Date: Wed, 21 Feb 1996 18:01:21 -1000 From: "George W. Gilchrist" Message-Id: <312BEA91.61A1@zoology.washington.edu> Organization: University of Washington Subject: Fizz Box of Tricks Review Fizz Box of Tricks Tim Bensons Box of Tricks sets the standard for radical kites. From the beautifully crafted sail with its trompe l'oeil box appliqui to the smile that creeps across your face as you snap off your first double axel, this kite delivers. The BoT is a bit smaller than a "full size" kite, giving it more agility and speed in the sky. Sewing is first rate, with Carrington nylon on Excel 6.0 mm spars. There is no UL version; Benson has tried several different Icarex sails on every spar available and has not found a combination that delivers the performance he expects out of the BoT. The kite has a standard bridle that needs no adjustment in winds from 4 to 16 MPH. The BoT loves big hand movements. Snap the lines when the kite is stalled and it axels with no effort. Snap them when the kite is in motion and youll see moves you didnt think possible. With a little practice, double and triple axels fall into place. One of the favorite moves on this kite is the 540 flat spin: easy to learn and impressive to watch. All the hottest tricks, like reverse coin-tosses, cascades, slides, and helicopters are right there with a little practice. Stalls are easy; just push your hands forward and the kite stops at once. The BoT is a much better performer on the straight and in the corners than most other radical kites on the market. The BoT recovers from almost any position and responds instantly to control inputs. Unlike some other kites of this genre, the BoT soaks up snap stalls without breaking spreaders (note: not much of a snap is required to initiate the stall). The BoT has two "cousins", the smaller Reflex and the larger Fusion. The Reflex is perhaps a bit more radical, while maintaining acceptable straight line and cornering performance. The Fusion, which I have not flown, is said to be a bit less radical than the BoT but capable of something approaching precision flying. Tim Benson characterizes the Fusion as a "precision radical kite" (in contrast to his Phantom Elite, a "radical precision kite"). The BoT, with its extremely high aspect ratio and brilliant graphics, attracts a lot of attention, both on the ground and in the air. A kite like the BoT that puts advanced tricks within the reach of a practiced flier greatly improves your form and style on other kites. For the freestyle or ballet competitor, a workout with the BoT takes your skills to a higher level of performance and makes you a better flyer. Carrington nylon on Excel 6.0 mm pultruded carbon Weight: 8 7/8 oz. (250 g) Dimensions: 90"W x 39"H (230 cm x 100 cm) (Note: these reviews are done as a favor for my local kite shop, Great Winds Kites, here in Seattle. I am employed by neither the manufacturers nor Great Winds. The opinions expressed are solely my own.) *********************************************************** George W. Gilchrist gilchgw@zoology.washington.edu Department of Zoology Phone:(206) 543-4859 University of Washington Fax:(206) 543-3041 Seattle, WA 98195-1800 USA = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =