Friday, March 29, 2024
Freeride2016 Liquid Force Envy Review

2016 Liquid Force Envy Review

Sizes Tested (m): 9, 12
Sizes Available (m): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15
Control System: Response Control Bar

REVIEW SYNOPSIS: Versatile freeride mastery, more adaptable than ever to wide range of conditions and skill levels.

THE GOOD STUFF: The Envy is a three-strut SLE that’s the do-it-all maverick of the formidable, LF line up. Last season the Envy received an overhaul in design that increased its overall versatility and boosting ability. The 2016 refinements include a narrowed down, leading edge, the addition of front bridle adjustment options, and some slightly refined wingtip shape. The results are a faster-pulling, and bigger boosting kite, that ticks even more boxes as an All-Terrain Master. Still capable of the park-and-pop performance that it’s always been known for, the Envy has smooth pull and improved upwind drive. It really has performance that’s accessible to a wide range of riders and disciplines. For 2016 this is further enhanced with front bridle adjustments that can flatten or increase arc on the leading edge. This equips the kite with less bar pressure and more central pivots for waves, or more park-and-pop performance, with more pull through the turn, that’s coveted for unhooked freestyle and park riding. For the beginner and wave riders, the new wingtip shape also gives the Envy quicker and easier water relaunch. The Envy is packed with some exclusive features that set it apart from the average All Terrain kite. The MaxFlo inflation system is still a leader in functionality and allows you to pump the higher amounts of pressure into the narrow leading edge that most LF kites now require. If you’re trying an Envy or any of the LF kites for that matter, it’s essential to make sure the frame is inflated to size specification, as performance of a narrow leading edge can lag without the required PSI.

THE TRADE OFF: When sheeted out the Envy has some wobbly feedback from the back lines but this doesn’t affect performance but just takes a while to get used to.

BEST FOR: Any level of rider looking for a kite that can handle any style, be it in the waves, in the park, freeride blasting or a boosting session.

 

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