar)
the Nexus was noticeably more sluggish in the turns and the general feel
was poor ! |
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| Although
the Nexus can be reversed by gently pulling on the rear lines it does
come down with some force and its probably not a good idea since it risks
damaging the bladders and the fibre glass battens. Throughout the video
Flexifoil "train" you to fly the kite across the window towards
one edge then allow the kite to fall leading edge first. NOW comes the
BEST and I've got to say FANTASTIC way the kite relaunches. Basically
the kite sits leading edge DOWN. By throwing you arms forwards, the lines
go slack and the kite tips backwards until its resting on its rear surface.
At this point the wind begins to lift the side closest to the flyer, the
kite rolls upwards and over so its facing the flyer and the wind simply
lifts it up. BELIEVE me it is SUPERB and one of the most appealing features
of the Nexus !! |
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Although
I'm very impressed with the Nexus and its unique design there are a
few points which should be noted...
The kite needs a reasonable wind to fly well - at least 10-15mph.
We don't think it will sustain repeated heavy crashes.
It takes ages to deflate !!
Since its a "heavy" kite you MUST be careful and be fully
aware of the immediate area when flying - it could probably hurt someone
!
The "safety" system provided with the kite leaves a little
to be desired (for me personally). The package comes with a bungee type
leash / cord which has a velcro strap to fix around the bar. Flexifoil
do say that its not a depowering system but is simply to save the kite
being lost.
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