Brand: Reedin
Kite Model: Supermodel HTF
Sizes Tested(m): 8, 9
Sizes Available(m): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14
Control Bar: DreamStick X
Synopsis
For big air hang time or waves, carving it up on a foil or popping freestyle manoeuvres, whether you are an expert or beginner, the Supermodel HTF is for every rider, regardless of skill level, conditions or style.
Likes
The fourth evolution, the Reedin Supermodel HTF, continues to push the boundaries of performance in the do it all, three-strut category. New for 2023, the Supermodel HTF adds their new High Tension Frame technology. This new feature incorporates the kite’s narrow and stiff leading edge with a new panel layout and seam placement from the trailing edge diagonally through the canopy. By aligning materials and seams, Reedin has found a way to more efficiently distribute canopy tension to make their kite more reactive to turn initiation, increasing and smoothening the kite’s turning speed. The leading edge also uses lighter gauged Dacron, shown in white-coloured sections, on the leading edge near the wingtips. This feature, along with the narrowed diameter of the struts, allows for more twist through the kite, which ensures ultra-smooth and reactive turns. The kite test team was impressed at how the Supermodel HTF was so consistent and flutter-free through the turns, with absolutely buttery smooth power and pull from start to finish. Where most three-strut kites have some flutter through the canopy when aggressively looped, the Supermodel HTF has virtually no flutter or distortion of the canopy during aggressive manoeuvres. This is a very intuitive and easy kite to fly and feels familiar and builds up rider confidence quickly. The three-strut frame is light, and the Supermodel HTF is well-balanced and drifts nicely under low line tension, making it great for riding waves or pulling a rider on a foil. For boosting jumps, the Supermodel HTF blasts to the moon and offers that extra lift and added secondary boost when it’s really pumping and the timing is dialled. Ultimately, the SuperModel V4 has all the elements that the modern, multi-disciplined kiter looks for in a kite design that can handle everything from waves to freestyle, foil riding or big air. The jumping ability of the Reedin is quite remarkable and sets it apart from the pack with easy-to-access lift and amazing hang time. The Supermodel HTF also has some buttery smooth and consistent pull-through turns of any kite on the test. It’s a kite that feels familiar and is intuitive to fly, which quickly builds rider confidence to help push the limits and break into the next level. Any rider that doesn’t want to have specialty kites for different conditions or styles can rely on the Supermodel HTF to perform at the highest levels for every discipline.
Drawbacks
If you are trying to ride in ultra light winds for foiling, an ultra light weight kite, with a single strut, or extra light framing material will relaunch easier than three strut kites like the Supermodel HTF.
Users
Intermediate to advanced level riders that want a kite to boost big, foil hard and slash waves with the best of them.
Control System: DreamStick X
The DreamStick X is a bar that once you use a few times you will you want one. Not many companies have adopted the extra narrow grip but the comfort and control from this bar is amazing. From the seatbelt style, single click in trim release cup, the streamlined and well cushioned, adjustable bar length, bar ends, to the top quality pre stretched flying lines, the DreamStick is loaded with well designed and performance enhancing features. The grip itself is very ergonomic and comfortable and should come with a warning if you haven’t used a smaller diameter kite bar yet because it’s instantly addictive. The rectangular shaped, Monobloc depower trim system features a PU rubber trim system which houses the depower safety and trim rope. It provides ultra smooth safety line flagging through the system and also works in conjunction with below the bar swivel and automatically untwists the front lines with less pressure or binding than some of the two line systems. The DreamStick X is also very light in the hands with low swing weight. Overall, a great control system to match the high level performance of the SuperModel V4.
