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The Prism E2
Specs
HistoryThe second kite I purchased after my old Adrenaline. I did some research online, and found that the E2 was a very capable intermediate kite, and a good transition for someone looking to learn trick flying. I also found that a full size kite makes learning many tricks easier - which is certainly true with the E2. In addition, it came with a wrapped carbon Skyshark frame, the Prism Freestyle Pilot instructional DVD (which is excellent) and a nice set of lines and handles. Overall it is not a bad value, even at the full retail price. I've never regretted my decision - the E2 is an excellent transition kite for a beginning to intermediate flier. In fact, I still fly it occasionally as it is predictable and easy to learn new tricks on. It also does just about any trick in the book, which is a nice feature as well! ConstructionThe E2 is very well made with construction comparable to many kites in the higher price range. It has a Polyester sail (high quality) and also a Skyshark wrapped carbon frame (which is often featured on higher end kites). Sail construction includes some mylar, but it is used primarily to reinforce key places on the sail. The frame is very strong and provides a solid response when tricking. The standard turbo bridle is stable and performs well both for tricks and flying figures. The kite has an adjustable bridle that is clearly labeled for low wind and high wind settings. In addition the standoffs are adjustable for both low and high wind performance. I've flown my E2 a lot and it has handled a lot of abuse both in my hands and in the hands of other beginners. The Skyshark frame is rugged and the sail holds up well to wear. Older models of the E2 came with a Hotrod frame (versus Skyshark) which is reported to be more expensive to repair and in some cases a little more fragile than the Skyshark version. I've never owned the Hotrod frame version, so I really can't comment on its performance. TuningI tend to fly my E2 with the bridle set a little forward of the factory setting (about 1/8" towards the low wind side of the bridle). I also added about 8g of tail weight to my E2 which seems to give it the right balance of pitch/fade performance without sacrificing performance in the turtle position. Other than that the stock E2 flies great with few modifications. Some others have added yo-yo stoppers - which is an easy thing to do (I just have not had time to do this yet). Another popular option is to add a second set of standoffs (one on the innermost hole, one on the outermost) which will deepen the sail to alter the character of flight. I have not yet tried this, however. In FlightA full size kite is generally easier to fly when learning tricks since it has more momentum, is less likely to be distrurbed by uneven winds and performs tricks more slowly giving you time to make the next input. In light winds, the E2 slow and graceful in flight, and performs beautiful tricks. It is very predictable and provides plenty of feedback, yet it is still capable of even the most advanced tricks. Surprisingly the E2 also does well in light winds - down to about 3mph if you make some adjustments to the standoff and bridle. The E2 is not quite as precise when flying figures as the latest generation of competition kites, but it is more than capable as a trick kite. Axels can be done in a very slow graceful manner, or very quickly. Other axel based tricks like the 540 are also very beautiful on this kite. Its pitch performance is quite good as well - fades and flic-flacs are stable and easy to zero in. The kite performs a great rising fade, yet it is also stable in a turtle position. Single pop yo-yo's are possible, but a two pop yo-yo is a bit easier. It lacks yo-yo stoppers but they can be easily added at a later time. Overall a great combination of trick performance. Overall ImpressionThe E2 is the quintessential intermediate kite, and a great second kite for the beginner looking to become a trick flier. It is capable of even the most advanced tricks and is also very predictable and graceful in flight making it a pleasure to work with. I still pull mine out when I'm having trouble with a new trick, because its full size and grace makes tricks very predictable. Pro
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