RRD Obsession
2012 RRD
Obsession --the proven RRD performer is back for 2012 with
improvements making the best even better yet again.. This time winning 'Best Freeride Kite for 2012' in a test of
18 different kites conducted by Kiteboarding Magazine
The ultimate in performance oriented kites, the
RRD Obsession has established a proven reputation of Performance & Quality.. Contact Us at WindBone
Kiteboarding for all your RRD needs
Known for it's responsiveness, great bar feedback, awesome range, power through turns, hang
time, good grunt yet ample depower, etc.. The RRD Obsession is the ultimate in performance, quality, style,
& reliability --Returning for 2012 to set the bar even higher for the 2012 Season..
RRD (Roberto Ricci
Designs) Kitesurfing Kiteboarding Gear sets the highest standards
in performance, quality, reliability, and function --RRD Sets the bar incredibly high in brand
comparisson making for the highest quality gear that's nearly impossible to beat.. and the RRD
Obsession is one awesome performer in a line of top quality gear from a brand with a proven track record of
quality, durability, and performance..
2012 RRD Obsession
Pics:
2012 RRD Obsession Action2
2012 RRD Obsession Action3
2012 RRD Obsession Action4
Click thumbnail images above to expand view
RRD Obsession
Videos:
Click Play Button Below to view the 2012
RRD Obsession Video:
2012 RRD Obsession Manufacturer's
Overview:
Obsession MKIV “Adrenaline Driven” The updated version of our adrenaline driven kite. It has gained worlwide recognition for being an “RRD Icon”. The
Obsession MKIV is today the most advanced yet user friendly kite in our range. Thanks to a new leading edge arch on
the small sizes, we have also upgraded the kite on important features, like improved turning speed on big sizes and
more neutral pull on kite loops, so we have been able to create an even more stable kite, with an incredible 5%
more power and improved easiness to ride “unhooked”. The new trendsetter in speed and progressive smooth power in
all areas of the flying window. Perfect for kiteloops and power moves, great for every serious kiteboarder.
Features:
- Stability
- Even More Low end Power
- Progressive smooth de-power
- Medium Bar pressure
- Improved turning speed on sizes 10.5 & up
- Amazingly Fast Yet Stable
- Neutral pull on kite loops• Stability
Technology:
- LE Parallel seams for maximum strength and reduced stretching / Flex
- Full Dacron leech and wing tips
- PVC round label molded strut end protectors
- Metallic PU strut end reinforcements
- DP 175 LL Dacron
- Tejin T9600 Canopy
- Kevlar Reinforcement on Each Leading Edge Seam
- Struts are stitched directly on Dacron panels
- PVC Inflating valve protectors
- SPS system with specially designed inflating valve
- Flawless One Pump System
Sizes: 5 - 6 - 7 - 9 - 10.5 - 12 - 13.5 - 15 Click Here For Additional Info, Pics, & Videos from RRD
RRD Obsession Reviews: TEST REVIEW - KITEWORLD INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE - 2012 RRD OBSESSION 9M Click Review Image below to be taken to full detailed unbiased review:
RRD Obsession 9m 2012
THE HYPE:
This is the fourth version of RRD's 'adrenaline driven kite. RRD highlight the MKIV as the
most advanced yet user-friendly kite in their range. Thanks to a new leading edge arch on the small sizes they
have also upgraded the kite in important areas, such as improved turning speed in the big sizes and more neutral
pull on kite loops, which makes for an even more stable kite with 5% more power and improved ease of riding
unhooked. It's the new trendsetter in speed and progressively smooth power in all areas of the wind window.
Perfect for kite loops and power moves, it's ideal for every serious kiteboarder.
TEST TEAM
NOTES:
After riding the first Obsession a few years ago, this is a test we've looked forward to each
year since. As far as we're concerned, this range has a certain pedigree and is right up our street. The
Obsession comes in a nice backpack that's easy to get the kite in and out of and, although the kite isn't
constructed super heavily, it's well manufactured with lots of little bits of attention to detail,
such as reflective end sections, grab handles and more. The bar system is very solid and just super simple.
Really clean in front of you, the trimming system works on a smooth cleat, the chicken-loop self rights itself
in the bar when you unhook, the chicken-loop itself is solid and a good size for unhooking and the moulded
plastic push away release works very easily. It's simply a good package.
Performance wise the kite has always been good, pushing the fastest kites on the market to
pull their socks up. This model is perhaps even quicker, it's an absolute screamer. A couple of years ago the
Obsession was a bit more of a kite loop machine, now not so much, unless you are more measured and precise with
your handling, but it does have feeling throughout the wind window. The power doesn't shut off when it starts
turning.
The 2012 model is so fast and responsive, reacting instantly to bar input. Medium bar
pressure, it's fast but has a comfortable side to it's character too, with a lovely low-end grunt that will
happily pull you along without any fuss. The connection you have with the kite is just stunning which, combined
with its boosty nature, makes piloting the kite during jumps a lot of fun. You can go huge on this and also
really throw it about the sky for some really aggressive riding. If you're an experienced rider, pair this up
with a fast twin-tip and you will have a lot of fun. We didn't test it in waves, but it's definitely quick
enough, drives forward and has loads of depower.
SUMMARY:
Five stars for this kite – it's absolutely brilliant. Intermediates will be fine on it,
they'll just have to adjust quicker than normal to a faster kite, but the better you are the more you'll enjoy
this. It's just so eager to please with seemingly endless energy. If it had a tail it would permanently be
wagging.
