The Eclipse Thruster 2009/2010 - As in previous years , this will be the high performance competition kite but a bigger range of sizes will be available in 6-8-10-12-14-16m .
Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Resort on Hatteras Island launched their North American Rental Center in March 2009. Come visit us and take out the new 2009 Eclipse Kiteboarding Kites for a session yourself!
Following is an independent review from Kiteboard Magazine:Size Tested: 12 m2
Style: Four-line SLE
Wind range: 12-28 knots
What’s new: Faster relaunch, more pop, more stability, Hurricane Proof Construction
The Eclipse Thruster kiteboarding kite has been gaining admirers worldwide for its supercharged, big-air, fast-flying and quick-steering character. It’s the premium SLE in the evolving Eclipse lineup designed to satisfy the demands set forth by legendary big-air freestyling guru Dimitri Maramenidis. It has versatile performance for waves, freestyle trickery or simply cruising with power and control.
Bar setup and safety features
The bar has smooth, colour-coded EVA foam grip and contoured finger grips that let you know where your hands are positioned on the bar. The below-the-bar trim system has an adjustable cleat beside the quick-release trim loop. The moderate-length throw line has a good stopper-ball system The leash attaches to an O ring beneath the chicken loop, and the mini fifth line enables front-line flagging. The quick-release trim loop is spring-engaged by a pull handle on its side and is one of the easiest to reload on the water. Flagging-line handles on both steering lines give the 2009 Morph kiteboarding bar top marks for safety features.
Key kite features
The Thruster kiteboarding kite is the higher-aspect SLE of the line and this kite uses good-quality build materials branded as Hurricane Proof Construction. High-wear areas are protected by Shark Skin reinforcements and molded scuff guards. The bridle uses two serviceable Ronstan pulleys, and bridle deflectors prevent the bridle from getting caught up in the wingtips. Equipped with a single-point inflation system. All retail-purchased Eclipse kiteboarding kites are eligible for an extended Bullet Proof Warranty upon registration. This warranty gets you a free-of-charge repair within a year of purchase.
On-water performance
The Thruster kiteboarding kite is a narrow-bladdered, fast and responsive kiteboarding kite that generates lots of pull and power. Testers noted it was one of the bigger jumping kites of the test. Dedicated Thruster riders on the test team noted the faster pulling speed and better stability over last year’s model. Turning speed is quick, and more power is generated through the turns than the Eclipse Nano.
The Eclipse Thruster kiteboarding kite remains stable in gusty conditions and rockets upwind without much effort. Unhooked, the Eclipse Thruster kiteboarding kite has smooth power delivery and doesn’t cream you downwind like some models out there. There are no back-stalling issues, and with good stability and ample depower, the Eclipse is a capable wave weapon. Quick and easy relaunch is attained with a simple pull of the steering lines. Intermediate riders who want to push it to the next level can practise unhooked pop, and appreciate the Eclipse’s forgiving feel and fast, direct handling.
Reality check
The new Morph kiteboarding bar has some great safety options, but some testers were slightly overwhelmed by the cluster of things to grab and the multiple features around the chicken loop.
Bottom line
The Thruster kiteboarding kite gets top marks for quick, direct steering, fast cruising speed and easy-to-access performance. This is a premium design that any intermediate or advanced rider can have fun with. It easily matches any big-boosting, big-hangtime kites on the market and has the versatility to perform in every discipline.
2009 Thruster Kiteboarding KiteReview by Will Brooks, pro rider, KHK instructor, and shop manager at Kitty Hawk Kites.
The Thruster kiteboarding kite for 2009 is one more step in the evolution process building on all the strong points of the previous Thrusters.
As always the 2009 Eclipse Thruster kiteboarding kites are the pinnacle of high performance kites.
The 2009 Eclipse Thruster kiteboarding kites sits a bit further forward in the window witch lends itself very well for wake style.
I, Will Brooks, have found that this 2009 Eclipse Thruster kiteboarding kite relaunches a bit quicker and easier than the 2008 as well as a even more stable feel.
The 2009 Eclipse Thruster kiteboarding kite is power on demand, a solid pull with plenty of pop when needed while the amazingly low bar pressure extends your session time.
Hang time is one the the design focuses for the 2009 Eclipse Thruster kiteboarding kites and has been since the very beginning and if kite loops are for you than look no more.
Usable wind range is huge on the 2009 Eclipse Thruster kiteboarding kites without becoming quirky either at the high or low end.
Improvements on the already bullet proof construction make this a sure choice for both the aggressive kiteboarders as well as the beginner who may tend to be a bit rough on their equipment.
Aesthetics of the 2009 Eclipse Thruster kiteboarding kites are great, it makes a point with out being too loud.
Easy to fly for novice kiteboarders, fulfilling for pros. If you are looking for a kiteboarding kite that you will not out grow on water or snow this is a excellent choice!