First abit about me. Been kiteboarding since '99 and a sponsered rider with Best for almost 4 years. Known for going huge (50' +) and strapless surfing on just about everything. (surfboard, skimboard, wakesurfer) My heart lies in the surf. I have been a PASA instructor since '01 with 2 schools. 1 is Island Surf and Sail in New Jersey and the other is "The Other Side" in the Florida Keys.

 

Here we go. I got to test the Rampage 2 thanks to Xtreme and boy was I surprised. Awesome!!! The build quality is top notch as WW always is with a very well layed out conopy design. The bag is great as it's strong with many zipper options and plenty of room. Not too much netting which on other kite bags I have found to be a pain in the butt on windy days. Out of the bag the kite is as everyone would want it. No loose stitching or lack of quality or workmanship. The single point inflation is very nice although I have never had a SPI system, it made pumping up the kite quick and easy. Once pumped up, I liked the bridled design as there was no pullies to get stuck and a short front bridle that would be nearly impossible to get stuck on the kite if rolled thru. Rear connection point is direct. Set-up was as easy as anything. Iput the kite up, figured out how I liked the kite tuned and I was gone.

 

The kite is abit lower aspect than I am used to but that didn't let me down. The first session on this kite was a true high wind test. Most people try a kite in lighter winds to get used to it but I like to test kites in high winds to get used to it first. Winds SSW 25-35 mph gusting to 40. Board was a Spleene Rip 134. It did what it was suppose to. Nothing wierd or scary. Super stable. I rode it on a 55cm Best bar as I am used to it. Perfect for me as I love fast kites. Airs were 40'+ off waves with soft landings (except for 1 - OUCH!) It stayed in the pocket all the time and never stalled or got over run. Very fun!!

 

Second session was in flat water in 15-20 mph. Although I like powered kites, I had no problem staying upwind or doing wakestyle powered moves as the kite sits deep in the window. (perfect for wake-style and wave riding) Airs were about 15-20ft and easy to control. Kiteloops were powerful and direct. Bar pressure was low. The kite has great depower like most flat or SLE kites. Relaunch is a breeze. Just pull on a back line and up she goes.

 

Overall I loved the kite and have found a new quiver. If your just a cruiser then you could have a 1 kite quiver but for me I could get away with 2 kites. Probably a 12, 7 quiver. I have a 9.5 for demo if anyone is in New Jersey. A few people have tried it and none were disappointed. If your around and want to try it let me know.

 

Noel Jambor

(609)494-5553

 

PS - I twisted my knee abit teaching a week and a half ago teaching but if it feels better by the weekend, I will be competeing at the Real Kiteboarding Triple-S Comp and will probably be useing the Rampage 2.

 

My take. I found a new kite

 

Glad you liked the kite! Wait till you try a Batwing since they give a more hight-aspect feel and you mentioned you like higer aspect kites. Still flys back in the window if sheeted to do so. Really interesting thing about the Bats, is that you can adjust the sheeting so the kite can fly vertually anywhere in the wind window.

 

Looks like you are one of the many that once they tried one of these new Windwings, you can't go back.

 

I hear you may be coming to the Gorge soon. Looking forward to it.

 

Boarding Bob

 

Geo,

 

        If you get a chance, please give me a call at the shop as I have a question for you.

 

(609)494-5553

 

Thanks, Noel