Skytiger Hi 40 (Flexifoil Int'l)

DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION
The Hi 40 is a high aspect ratio, rectangular plan form quad with an Icarex polyester sail and light Dyneema bridle, The quality of construction was excellent. Sewing was immaculate and bridle attachments secure. We also noted that the bridles were all encapsulated in their own plastic sleeves to ease initial identification. The air intake has a gauze covering and was relatively low on the kite's profile. Although we found that some sand could get into the kite's envelope, it was easy to shake it out in flight. The new design of the handles provided were a good solid design with foam at the top of the handle and lines allowing adjustment of flying line length plus an anchor point for parking the kite.

STATIC TEST
The Hi 40 launched easily and immediately accelerated to a medium fast flying speed. The kite tracked very well and the pull was strong. It was stable on the edge giving good pull in this position. Turn rate was fairly slow and the kite needed to be pulled through turns to get multiple full rotations. The Hi 40 was very easy to "kill" and also landed and parked without trouble.

BUGGY TEST
The Hi 40 was one of the fastest kites in the test and proved easy to use for all the buggy pilots. The efficient polyester sail gave the kite excellent lighter wind performance and the forgiving nature of the design made it easy for the less experienced buggiers. The Skytiger gave an excellent all round performance.

CONCLUSION
The Skytiger Hi 40 was felt to be a very easy kite to use for the less experienced flyer, yet at the same time it was very near the top of the racing buggy pilots' list. The quality of construction was very good and the sail material made the kite efficient even in the lightest of wind conditions. A fine all round package.