Liquid Force Envy
Sizes Available: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12, 15m
Sizes Tested: 7, 9, 10.5, 12m
Liquid Force Says:
The Envy is an all-terrain efficiency engine, offering highly versatile, easy-access performance whether you want to shred the surf, lock into boots for wakestyle, or go high-speed blasting around your local slick. Envy no one. The first proven 3-strut kite design on the market, ENVY is stable, had a high-wind range, and lightweight due to reduced material in the 3-strut design. The lightest kite we have, and one of the lightest kites on the market today.
Our Testers Say:
“Quick pivotal turns and great stability. Really clean bar with a comfortable grip, but the trim was difficult to adjust while edging against the kite,” Dray Murray.
“Fast turning, easy to relaunch, and stable. Easy to work the kite to build power and speed,” Joe Bharat.
“Nice bright colors. Good pull through turns and quick acceleration,” Davey Beard.
“Nice fast moving kite with plenty of low end power. Great all-around smooth kite. The below-bar depower was hard for me to use,” Marko Bartscherer.
TKB Says:
The Envy has been a popular kite for the past few years and it remains a relatively low aspect 3-strut all-around kite for 2013. LF has made small changes to the Envy and has filled out the Envy range with more available kite sizes. All the LF kites feature the Liquid Force-exclusive Maxflow inflation system that our testers were very impressed with. We could actually inflate the Liquid Force kites faster with the included pump than with the compressed air we used to inflate other kites in the test.
Our testers reported medium bar pressure, very easy relaunch, quick turning speed, and average jumping and upwind performance. Our testers felt the Envy is a fun, easy-to-fly kite that many riders will immediately feel comfortable on. Compared to the Liquid Force NRG the Envy is more forgiving and faster turning, but the NRG has better upwind and jumping performance.
The Envy uses the Liquid Force CPR control system. It features a push-away quick release, below-bar depower cleat, adjustable stopper, and soft foam ends with integrated bar floats. New for 2013 is an above-bar swivel that our testers reported worked very well. Our testers also noted that the depower line could be a little difficult to trim, especially if the line is wedged hard into the cleat.
Pros:
- Great all-around performance for a variety of riders and conditions.
- Very easy to fly user-friendly kite.
- Maxflow inflation system makes the Envy really easy and fast to inflate/deflate.
Cons:
- Below-bar trim cleat can be a little difficult to use.
