COMING SOON | F ONE - BANDIT 5
"So our first full day at the F-One 2012 Distributor Meeting here in Mauritius could not have gone any better from a conditions point of view. We’ve had four sessions today in very solid surf – two at Manawa and two at a thunderous One Eye. Full power on kites ranging from 7 – 9 metres.
We started our day with a presentation proper of the Bandit 5 kite from F-One owner and head of R&D Raphael Salles. It’s great to work with these guys – these meetings are totally geared around getting out and using the new kites and boards in the best conditions possible, there’s none of the traditional ‘days in the classroom learning about every minute detail that has been changed in the line up’ that I know many of the other brands like to do.
Raph took us over the main tweaks of the Bandit 5 – he was very quick to point out that their task of improving on the Bandit 4 was a very tough one – the 4 was, and still is, an extremely good piece of kit.
Their aims and objective for the Bandit 5;
- Increase the range of each kite – more low end and an even higher top
- Increase the speed of each kite
- Improve the efficiency of each kite – basically make them feel a size smaller handling wise
In brief the changes to the kite include; - Very reduced leading edge and strut diameters
- Reduced depth in the profile of the kite
- Different construction and attachment of the two outside struts
- New bridle – even simpler than before with less pulleys which adds to the feedback at the bar
We have a lot more to come over the next week and I’ll be updating regularly in some greater detail. We’re looking at the boards today so expect some info shortly."
Dom Yule, F One
King of Watersports
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