Benson Minigem

Benson Minigem

The Minigem is a smaller version of the Gemini with a higher wind speed and (allegedly) more 'trickable'. It has exactly the same construction as the Gemini - twin spines, 5 stand offs - just smaller (and less Mylar in the sail).

I picked this up secondhand at the same time as the Gemini, and although the Minigem too has seen life, the sail is in much better condition. Placing the Gemini and the Minigem side by side does show the size difference. Strangely for a kite for use in higher wind speeds the frame is lighter - 5.5mm carbon as opposed to 6mm in the Gemini.

Purchased: September 2005

Details

Width : 186 cm Height : 96 cm Depth : - Weight : 250 g

Spars : 5.5/6mm carbon Sail : Polyester

Wind Range : High

Pack Down Size : 78 cm x 7 cm

Cost : Second hand - new around £140

Good Things

Everything that the Gemini does, just in higher winds.
Easy to recover from tips wraps and the llike.
Easy to trick - especially Axels are a pleasure to do.
Smooth and quiet in flight..
Excellent build quality.

Bad Things

I have some concerns about the leading edge ferrule strength (or lack of).
Not as precise in flight as other kites.
In strong winds this is a very fast kite!
My Minigem has the original bridle, not the Cross-Active on that the new Gemini's come with.
Getting the bungee cords into the wing tip nocks is very hard!

Final Thoughts

The Minigem is nice - when the wind start blowing upwards of 15 mph then it's ideal to try the Minigem. It does everything that the Gemini does (or at least to the best of my ability) - just in higher wind speeds. Of course when the wind really starts blowing then it flies extremely fast. Good reflexes needed!

I doubt that the Minigem makes a good choice by itself - it's more of a compliment to other kites. If I suspect that the wind speed will be high I make sure I take the Minigem along to a flying session - swapping between this and the Custom Vented Revolution 1.5 SLE makes for a nice flying session.

When I first got it I had problems with the leading edge ferrules breaking in flight. However now I have replaced both ferrules I haven't had any further problems. Of course ferrules are always going to be weak points on the leading edge, but if you want a kite that folds up small then it's just something to live with.

Links

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse