Took the day off work today and went up to Druridge with Paul hoping to try out the 15m and 11m 2007 Waroo.
Got there really early and there was barely a breath of wind so used the time to get both set up for the first time. Once they were inflated, it's clear to see that there are quite a few subtle differences between the 2007 and 2006 models. The 2007 model has a lot of extra protection around the strut ends and the leading edge has 3 scuff pads on either end to help out with those solo launches etc.
Wind started picking up enough to fly the 15m so Paul helped me launch. It really is a quick turning kite given it's size and was giving me 3-4 ft floaty jumps in 8-10 mph on land so I was beginning to think the low end would be quite impressive.
Tried out the 11m as well on the new bar and the 11m is as quick as you would want a kite IMO. The stopper works really well. Nice and simple and easy enough to push through even under tension should you need to activate the safety.
Spent about 2 hours wondering if the wind would ever show and then finally it started getting fresher. I went out on the 15m and my airush exile (lightwind board). First few runs were frustrating, downwind runs but once you picked up apparent wind things got easier. Still not enough wind though (guessing about 10-12 mph) but was able to start doing the odd backloop.
About 30 mins later it picked up to around 13 - 18 mph (guessing) and I was lit! Kite was turning even quicker under tension and jumps were nice and floaty. About 15 mins after this I was starting to get overpowered. Went in and got my crazy fly 132 board and the 11m.
11m - wow, wow, wow! Really loved it. The wind was very strong by this point though. White caps everywhere and pretty blustery (guessing 20-30mph). I tried to ride against the stopper (like the good old days on my rhino) and found out that I'd nearly forgotten how to ride hard against the edge. Kept getting dragged downwind in the gust. I'll have to practise that a bit more. Pushed the stopper away and carried on as normal. Nearly fully depowered by this point - gives you an idea of wind strength.
The things I found different to the 2006 were how explosive the lift was once you instigated a jump. Much like the days on my airush lifts. You really got shot up there, this wasn't so much the case on the 2006. I also found the float to be a little longer, height probably about the same.
I also found the 11m to be very grunty - easily as powerful as the 12m. There is also more power in the turns, something that took me by suprise a few times. This must be due to the additional pulleys on the back line connections.
The wind was super strong by the end and there was very little sign of fluttering that use to occur on the 2006 when at it's wind range limit.
Overall, extremely happy with the 2007's. I'm not quite sure why people would pay the extra money for the waroo pro's!
Knackered now, time to veg infront of the tv.
Disclaimer: I've not flown any other 2007 models and I am affiliated with BEST so not completely inpartial, in fact, I love the waroo's
All going to students except for one, which is an early Christmas present to myself! First impressions are that they look fantastic! New logo?s etc and slightly different construction.
