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The
Century is a high performance buggy race kite from PKD. The latest version
has the striking "soulfly" graphics. As you'd expect from a
kite in this part of the marketplace, construction and attention to detail
is excellent. Sizes range from 1.7m to a massive 13m. The 4.5m (pictured)
is a superb mirange (and very useable) size. Retail price for a 4.5m is
£346.00 (excluding lines and handles). |
| In
terms of general handling the Century is not too dissimilar to other "race"
kites such as the Libre Bora or the Airea Raptor II. It is however much
more stable and forgiving than Ozone's Razor making it easier to fly.
This inspires confidence! The Century will luff a little in light winds
or mistimed turns but even then recovery is fairly predicatable with no
tendancy to suddenly "pop" open (which can have dangerous consequences!!).
With a buggy the kite flies very smoothly helped no doubt by the precise
construction which keeps the kite's aerofoil shape solid and efficient.
It feels slightly heavy on the brakes but otherwise control is positive
and responsive. Power is strong but smooth and controllable with good
upwind performance. |
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| The
Century is supplied without lines or handles (allowing greater choice
on behalf of the flier / pilot). It has a simple drawstring bag - no fancy
rucksacks here but it doesn't matter. Its not a question of whose got
the most expensive looking backpack. Many people who buy a kite like this
will actually buy a few different sizes and stuff them into a buggy bag
or like me a large paraglider bag! |
| Overall
I like the Century very much - its great to fly but not intimidating and
the performance is very rewarding. Even flying statically the power is
smooth and in the right conditions, nice jumps are easy. The 4.5m (pictured)
for instance could lift me in about 13-15mph winds and scudding was particularly
good. In the same conditions on a buggy speeds were well in the region
of 40mph on hard packed sand. |