2012 Ocean Rodeo Cypher Review

Apr 11, 2012

Author: SBC Kiteboard / Shane Thompson

“This kite is versatile. I like to unhook if possible when waveriding, and it has good one-handed balance for that. It’s also a great boosting kite.”

Size tested: 9 m
Sizes available: 5, 7, 9, 10, 12 m
Design style: 4-line, 4-strut SLE

The Ocean Rodeo Cypher is an all-new model from the 2012 Ocean Rodeo kite range, which has been nicely tweaked to cover off the full discipline, skill set and performance gamut. The Cypher is a four-strut shape with blunted wing tips that deliver some rock-steady pull and smooth power generation through the turns. The Cypher sits back in the window, and when unhooked drove well and comfortably off the back lines; great park and pop performance for the low-level wakestyle riding. In the right hands the Cypher boosted big jumps, too, and offered powered sweep in the turns for soft landings. We found it boosted with prowess, and water relaunch was no trouble for the Cypher, as its wider body caught the wind easily and it pivoted without issue. The Cypher had good balanced drift, and its capability for easy flying off the back lines also made it a top choice for unhooked wave carving and powered-up lip pasting.

Deep in the window
The Cypher sits deep in the window and is not as ideal for hooked-in waveriding as some of the more sheet-sensitive freeride all-terrains of the test.

WHAT THE SBC TEST TEAM RIDERS ARE SAYING:
“By far the best session I have ever had with an Ocean Rodeo kite: smooth power, big booster, smooth unhooked pull and direct steering.”
“Best top-level unhooked performance of the Ocean Rodeo kite range. I like its handling, and it has a power ban I can work with.”
“This kite is versatile. I like to unhook if possible when waveriding, and it has good one-handed balance for that. It’s also a great boosting kite.”

Tech Features
-Direct de-power
-One-pump system
-Blunted wing tips

http://www.oceanrodeo.com

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