Airea Raptor II 2.5

The new kite on the block (May 2003). I had been considering a parafoil kite in the 2m size for a few months for the stronger wind. My C-Quad 3.2 is fine for 'normal' use - but when the wind gets strong I find it's power a bit too much for my liking (that is for static flying - i.e. no boarding or buggying). Also the C-Quad bag is difficult to transport anywhere. So after considering the current range (Ozone Little Devil, Flexifoil Bullet, PKD Buster, Rhombus Firebee) of 2-ish meter entry level kites I happened upon this second hand Airea Raptor II 2.5m in my local kite shop, Five Forty.

I liked the colour & graphics (sad I know) but also I was attracted to the speed and agility of it. The Raptor series are Buggy race kites - they are designed for speed and movement whilst being pulled in the. Upward lift isn't as extreme as the Flexifoil Blade II - but from today's experience theycan lift...

I have flown the Raptor in a moderate wind (18ish I think) and a light wind and it is a really nice kite - everything is fast, smooth and strong. Just avoid the extreme left or right of the wind window...........

Purchased: May 2003