The “Hook” is the new all round high aspect ratio 5 strut kite from Peter Lynn Kiteboarding.

Spending the European summer in Sardinia this year meant that I was going to need big sizes to deal with the soft thermal winds typical of the med.
I was sent a 12m and 14m and proceeded to use these kites in free ride mode. Sadly I will say that most of the time I used the 14m as Sardinia wasn’t particularly windy this year with only a few sessions were the 12m came into play.

The kite has that feel that I have come to expect from Peter Lynn over the years, light on the bar, yet reactive.
Stable in the air and able to turn fast in light winds to generate apparent wind.
The “Hook” didn’t disappoint.  Once set up I just went out riding and didn’t think about it. It just did everything with ease.

The 14m is surprising agile for such a big kite able to deal with all my loop transitions with ease. I even managed a backward relaunch in very light wind, which is a sought after characteristic for foilers I am told.
For me I was just amazed a 14m tube kite could be as responsive as a foil on handles…

The 12m has definitely got some boost potential for my weight (70Kg). The few times I took it out (see previous post with video) It was perfect to throw some old school moves around.

I also tried some basic unhooking and the Hook has decent pop with a real soft feel at the bar. I reckon a really great option for people wanting to start unhooking.

Upon my leaving Sardinia, a lucky buyer got that wonderful 14m (go Gino!) and I got a 10m to take back to my strong winds in South Africa.
Fate would have it that the day before I left, Sardinia got some strong mistral wind and I got to boost in a quick little session with the 10m. The smaller sizes defenitely have more explosive boost as the flight speed increases.

Overall impression is of a great all round free ride kite able to deal with everything a twin tip free rider would throw at it. I haven’t tried looping or in the waves as I don’t have small enough sizes (I may try the 10) but the kite turns plenty fast. Great glide for old school, quick on the recall, and perfect for trying out your first raileys and unhooked tricks.
It has great depower and is super stable in the sky, no sign of backstage or front stall in really light wind. It will be my kite of choice for my Old school antics!