Fluid Kiteboarding Sky v4 review – View 11 test findings

That we are set and proud of our Dutch kitesurf brands you were probably already clear. How cool is it that there are Dutch kitesurfing brands whose kites, kiteboards etc. can be found worldwide on the water. After interview with Gilion Goveia we continued to follow Fluid Kiteboarding. Recently there were beautiful images of the SKY v4. That was the reason for taking our chance for a Fluid Kiteboarding Sky v4 review. Gilion proudly sent us a brand new 9 meters. Check out our findings from the Sky v4 test.

Fluid Kiteboarding Sky v4 review

Quality down to the last detail and robust

When unpacking and inflating it immediately becomes clear that the Sky v4 is a rock-solid kite. It is robustly built of sturdy material. For example the 'triple ripstop' (three layers of spinnaker) and the 'trailing edge' (bottom of the canvas) finished with dacron. The 'leading edge' (top tube of the kite) is finished with thick special dacron. Just peeking at the fluid kiteboarding.com I learned that this is 'kp-e dacron'. I think it's the first time I've come across this. All in all, a strongly built kite that also makes a wear-resistant impression. The Sky v4 is of course not the lightest kite of its kind. In addition, I think it is a beautiful kite. The design, color scheme and further finishing down to the last detail are all correct. Once in the air, it looks great.

Profile of the Sky v4 for big air

With Sky v4 in the air up to the water I immediately saw and felt that I had a kite with a high aspect ratio in my hands. By this I mean broad and shallow. In terms of character, you can immediately make some assumptions. For example, less suitable for wave kite surfing, wake style kite surfing, unhooked freestyle kite surfing and a larger turning circle. But on the other hand, it is very suitable for walking at altitude, kite surfing at speed and 'big air'. So go hard and high. Of course there is much more than just 'aspect ratio' but this mnemonic immediately came to mind. Does it also work with the Sky v4? 100% is the answer!

Sailing characteristics: key findings

• Average bar pressure. I found the Sky v4 to have an average bar pressure. The power was mainly felt on the 'depower' lines. The Sky v4 is easy to debunk while the power is quickly available. When I put on the bar I was literally lifted up almost immediately. This felt a bit 'overpowered' but I soon realized that, as explained above, this is typical of kites with a high aspect ratio.
• Instant lift for freestyle tricks and in the waves. When you pull up the bar, the rear lines instantly pull the kite into a perfect position to generate lift. This is ideal for small tricks like a back roll, a short side jump, a short jump transition. It is absolutely wonderful when you have to cross the waves. As shown in the video, you can easily pull yourself over a wave without having to turn or swerve. Normally you also have to rely on the so-called pop of your kiteboard, but with the Sky v4 you are less dependent on that.
• 'Big air' potential is huge. I had to learn to fly the Sky v4 to get the most out of it. My position is that one session of getting used to this kite is not enough for me. However, I felt very well that the potential for radical lift is enormous. My experience is that the Sky v4 generates the most lift directly at the take-off. So hard edges, tight turns and you will literally be shot. As far as I'm concerned, the Sky v4 is a kite to jump very high with.
• Hang time feels good. Besides the high jumps, the time in the air is wonderful. You have time to do what you want. Whether this is just looking around you or doing tricks. Plenty of time. The exact moment of landing is also easy to time. Again, with the flat profile of the kite you can always get power from the kite if you need it. So also for a soft landing.
• Put on bar to steer. My experience is that I had to pull up the bar to get the kite to steer quickly. This can also be seen in the video. On the act, the Sky v4 generates instant power. This is nice and direct, but less pleasant when surfing wave kites and making tight turns. Now the Sky v4 was not developed for that, but on the North Sea I always take some waves with me and then it's nice if you can do something with that.
• Sky v4 is going fast. People think I'm an active kite surfer. Lots of tricks in one leg but also fast sailing. The Sky v4 never slows you down. As you can see at the end of the video, you can kitesurf very fast with the Sky v4.
• Walking high is the ultimate. The Sky v4 cuts through the wind to the edge of the wind window. In a flash it accelerates too, but without becoming annoying or rude. This is nice. I'm guessing this has to do with the adjustment of the bridle lines.
• Going down a size might be an option. My estimate is that an average kite surfer should take this kite a size smaller. Precisely because with the 9 meters within the wind range indicated by Fluid Kiteboarding I sometimes felt overpowered.
• Friendly priced. You do not often come across a 9 meter for 959 Euro. And also with a 3 year warranty. That's great! In addition, Fluid Kiteboarding is known for accessible contact and fast service. These are 3 plus points and not the least important.

Conclusion Fluid Kiteboarding Sky v4 review

Tastes differ, of course, but the Sky v4 is a feast for the eyes. In addition, the kite is robust down to the last detail. This can make the Sky v4 a very wear-resistant kite.

My experience is that after one great kitesurfing session with the Sky v4 I do not fully use the kite. For example, I didn't run kiteloops with it yet. Even though mistakes with the Sky v4 are not immediately punished, despite its sharp profile, I just didn't dare to do that yet. For that I would have to kitesurf a few more times with the Sky v4. It is of course not for nothing that the Sky v4 is positioned by Fluid Kiteboarding as a 'super high performance, big air, freestyle' and 'freeride' kite. You have to be trained for that. That's why I don't see it as the kite for kite surfers to be. On the other hand, this kite is in my opinion a nice kite for kite surfers who want to get more out of a kite. I don't expect these kite surfers to get bored of the Sky v4 quickly.