You may have seen that overnight Flysurfer has released the 5th generation of their “Speed” series of kites.

This series is now in its 10th year, and each new release has continued to build and improve on the last.

The SPEED5 is designed to deliver high all-round performance on any terrain – snow, land or water, and for every ability level. Like its predecessors, the SPEED5 offers high stability, light bar pressure, easy relaunch and a “triple depower” to ensure both novice and experienced riders have an incredible wind range in which to kite.

An higher aspect ratio (6.15 v 5.8 Speed 4) in combination with an optimized profile and rigid leading-edge foil technology increases jumping height and glide ratio compared to previous editions.

The Deluxe+ cloth is Flysurfer’s newest cloth material developed for the Speed 5. I was fortunate to fly the prototypes in October 2015 and felt the stiffer fabric resulted in a more direct bar feel, and increased the turning speed and responsiveness over the Speed 4 Lotus kites. This made jumping easier with longer hangtime, especially for those riders coming off LEI's. If you’ve flown the Sonic FR race kite, the new Speed will feel familiar but easier and more forgiving to fly.

The Automatic Drainage System allows water and sand to exit the kite without influencing performance.

SPEED 5’s also come with German made Liros lines, which offer equal breaking strength with reduced line diameter and thus less drag.

As with all Flysurfer kites, the SPEED 5 also comes with a 12 month free repair warranty. If you like all round free riding, big air and hang time, then the new Speed 5 should be on your radar and I’ll have demos here in WA in due course.