2012 Naish Bolt Review

Apr 11, 2012

Author: SBC Kiteboard

“The Bolt shows the refinement of the simga design, with good pull and smooth flying character. I like the turning speed for freeriding, and loved the feel and controls of the bar.”

Sizes tested: 9, 12 m
Sizes available: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12, 14 m
Safety system type: Mini fifth-line

The Bolt returns for a second season, with refinements in upwind drive, low-end power and lift efficiency. The Bolt had smooth, controllable power delivery, with direct and progressive light-touch steering. Its unique sigma shape had the most impressive stability and sheetable de-power that could tame gnarly gusts and turbulent winds. Its stability at any position in the window made the Bolt an ideal weapon for the entire range of skill levels and abilities. Crisp and forward driving, the Bolt could power upwind as it sat on the edge of the window, and allowed testers to keep the pedal down when desired, and shut it off on demand. Water relaunch was among the top of the group, as the Bolt could pivot reliably with a steering line pull, and had less friction on the water due to its unique leading edge shape. Although not as adept at unhooked freestyle as the C-inspired Naish Park, the Bolt sat more forward in the window and had more instant de-power. For side-on or onshore waveriding, the Bolt had the X factor, and its efficient de-power will keep you on the wave face and let you rip into the bottom turn like no other.

New-school unhooked better, but not best
The rounder powered outline gives the sigma Bolt better unhooked prowess than ever, but it may still be eclipsed by others.

WHAT THE SBC TEST TEAM RIDERS ARE SAYING:
“The Bolt is a smooth, fast-turning kite that almost relaunches itself after a crash; my favourite control system with the easiest working trim cleat below the bar.”
“The Bolt shows the refinement of the simga design, with good pull and smooth flying character. I like the turning speed for freeriding, and loved the feel and controls of the bar.”
“Great top-end stability that seemed almost unlimited. Very easy kite to fly and control, with awesome stability, lots of power, good bar pressure and kite feel.”

Tech Features
-Sigma shape
-Evolutive profile
-Octopus inflation system

http://www.naishkites.com

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• 2012 Freeride All-Terrain Kite Reviews

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