It is July 2024 and we see Aaron Hadlow in a big air competition on a three strut kite. Lorenzo has been on fire before with the five strut Harlem Force. And now the GOAT is added to the Harlem team. Months later The Harlem Thrive is ruling in several competitions.
After using the Thrive for months ourselves we understand why. It kicks in where the Force left us hanging. It combines something we thought was impossible: a kite that excels at big air AND is quick to react on steering input. Although this restless power isn’t the kite for everyone, it is nothing short of a -Brainchild- revolution. It is the answer to Aluula. ‘There is life after Duotone‘ has been said by more than just one person.
Ralf and Aaron
The rumor is Ralf and Aaron got total freedom to design this new Harlem kite. Fabricated in Europe’s based Brainchild’s production facility. Their baby Thrive did work out in an extremely specific way. It broke the ‘law’ that fast-responding kites deliver less power over less responsive ones. It cuts effortless through the air. A very pleasant feeling if you like to throw your kite around. It also means you can correct its position at the very last moment. Which means you can try bigger and bolder moves without being punished. Bigger mega loops at higher altitudes. Without the worries of breaking your legs because the kite is too late to catch you.
‘If you fall,
I will catch you,
I’ll be waiting.
Time after time‘
It is like Cyndi Lauper sang ‘If you fall, I will catch you, I’ll be waiting time after time‘. It doesn’t matter how far back the kite is. Or if you went to low while doing a kite loop. The Thrive will be there catching you. Time after time.
Performance
It is the quickest responding Dacron kite we know of. The low end is amazing. Powered up it needs a session or two to get the confidence it deserves. To be so quick and responsive opens a lot of possibilities. Kite loops within a split of a second for example. Mid loop you can still decide to make a small or a big circled kite loop. It is pure joy throwing it around. Without getting really aggressive.
For riders that are seeking the next level from their Bandit, Enduro, Union, FX or Dice it will be a dream come true. Confidence to the ones that want more. More height. More response. More low end. More confidence. More Fun.
Doing everything for everyone?
It took us a few sessions to really understand the Thrive. For example, the direct input and power from the steering lines is quite overwhelming at first. Perfect for a (first) session in low wind. But when things get more hectic the Thrive needs some getting used to. It will let you know when it is gusty. Unhooking freestyle is a no-go. There is no slack on the back lines. (We don’t care, do we?).
If you are on the heavy side (90+kgs) we recommend the 5 strut Peak over the Thrive. Teaching on a Thrive may also not be the best kite when a student is on the nervous side. If you are on the lookout for a bargain, it may also let you down. Discounts are hard to find. Some early versions of the Thrive seem to deal with an inflate which is sensitive and can start leaking. Just make sure you can go back to a nearby shop that can help you in this case.
