Cairns-based Core team rider Anja Reuthe compares the Core GTS with the Core GT
As possibly one of the first in Australia, I recently had the lucky opportunity to test-ride the brand new 2011 9m Core GTS in Cairns, and I have to admit, I was pretty impressed.
Formerly riding the GT as a team rider for Core Kites, I liked its fast turning speed, the enormous boost and its durability. Although the GTS takes a little longer to turn, it is still a very fast kite that sits very stable in the wind window. In unhooked tricks, the GTS keeps its position without travelling up or down and develops a nice C-kite feel, which provides the slackness in the lines needed for bar passes. Tested in small waves, it still performed efficiently, fast and was reactive so even last-minute decisions turn into fun moments. Overall the kite develops smooth constant power through turns and tricks without much grunt.
Another big plus is the distinctive lighter bar pressure. Less heavy on your arms, the kite has still got the direct feel of the GT – you will always know where it is without having to look. Relaunching the kite is as easy as on the GT, and the reduced two-bridle system may even prevent any accidentally tangled lines as seen before with the GT.
Being a lightweight rider of less than 55kg, I flew the kite in 12 to 28 knots. Compared to the GT, it has a little less low end. It gets going around 2 knots later, however its high-end performance is impressive – I could ride even in gusty 20 to 28 knots, overpowered but still in control, boosting as high and floating down as smoothly as ever before.
There are some remarkable hardware features with the GTS. The kite is once again made of extremely durable material, has three set-up points on the leading edge for different turning speeds and bar pressure, and the valves have been secured with a double elastic, which provides more security to stay closed when the kite hits the water.
The GTS seems to be a logical improvement of the GT mainly for sporty kiters who are into boosting, unhooked tricks or even wave riding. Beginners might find the kite not too powerful, safe and quite easy to relaunch. Lightweights will like the reduced grunt and its big wind range.
Overall, to me the GTS seems to be an interesting step to the next level.
Click here to see the new Core GTS
