Naish Torch 2012: What Revelation This Kite Is!
Each passing year, every new kite is introduced and how it gets more pop, longer hang time, quicker turning and all the splendid characteristics you are most likely to look on for a brand new model. Each year also we try to convince ourselves of the advantage more than the hype of its advertisement. Now, The Torch range is once again included, and for years the Torch has been fettled, fine tuned, enhanced, unlike most new model of kites where changes are often economical and evolution gone imperceptible, this kite was left wondering if it was no longer possible to tweak the best C-kite in the world. This is a fact, the 2011 Torch kite have changed into an upgraded 2012 version that will live up your expectation not just over the color scheme of the garish 2010.

Target:

Designed for professional use and is intended for competition – freestyle, power free riding and unhooked wave riding. Although this kite is targeted for the more experienced riders, the professional extreme freestyler, unhooked wave rider etc, the normal “all terrain” rider will wonder if it is still user-friendly for boosting some few jumps, for cruising around, for hooked in wave riding etc. One myth needs to be ruled out. C-kites are not the cruel unforgiving monsters that they used to be 10 years ago. These kites turned like hybrids in terms of engineered usability, safety and depower but it still retains the ultimate bar feel and boost of a C-Kite. A bridled kite is less demanding and easy to handle for sure, but a surfer of any level is now enjoying the performance and response of these C-kites, and all the more the ease of landing and self launching.

Features:

Accurate bar feel

The new kite model has above-the-bar trim adjustment and a modified comfortable color-coded EVA grip. The new kite still has the typical C-kite bar pressure, although not that much but still it has way more than most bridled kites. C-kite riders love the instinctive feel brought by this direct connection to the kite. The smooth and linear upgrade in bar pressure is undeniably one of the best reasons for riding a C-kite.  All-round handling is perfect. Kite Loop is basically non-pivotal; it pulls really hard. However, the Lift becomes surprisingly excellent when the kite comes around.

The bar is fairly simply, but a work of art. The grip is top of the line. Its feel and finish are outrageous like the feel of the superlight carbon. The trim system is there, back where it belongs – above the bar.  There is no fiddly below the bar hit and miss cleat adjustments any longer. This system works flawlessly and instantly. The center line is now sheathed in clear plastic that delivers a silky smooth feel.  Good enough though, there is no more frayed center lines (and also nerves) after long sunset swims.

Fast flying response

The Torch flies fast through the air and can depower easily with an instant check of the board edge. You can feel its power is delivered smoothly, with depower like that of a bridled kite by virtue of the new kite’s ability to fly even faster.

Unmatched Unhooked Pop

Hooked in wave-riding motion comes predictable and much smoother with a way quicker turning response as compared to previous kite models. Depower is nothing much like a bridled kite, approximately 80%. Although this is perfect for freestyle and free-ride, an instant tug on the new easily accessible depower strap is needed when dropping into the wave to soften the kite’s pull in the bottom turn.  Now, turning whilst depowered (the Achilles heel of preceding Torches) is now significantly modified. So, whether it is hooked in or unhooked, the power and stability of riding is accurate and is effortless. The struts’ position makes the kite firmer in the air, for a much even precise handling.

Steady power through the turns

This is not anymore evolution; this is the re-invention of the C-kite.  Finally, this kite model is a quantum leap in kitesurfing. The bar, the improved bag, lines and kite as a whole all ooze performance and high quality. For the past years the superb fifth line Shift System is still retained. The most noticeable visual change, besides the spectacular graphics, is the shifted two-end struts right into the wing tips.  When added to the stiffer (still narrow leading edge) you have a firm and stable wing especially at the tips that makes the turning response instantaneous.

Sizes come in 5 to 14

To fit within your level while suiting your riding pleasure, there is a wide selection of sizes that cater to your style and preference.

More great value

The now stiffer canopy complements the bridled kite. This profile enhancement helps maintain the uprightness of the Aerofoil shape that leads to pronounced increase in hangtime and kite’s overall efficiency. Like an SLE, glide is phenomenal and second boosts of lift available in mid jump with a quick pull on the bar. All these with no bridle (direct feel) but just the excellent support of Naish’s shift system. The enhanced version of the Shift Control System is designed primarily to support the arc, for easy water re-launch and superb feel. Basically and foremost, the prime element for this 2012 kite model is a new covered single-line depower.

What is yet a great value is that all 2012 Naish kites get a tiny white plastic “stopper ball” in the valve – a product of intensive testing of its R&D Department (the fruit of labor and ingenuity by Reo Stevens).  Surfers can easily counteract troubles occurring with their inflation valves.

Conclusion:

Where a bridled kite (Naish Park 2012, not yet tested) will claim massive appeal because of its slightly more benign nature that delivers more depower, better wind change, foolproof handling, and more pivotal turning, the Naish Torch 2012 will appeal to riders who enjoy, float,  massive boost, kite loop pull, and the elusive superb bar feel. Its unbridled direct connection to the kite matters most.

The Naish Torch is similarly at home engaging heats on the world stage, and surely will be ripping up your home beach. The 2012 model of Naish Torch features modifications to all elements of an ideal kite package:  enhanced new bar, strut positions, reinforcements and a shorter arc – definitely, a cutting edge in your kitesurfing action. Everyone is striving to have it. C-kite feel is now being claimed all over the place. But, there is nothing like the real thing – The 2012 NaishTorch, and more to for a kite.

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