The 1st generation Spitfire is a versatile speed-riding wing.
Depending on the wing load, it will satisfy novice riders up to the competitors.
It is available in many sizes:
7 m² – 8 m² – 9 m² – 11 m² – 13 m² – 13 m² – 15 m² and even a two-seater of 18 m².
This wide choice allows you to ideally adapt the size of the kite according to its weight and practice.
Design
The elongation of the Spitfire is very low, which gives it a good passive safety, but it does not lack reactivity for all that.
It has few cells and the boxes are large, with large air intakes.
The lines are drawn but little tangled.
The lifts are rather large and heavy but very rigid and therefore very practical; the detangling becomes childish.
Trims are the main advantage of the Spitfire: very easy to handle in the air, and highly efficient.
Behavior
Inflation is easy, the wing rises quickly, without overtaking. It does not pull in the slope in case of cross-slope deco and redirects rather well.
It takes a little bit of speed to handle it. With a bit of brake, this handling is quicker and allows a take-off on foot.
In Flight
The Spitfire has a good glide, its support is very good.
It will not fly very fast… Which will also make it a good speed-flying wing, the take-off and landing on foot being easy for this type of wings.
The ride is fun but moderate, a beginner will not be destabilized and a confirmed rider will still be able to have fun.
Trims open, speed increases enormously and the dive becomes very interesting.
It makes it easy to come back and replace the slope, whether you are just starting or not.
Skiing
The Spitfire’s inflation is remarkable: it places itself on top of the head, ready to ride after only a few meters.
The wing follows well but needs a bit of emphasis to get on the edge.
Low speeds are well tolerated, but in order to get a good grip on the slope, it is preferable to open the trims halfway, if not fully.
Crimeed at full speed, the wing tends to want to take off.
Skills
Style
We like
- General behaviour
- Versatility
- Garnitures
- Inflation
We like less
- Missing a little bit of dive
- For expert riders, a slight lack of roll
Video review :