If you had a tail you'd be wagging it while you're riding this. Roberto Ricci would probably
prefer an Aston Martin analogy after seeing his most recent video, but we're more from the two wheeled school.
Like a super sport 600cc motorcycle, this is an absolute weapon, fast, fun and with scalpel-like precision for
all forms of freestyle.
KW
LIKED:
Incredibly responsive handling and unhooked stability mixed with great
boosting.
KW WOULD
CHANGE:
If anything the kite loops are a bit fast now for really experienced kite loopers, but it
would be good for getting to grips with looping.
SIZES:
15, 13.5, 12, 10.5, 9, 7, 6 and 5m
--from KITEWORLD INTERNATIONAL
KITESURFING MAGAZINE
2012 BUYER'S GUIDE REVIEW - THE KITEBOARDER MAGAZINE - 2012 RRD Lineup Click Review Image below to be taken to full detailed review:
2012 BUYER’S GUIDE: RRD Kiteboarding
RRD
2012
The 2012 RRD Kitesurfing line is more extensive than ever before. Roberto Ricci and the RRD
team in Italy have developed unique products for specific riding styles and conditions. The 2012 RRD kite line
up offers six kite models, 10 different twin tip kiteboards, seven different kite specific surfboards in 24
sizes, and two IKA registered course racing boards. RRD is confident that it has the right product for every
level and type of rider out there. North American distributor Evan Mavridoglou answered our questions about
RRD’s extensive line for 2012, including their new ultra light weight twin tips, which average about 3.6 lbs.
with pads and straps.
At first glance, the 2012 RRD kite
collection looks like a refined version of the 2011 line. Is this the case or are there any large changes that
we missed?
For 2012, we have six different models of kites that are specifically targeted to perfectly
match a rider’s style and riding conditions. Five of the kites are next generation models, continuing their
programs from the previous years. These kites have been refined to improve performance while retaining the
qualities that riders liked in the 2011 line. For 2012 we also add a brand new C-kite, the Obsession
Pro.
What are some of the specific
improvements over the 2011 line?
Each model brings in improvements and new ideas for 2012. The flagship freestyle and all
around kite, the RRD Obsession, gets even smoother. The smaller sizes (5, 6, 7, 9m) are now even more stable,
while all the sizes get a little more power and higher jumping. The kiteloops are smooth with steady power while
the upwind performance and quick response and flying of the kite remain key characteristics. In the hands of the
advanced freestyle riders, the Obsession unhooks, jumps, and loops like no other SLE kite on the
market.
The Religion MK II is the kite that every wave kiter has been waiting for. The 2010/11
Religion was a huge success. Designed specifically with side on and onshore conditions in mind, the Religion MK
I was the fastest turning kite on the market. The 2012 Religion MK II continues on the path of its predecessor,
but adds more low end power across all kite sizes and more stability on the smaller sizes. The Dacron
wave-specific frame of the Religion kites creates a solid and uniquely strong structure, making the Religion
ready for any unplanned wave wrestles.
The 2011 Vision was introduced in spring of 2011 and will remain unchanged until spring of
2012. The Vision is the 3-strut design from RRD that is taking over the all-around performance kite scene. With
a full year of testing and R&D, the 2012 RRD Addiction MK III is the fastest race kite RRD has ever made,
ready for the podium at worldwide course racing competitions. The 2012 RRD Addiction MK III, while labeled as a
dedicated race kite, is very easy to fly and will make an amazing light wind machine in its bigger
sizes.
--From THE KITEBOARDER
MAGAZINE
2012 RRD Obsession wins 'Best Freeride Kite for 2012' in a test of 18 different kites conducted by
Kiteboarding Magazine.
Additional 2012 RRD Obsession Pics (click on pic below to be taken to a gallery with additional
pics/resolution):
2012 RRD V3 Global Control Bar: **Control Bar Sold Separately (Click Pic to enlarge)
WindBone Kiteboarding - About
Us:
WindBone Kiteboarding is your source for everything RRD.. We're based in Central NJ and offer a
full line of Demos serving the New Jersey NJ, New York NY, Pennsylvania PA, Connecticut CT, Delaware DE, and
surrounding areas.. Shipping nation wide and globally..
Our main spot for Demos and lessons is a boat accessible spot called Kite Island (Barnegat
Bay, NJ) which is known as NJ's "Mini-Hatteras" due to its perfect shallow flat water conditions and clean
winds --We run boat day trips out to the Island and it's definitely worth a road trip..
Please Contact Us at
WindBone Kiteboarding For the Latest Pricing, Deals, Coupons, & Promotions --No Games, Just the Best
Pricing & Service You'll Find.. Package Discount/Deals Available --let us know what gear you
need and we'll put together a package that simply can't be beat..
Also, please Contact Us for all your
RRD, Epic, HQ, Mystic, Bravo Elec Kite Pump, Trainers, and General Kitesurfing needs -if you don't see it just
ask.. some used demo and closeout 2009/2010/2011 gear currently available)..Extensive
Demos also available in the NJ/NY/PA-Metro area (RRD & Epic Demo Test Center)..
The sport of Kiteboarding can be extremely hazardous/dangerous without
proper instruction/experience --those new to the sport please seek professional instruction prior to engaging in
the use of kitesurfing equipment..
2012 RRD
Obsession presented by WindBone Kiteboarding, your RRD Specialists
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