Portnawake's blog / Uncategorized / 7m Trix vs 6m VSonic

7m Trix vs 6m VSonic
23 June, 200923 June, 2009 3 comments Uncategorized Uncategorized

High Wind Weapons!

I'll write that since already a few people asked me for a comparison. I'm lucky to be spoiled with choice, and it's always a tough choice deciding which one to go for.

 

 

 

I'd say, despite being small kites, they really retain the characteristics of their DNA. The VSonic is a kiter's kite while the Trix is more of a boardrider's kite. Does it make sense?

 

 

 

Here's what I mean: The VSonic requires a bit more precision in the piloting, and rewards you with more upwind, more smoothness, more speed and more lift. Requiring more precision means that if you slow down the kite too much you'll lose most of its power. After a transition, a surf, or else you'll have to work proactively to regain power and keep going, or escape the dire situation you're in.

 

 

 

The Trix is a bit different, it won't be as smooth, you may feel some gusts a bit more, as they won't be translated as efficiently into extra speed, but you'll always keep some power and response in the kite even if it's in the wrong part of the window and if you have lost your speed. It also stays responsive in these conditions without having to act on the bar too much. The VSonic usually requires to push the bar a bit while you work it in those conditions to make it regain speed.

 

 

 

In terms of high end, I'd say it's very similar, I haven't done direct side by side comparison on the same day, but I've been reaching the max on both of them in very similar conditions. The kites still hold fine but the navigation gets to a point where the fun factor wears out and it's more like survival mode. It's usually due to abusive chop, waves, etc... more than pure wind strength.

 

 

 

Loops are fun on both of them, but the Trix feels punchier through the turn while the VSonic will get more power towards the end of the turn, just different characteristics, and they just require getting used to that. KiteLoops in 30kts+ require dedication and commitment... Fast and furious! Looping the kite in the surf is a real pleasure on those small toys, and I'd give the Trix a better rating as the power delivery is more constant and more forgiving. But with the right timing and technique, the VSonic can be exploited really well.

 

 

 

In terms of lines I use both on either 16 or 21m, and I'd say the Trix benefits more from the shorter lines, providing a more direct/ explosive/ brutal behaviour that is really good fun. The VSonic can take advantage of the longer lines if you have to sine the kite through the lulls. It obviously works also with The Trix, but not as efficiently and it'll give the arms a proper work out ... Best to focus on the edging of the board.

Which one to choose then?

Both!!!

 

TagsTags: trix7 vsonic6 

Comments

  • WillysandBy Willysand 260 Days Ago
    0 points    
    Very INTERRESTING criticism !

    Merci Beaucoup !!!!
  • NeptuneBy Neptune 234 Days Ago
    0 points    
    After just riding the 6m V-Sonic in 3m waves and +30kts of wind I can add that the kite is a great wave kite. It redirects quickly and easily, able to kill power for down the line riding and turns with power if required for transitioning through white water areas. I agree that the kite can be slowed down too much and lose power, but as it is so small and maneuverable that you can dive the kite and regenerate power and kite speed.

    I found the kite very easy to know where it was with perfect bar pressure and easy to turn even when de-powered.

    The power on/off delivery is very smooth and never jerked me off the surf board or off the area of the wave I was working.

    I can't comment on the Trix as I haven't ridden one yet, but definitely rate the 6m V-Sonic as a high wind all round kite.
  • PortnawakeBy Portnawake 120 Days Ago
    0 points    
    I had an awesome session recently on the 7m with 16m lines, and I think it really is a winning combo for what I like. The kite is really responsive with instant reactions. Short lines force you to ride aggressively with no downtime, and it goes really well with the Trix. The kite can be thrown about in the window as if there's no tomorrow, and it gets really natural to link turn after turn, like in a video game.

    Only downside is jumps that go high and fast, but without that much gliding and the need to redirect very aggressively just before landing. Makes for a ballsy ride!

    Decision is made, I'll be selling the 6m VSonic ... and wait for a 5.5 Trix

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