Liquid Force Havoc

Apr 3, 2010

Author: SBC Test Team / Shane Thompson

Size Tested: 8, 10, 12 m
Style: SLE Hybrid

The 2010 Havoc 4 returns as Liquid Force’s powerhouse of C-shape oriented performance merged with the simplicity, depower and safety of an SLE kite. The new Havoc redesign includes the repositioning of just four struts across the canopy resulting in cleaner free flow of air for more responsive turning, improved upwind performance and better hang time.

Control Bar and Safety Systems
The new CPR (Centre line Push Release) System includes reduced diameter, textured grip control bar with a trim loop and the below the bar, centre line trim cleat. This set-up addresses the needs of riders that want 100 per cent depower flagging with a mini fifth line leash that completely flags the kite off a single front line. A secondary safety capability flags the kite 90 per cent off the front two lines using the centre line flagging method. The new 3D moulded cleat is centred atop the new CPR chicken loop for quick and effortless trimming. The CPR chicken loop has no moving or metal parts, and unclips cleanly and efficiently from its housing. Although it does remove completely from the bar, which can be an issue if the donkey line is not used, using the mainline safety set-up allows you to run the leash through the chicken loop ensuring it will never drop off. The CPR chicken loop is the easiest to re-affix of any chicken loop available today.

On the Water
The Havoc 4’s true All-Terrain performance puts it at the top of the class from wakestyle to freestyle to wave riding and proves that 2010 is a standout year for the LF kite line. There are several noticeable things about this year’s Havoc from the 09 model which include a definitive improvement in low-end power, an increase in direct control and turning speed and greater stability of the kite overhead. The Havoc has always been and remains a great jumping kite with plenty of hang time and smooth control through Kite Loops and powered transitions. The Havoc also stands out in the unhooked category, with smooth forward pull and plenty pop, this kite lets the most aggressive of riders throw down advanced moves with style. Great wind range also with good depower available at arm’s length, there really isn’t anywhere or anything this isn’t good at. Water relaunch was acceptable with steering line pull but perhaps not as quick as some of its rivals. It is best suited to intermediate to advanced riders but aggressive beginners could learn on this kite and would certainly never outgrow its performance. Overall the Havoc 4 remains a top contender for a do-it-all design that more than matches the industry-leading indices for performance and safety.


Reality check
Tough to find faults with this kite, however, many testers complained about the sharp embossed plastic logo in the centre of the bar which tends wear a hole in the skin of the thumb. Also the centre cleat system makes it easy to trim but at times the excess trim line can get tangled.

Bottom Line
The Havoc will take on any condition and let you excel with no barriers to performance. Unhook, hook in, flatwater freestyle, park or wave, this year’s Havoc is a magician.

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