In Focus: F-One 2017 Product Overview: The Kites
Features / Wed 7th Sep, 2016 @ 3:00 pm
F-One have been at the forefront of kiteboarding for some time now. You may know them for their signature kite the Bandit, the Mitu pro surf boards, the foilboard range and Diablo foil kite, or even for their awesome movies like Antandroy. F-One are expanding their range for the 2017 season, lets check out the 2017 line-up as it stands today. Firstly, lets wet your appetite by watching their latest movie Endless Playground. It’s off the hook!
Kites
Bandit
2017 sees the 10th edition of the Bandit. This insanely versatile kite has been a huge player in the kite market since its creation, appearing on various podiums from different disciplines within kiteboarding. Here’s some of F-One’s low down on the 10th edition.
“…For its tenth edition, we wanted the BANDIT to keep all its qualities but become even easier and more comfortable to fly. Because, whether we are thinking of the pro-riders, ourselves or our customers, having a more comfortable and intuitive kite is a bonus whatever your level…
…The BANDIT X is an exceptionally thrilling device and our motivation to improve it year after year is limitless. It is not the latest, marketing based, trendy kite with fancy but useless accessories. It remains pure/untouched/authentic and the fruit of our passion for kitesurfing and R&D.”
https://vimeo.com/album/4100334/video/179191079
Breeze V.1
This year we have used all the know-how of our design department to offer a kite designed specifically for foiling and light wind riding: the BREEZE.
We have decided to save some weight by getting rid of the struts. The BREEZE is therefore a single strut kite. Aspect ratio is reduced to make the kite more stable and limit both acceleration and speed. Its profile is completely new as it needs to deliver both power and control. Depower ability is amazing for a light wind kite. It takes our designer’s knowledge to achieve some depower without altering the profile.
The wingtips are wide which helps with maneuverability, transitions and allows for backward relaunch. We have optimized the reinforcement patches to save as much weight as possible and facilitate light wind re-launch. The kite is compatible with BANDIT kite bars.
The bridle is new as well with 4 fixing points and 3 pulleys per side. The BREEZE is available in sizes of 11m² – 13m² – 15m²
https://vimeo.com/album/4100334/video/179191081
Furtive V.1
After two years of development, the FURTIVE is ideal for long-distance racing, speed riding and hang-time sessions.
The FURTIVE features a high aspect ratio for high performance and 5 struts to control the profile. The leading edge arc is reduced to develop the maximum of power for a given area.
Its profile has been developed to ensure maximum traction at the edge of the window. Its W5 bridle is totally innovative and brings together the function of a bridle and a 5th line! We have called it W5 due to its W pattern which includes a central line to control the leading edge arc, like a 5th line. It provides perfect distortion control and the central line further helps with the depower of the kite.
https://vimeo.com/album/4100334/video/179191065
Diablo v.2
The DIABLO burst onto the scene with a vengeance last year, winning races and praise from everyone who flew it. For 2017, the DIABLO V.2. goes even further, it is now the ultimate racing weapon.
The DIABLO V.2. is a finely tuned, turbocharged, thoroughbred version of its predecessor, taking an already winning formula and developing it even further. Featuring top of the range performance while remaining stable and responsive The DIABLO V.2. is the very epitome of a racing wing and will take you straight to the top of the podium, just like it does for Maxime NOCHER.
Control Systems
Monolith Bar
The heart of the MONOLITH bar is made directly from a 6061 Aluminum block. The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machined method is used to shape the bar in one unique monolith piece.
This new fabrication method is used in conjunction with the 6061 Aluminum, an alloy charged with magnesium and Silicium. This material is extremely resistant and is used in the Air and Space industry. In addition to its strength, this material offers excellent resilience and great resistance to corrosion.
The new MONOLITH bar benefits from a new anodizing process that reinforces the external structure of the bar and blocks all corrosion.
For increased safety and comfort, the bar ends are molded with a soft material. The anti-sliding thermoformed grip has also a double EVA layer on top of the bar.
The new MONOLITH bar comes in three setups.
Bandit / Breeze
Furtive
Diablo
Boards
Check out the 2017 F-One board line up
By Robin and Sukie
With years of kite sport experience combined, you can be sure you’ll be receiving the highest quality of knowledge on the best equipment the industry has to offer.
