Last week we tested the new Swell V4. Check the review of our team rider Marion van Os.
General information PLKB Swell V4
The Swell V4 from PLKB is a real wave / freeride kite. The kite is made to play in the waves, because of its light bar pressure you can engage in wave riding without worrying about your kite.
The kite flies quickly through the wind window and has a good drift. In addition to wave riding, the Swell is also highly appreciated by foilers and novice kiters for its maneuverability and fast relaunch. The kite is stable and reliable to make rapid progress.
The kitebag
Peter Lynn has the same good bags for the entire new kitesurfing line, just like with the Hook.There is an inner pocket, a strap to fasten your kite with, 2 carrying straps for the backpack and 1 hand carrier.
There is an extra storage compartment for small items such as a kite repair set. On the side you can store your bar and your pump. A point of attention in the following design: the tires around the bar. We find a snap closure more convenient than the drawstring.
The kite bar
We sail the kite with the Commander bar from PLKB. A very clean straight forward bar, actually as we like it. No fuss, but KISS. The bar has excellent grip, an easy-to-operate swivel system and feels nice and solid.
The kite
When we take the Swell out of the bag we have a nice light kite in our hands. It is a 3-struts hybrid SLE kite. Made for fast relaunch and good drift, even with strong onshore wind conditions.
t is a lightweight. We feel that immediately. The clean colors that Peter Lynn also uses in his other kites do us good, okay of course it’s a matter of taste, but we like it 🙂
3-point bridle
The bridle system ensures that the kite has a good depower, so that the kite is still good and safe to sail in extreme situations. The bottom rings are very small and have no moving parts, so you don’t get hooks or other discomfort in your lines.
Leading edge
It is immediately noticeable that the leading edge has a double stitching and also has extra reinforcement in several places. This of course increases the durability of the kite. Both the leading edge and the struts are from Dacron. The leading edge seam is fully reinforced to prevent damage during crashes. There is a protective layer of Kevlar on the ends of the struts.
Pump system
Like most new kites, the Swell also uses a Fits all valves system
The kite can be inflated quickly and easily in this way. The banjonet connection fits all pumps, so no more hassle with attachments that are always lost when you need them.
Triflow
If you look closely at the canvas attached to the leading edge, you will see several triangular shaped panels. These panels, called Triflow, ensure a smooth and clean transition between the leading edge and the fabric. Using Triflow, the fabric attached to the leading edge can bend sideways over the LE as well as from the LE to the trailing edge. This provides an extremely smooth surface and airflow over the fabric, resulting in more stability and better overall performance. Even when you depower the kite.
Size range
Enough. Get yer kite in the air coz that’s where its made for!
Kite in the air
If we want to test the kite at Wijk aan Zee near the bunker, it is a super sunny day, with just a little too little wind. We are going to try it anyway, because Marion has brought her wave board so you have to be able to ride quickly.
We fill the kite with air, fasten lines and hop kite in the air, wait … the kite hangs fine and with a light bar pressure she walks with board towards the sea.
When she sends in she sails away immediately, towards the waves. It takes a lot of effort to get some speed, but the light kite is easy to steer. That is also immediately noticeable. The kite is extremely easy to handle. It is logical that this kite is also used by kite surfing schools, because it is a very nice beginner kite.
Relaunch
Unfortunately, the wind is failing us today. We test the relaunch and it is really amazing. Despite a lack of wind, the kite relaunches immediately as soon as it is in the water.
I am ready to take some pictures, but before I know it the kite turns at the right angle and goes up. Super chill, this is where PLKB really makes the difference with the Swell V4.
We are still trying to sail, but it is a huge bastard and the wind is not enough for a 9 meter. We are waiting for the next chance.
It came yesterday, with enough knots on the anemometer and a lot of rain, we take to the water. This time with a twintip, because now the wind is blowing too hard for us to be able to sail with golf board and 9 meters (it is never good either).
The kite is immediately tight in the wind. Going on the water is always nice with a light bar pressure. The kite is stable in the air and I immediately sail away with it. Grab some waves and the kite reacts well and quickly. Walking uphill takes some effort, although there is enough wind, I have to pull the bar completely if I want to get through the waves and stay upwind.
Once I have power and speed, the Swell sails really great, the kite steers fantastic, the drift is also great and you also feel good where the kite is. Because I am more freerider, I also try some jumps and the pop is fine, I am lifted out of the water, the landings are a bit hard, but that is mainly due to my technique 😉
You feel that it is a light kite, I like that and as said before, I can imagine that if you have kite class you will quickly feel familiar.
Conclusion
Peter Lynn kiteboarding has put an excellent wavekite on the market with the Swell V4, which is also ideal for lessons and novice kiters due to its stable and familiar sailing characteristics. The kite reacts well and quickly in the waves, what you can expect from a wave kite, the relaunch is extremely good.
After testing, we came off the water with a BIG Smile, despite the rain that had already fallen from the sky. The Swell is just a nice kite!
Setting options on the kite
Teamrider 35 Knots Marion with the Swell V4
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