We sent Kiteworld one of the XL Doors – the ultimate lightwind board in our eyes. This board will pretty much get you going as long as there is enough wind to keep your kite in the sky. Paired with a Speed 3 it is unbeatable.
We’ve tested these boards before and they are surprisingly engaging. If your aspirations are way above mowing the lawn, then it’s probably not for you, but of the twin-tip light wind boards we’ve tested over the last couple of years, there isn’t anything that will get you going sooner or more comfortably and out of the house more often on a weekday evening after work than this.
KW LIKED: Getting upwind while everyone else was packing up. Plus at the opposite end of the performance spectrum, the flex pattern allowing you to hold on if the wind picks up.
Read the full Flydoor XL review or learn more about the 2010 Flydoor range.
I received my Flysurfer Speed 3 19mtrs and FlyDoor XL three weeks ago and within that time I was able to add 4 extra kiting sessions. When I initially decided to buy this setup I was feeling guilty to pay so much money on kite equipment. Well, today it’s all worth it.
I did a couple of test rides with some friends and this is my experience with the FlyDoor XL board & Flysurfer Speed 3 19mtrs DLX:
1st Setup: (3 kiters, different gear, all kiters advanced level experience, all approx. same hight)
Conditions: (Mediterranean Sea, sunny day, wind 11 to 14Knots)
– kiter1 (weight 73Kgs), 12 mtr Naish Cult / Naish surf board 5.6″
– kiter2 (weight 77Kgs), 12 mtr North Vegas / North Race LTD
– Me, (weight 99Kgs), 12 mtr North Rebel / FlyDoor XL
We were on the water for 30 minutes and I was amazed how easily my upwind ride outperformed both of my friends to the point that it was ridiculous. The Flydoor XL is the ultimate light wind riding board. I appreciate this board even more because I had the chance to test for several days, in light wind conditions, a Spleen Door and a North Race LTD. The Spleen goes upwind easily but is hard on chops. The Race is a concept of its own and more demanding to ride. Honestly, nothing comes even close to the Flydoor, this board is fast, smooth, goes through the chops without ever feeling them and takes you upwind effortlessly. I was riding it fairly well toe-side and carving it from toe to heel side (the other way around was tricky 🙂 . Jumping is fun but the board feels heavy on your feet when in the air.
2nd Setup: (same 3 kiters)
Conditions: (Mediterranean Sea, sunny day, wind 9 to 12Knots)
– kiter1, 12 mtr Naish Cult / Naish surf board 5.6″
– kiter2, 16 mtr North Rebel / North Race LTD
– Me , Flysurfer 19 mtrs DLX / FlyDoor XL
I was riding up wind from the second I got on the water. The ride was smooth and the kite generated enough power so I could do some hand free riding. Kiter2, after a healthy 20 minutes struggle was able to remain upwind when he reached more stable wind out at sea (way out :). Kiter3 gave up after trying all possible setups on his kite and crashing it for the 3rd time. After an hour ride I reached the beach and asked kiter3 if he would like to try the Flysurfer. He acknowledge the kite but preferred to ride his surfboard (hard core surfer 😉 and came back an hour later with a BIG smile on his face. I found out he is getting informed on flysurfer kites 🙂
I’ve been a North Kite/Board fan for the past years. I tested and owned Naish kites, Best, Cabrina but none have got my support like North. Today, I have to admit that Flysurfer has my attention and I hope to test more gear soon.