Revolution Shockwave
Ever since I first got into Revolution kites with the Revolution EXP in 2001 I wanted one of these. I don't actually know why, I think I just liked the shape and the fact it was reported to be very fast. The only thing that put me off purchasing one was the high UK price (more than £200). During the past seven years I nearly bought one of these second hand at least six times - and each time I told myself "I would sleep on it" and in doing so lost out each time. Well this time I got lucky! What actually happened was I missed out on a forum sale (again!), but the winner offered his old Shockwave to me for a good deal - which is always nice!
The Shockwave is part of Revolution's Speed Series which comprises of the Shockwave, the Supersonic and the Blast. Each of these is much, much faster and more powerful than the standard Revolution kites - the Exp, 1.5, etc. This speed comes at the expense of precision but they are fast and furious fun!
The curved leading edge, the four vertical spars makes the sail much tighter, along with the higher aspect ratio (i.e. it's longer and squatter than the 1.5 SLE) provides the extra speed.
Purchased: April 2008
Width : 240 cm Height : 56 cm Depth : n/a Weight : 330 g
Spars : Revolution Wraped Carbon Fibre Sail : Ripstop Polyester & Mylar
Wind Range : 3-25 mph
Cost : New: £210.00 (kite + spare spars only). Second hand: varies but often around £100 (in 2008)
Well worth the wait - loads of fun, not as 'imprecise' as I had been led to believe, and easily capable of some the Revolution slack line tricks (possibly easier and better than the Revolution 1.5 SLE). The Shockwave won't replace the 1.5 SLE but will complement it very well indeed.
Despite my happiness at the time, this is a kite I never got on with. Its very fast and in a strong wind capable of quite a hefty "pull", but somehow I don't enjoy the feel of it. Over the years I've found that I much prefer the precise and graceful flight of a normal Revolution, the beauty of Deca. The characteristics of the Shockwave just doesn't grab me.