The Hi40 is still one of the most useful kites on the market despite the presence of the Blade 3.3 and 4.9. It is a 40 sq feet (3.7sqm) rectangular kite with flaps on the trailing edge . Unlike earlier “ram air “ foil kites the front is not open but the air inlet is covered with a strip of mesh gauze. This design ensures that the kite maintains its aerofoil shape and it looks more like a “flying wing” rather than a “contollable parachute”.
The top and bottom skins of the kite are made from Icarex whereas the internal ribs are nylon to save cost . Although the Icarex is not as strong as nylon or the newer Chikara material, it is lighter, crisper and the kite holds its shape much better, particularly in very light winds.
In flight the Hi40 is very smooth, fast and very maneuverable – the flaps helping it to turn quickly. The wind range is huge – it is quite possible to fly a Hi40 in zero wind by walking backwards and fly 360’s whereby you walk (or run) in a circle and the kite executes a nice wider circle. In about 15mph on 75 feet (about 22m) lines or so the pull is excellent for buggying. Anything much more than about 20mph and the pull is really too much. The lower wind range can be extended fairly well using 150 feet (about 45m) lines in which case in good conditions and a dry beach you can buggy slowly in winds less than about 10mph.
As with most of the Hi-series kites landing in stronger winds can be a problem since the kite “fill out” a lot and is hesitant to reverse. In this case you must slide the kite to the edge of the wind then “flop” it onto the ground quickly.
There aren’t many “bad” points about this kite – in turns it kinks a bit like many rectangular kites but overall its so predictable and stable.
In reality the biggest “problem” with the Hi40 is cost. The obvious competitor is the 3.3 Blade which retails at about £289 compared to about £305 for the Hi40 and of the two the Blade is faster. In the real world there’s not much difference in performance (the Hi40 has the edge in lighter winds). Generally they make a very good secondhand buy if you can find one at a sensible price.
There is a very similar comparison between the Hi80 and the Blade 7.2. In a direct back to back test the conclusions were very interesting. The Blade is more maneuverable and is better upwind whereas the Hi80 appears to be a bit sluggish but the pull in a lightish (10mph) wind is consistent. I suppose the nearest analogy is that the Hi80 is like a diesel engine – apparently slow but masses of pull and the Blade a higher performance petrol engine with better acceleration and top speed !!