The Darkside is a 7ft span freestyle kite designed for winds under 15mph. the kite is made from icarex, and as is usual for dot, is fitted with the nest fittings. The frame is 6mm carbon with betweenies (tapered) as cross spreaders. The bridle is a short dynamic with a wing tip fade line.

Flying in a steady breeze the Darkside reveals it's playful character. Axles are flat, and slip into multiples easily; side slides are smooth, and the kite exhibits a small amount of over steer. Cascades can be linked from the top of the window, and the sculpted trick line allows lazy susans almost anywhere in the window, flapjacks likewise are crisp.

With the fade line on flick flacks are slow, although careful timing can release more frantic action. Once in a fade the Darkside can be a bit unstable, and the wing tip line means that backspins are very easy and controllable - and if timed correctly are very flat. This kite loves to go from backspin to last susan in combination. The Darkside will deadlaunch, although you are risking those tapered rods. Other takeoffs are no problem - it excels at pop ups into backspins.

Dot Designs have a great design here to rival the Gemini and S4. A bang up to date addition for the kite bag