Specifications

Model: Predator 4m

Make: Sky Kites

Sail: Icarex p38

Bridles: Dyneema

Price

Around £420

DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION

The Predator at first appears to be a rectangular kite. but upon careful examination the kite is gently elliptical. The standard of finish was again excellent. The lightweight Dyneema bridles were securely attached and the kite looked very smooth in shape. The air intake was virtually on the underside of the kite, which proved to keep almost all sand out of the kite even when dragging the kite nose down. The handles provided are similar to the Skytiger's, being plastic tube with a chunky foam grip near the top. It had adjuster knots but no anchor point for parking.

STATIC TEST

The Predator took off very easily, even in light wind. and was relatively fast. generating good pull immediately. The kite was very stable on the edge. giving good pull. It was almost too efficient meaning that the brakes needed to be used to prevent the kite overlying its window. The fastest turns were achieved using both brakes. The high pressure sail made it a little more difficult to kill and park quickly, but once down it was stable and safe.

BUGGY TEST

In the buggy the Predator proved to be one of the fastest kites in the test. The skilled buggiers soon found that using the brakes gave them better speed. The kite’s high internal pressure may require a little more skill than some others, but it was felt that the kite might have a racing advantage in the hands of a skilled pilot.

CONCLUSION

The Predator 4 metre is a ready to race foil built to a very high standard. It was felt that although the kite needed a little more skill to get the absolute top performance out of it, it was still easy enough for the novice to handle.

The kite is one of the most expensive tested.

GOOD POINTS

Excellent design & build

Fast racing

BAD POINTS

kite Price