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Since the first generation Bandit we have been committed to offering one single kite in our range. Our goal is not to offer just a versatile kite but rather the best kite for each discipline and style of rider, from the beginner to the pro athlete.
To be successful in all areas is a real challenge from an R&D perspective; this process is proving to be much more complex than developing several highly specialized kites. The most difficult challenge faced with the Bandit 5 was to improve from the Bandit 4 in all areas without losing any of its qualities - an extremely tough call that is ongoing.
The specificationa that we set for the Fone Bandit 5 in three words
> Range
To further increase its range, we needed both a kite that you could easily power up in the low end and a kite that was even more forgiving in strong and gusty conditions.
> Lightness
In order to improve its performance when under powered, and add to the ease of use at the bottom end its lightness was a priority.
> Handling
To immediately position the kite where you want it, to precisely manage its rotation during a kiteloop, and to have the most responsive kite in larger sizes, its maneuverability is crucial.
This is why we have focused our attention on this particular aspect.
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
The whole structure of the kite, its profile and its bridles have been reworked in order to achieve these goals.
Its construction has also been fundamentally updated both in the choice and the distribution of materials and in the manufacturing processes.
Because the structure of a kite is soft, it can deform and twist allowing the kite to rotate. A fully rigid profile wing will not turn at all.
Therefore, maneuverability and responsiveness of the kite depends directly on its ability to twist, one important point that we have greatly improved on thanks to a thinner leading edge, a new 3-point bridle system and a new shape for the struts.
All this to free the kites profile.
Reducing the diameter of the leading edge, with almost 25% less air volume, brings an important gain in terms of weight and aerodynamics.
The result is better performance in the low end, but in the also at the top end thanks to an improved handling thinner profile.
We have also gained in terms of set up comfort as the inflation time has been reduced.
A new type of flatter profile was employed. By reducing the profile curve depth it is easier to depower and keep control at the top end. In the low end, a flatter profile is more efficient when powered-up and fully sheeted in providing constant power.
The result is a better control of the kite aerodynamics, less lateral traction and less pressure and therefore effort through your legs and into the board when the wind picks up.
Finally, some important work was undertaken on the bar feeling and pressure.
The feedback from the bar provides you with constant information and lets you know what’s going on allowing you to adjust the position, the pull and the speed of your kite in the wind window at any given time…
These sensations must be precisely delivered so you can receive them all without the steering becoming a physical burden.
The B5 puts more effort through the harness and less through your arms. The direct bar feeling allows for the transmission of all necessary information.
Each year, we test more than sixty prototypes in order to meet all our chosen criteria and we spend more than 120 days on the water to develop each new collection.
With the B5 we have largely achieved all our initial objectives over the B4.
Lighter, more maneuverable and responsive ; the B5 is even smoother and ultimately more enjoyable and more effective regardless of the type of riding you do.
FREERIDERS:
In all conditions you can enjoy all the benefits of the Delta and its natural relaunch ability, you will particularly appreciate its immediately available power and its comfort and control. The versatility of the kite is unique and allows everyone to excel in all disciplines. All our pro team riders, from the snow to wave riding, to the hard core PKRA and speed guys, everybody strictly uses production Bandit. Also used by some schools, the Bandit can follow your progression from your first day all the way to the pinnacle of your performance.
WAVERIDERS:
In onshore conditions, light weight, maneuverability and depower capabilities are the B5’s main assets. We gave particular attention to maintain the maneuverability even when depowered, which is so important in onshore surf conditions. Its power in the low end allows the use of a smaller kite. In offshore winds, control, finesse and ability to depower reduces the pressure on the board, allowing for a looser feeling with the board much lighter under your feet. With the B5 your board rides freer and is more reactive. Strapless, the progressive control of the power makes it easier to maintain your balance or to quickly reduce its traction, which is so important during the surfing phase. The new B5 ensures all transitions and airs are smoothly controlled.
FREESTYLERS:
You will particularly appreciate its intuitive steering, better handling and lightness. During a jump, the timing is easy to find, with fine and constant control, it goes up to the zenith quickly and with all its aerodynamic performance its lift is also greatly improved. You always know where the kite is making it easy to make corrections.
FREESTYLERS NEW SCHOOL:
You will precisely position the kite at the height that suits each of your moves. Unhooked, its lightness and fine control reduces the sideways drag allowing better control of the trajectory during the jump and delivering smooth power and constant pull throughout. Our goal was to achieve the perfect balance between the qualities of the C-Shapes and those of modern wings. The results exceeded our expectations. In the hands of our best freestylers, with the kite low we were amazed by the tweaked moves they were pulling, both in terms of commitment, amplitude and height.
Thanks to these qualities, you can commit to a kiteloop earlier than before on the way up. The Kiteloop is one of the areas where the improvement was the most impressive. The qualities of the profile, its handling and responsiveness allow a great gain in control, and being able to quickly get the kite to the zenith allows for smooth reception regardless of the commitment. Finally, for all the old school moves, the gain in lift will give you some valuable time to complete all your moves.
FEATURES:
> One Pump Collar Valve:
- Easier to remove and put back.
- Practical during bladder replacement.
> Kite tuning:
2 different positions for back lines.
- Front: more bar pressure, slower turning kite.
- Back: lighter bar pressure, faster turning kite.
> Kevlar reinforcement on leading edge:
Most seams on the leading edge are now reinforced with Kevlar to prevent the seams to deteriorate on aggressive ground friction.
> Skin reinforcement:
Each skin sewing is reenforced on its front by a self-adhesive Dacron.
> Safety System:
The general safety system has been kept the same: UPS with Velcro quick release.
The big advantage is its sand-proof nature. This year, the chicken loop is equipped with a new injected «finger», stiffer, easier to rotate and adjustable in length.
> Profile leading edge end tips:
The leading edge tips are profiled and have a reduced diameter to avoid any bridles tangling and drag effect.
> Profile batten end tip:
A new batten closing system enables to reduce its diameter in order to decrease the drag. A small batten ensures the closing
and holding in position.
> F-ONE pulley:
- Pulley structure is extremely resistant.
- Bridle is integrated in the lower part of the pulley, working in its axle and not sideways.
- Pulleys can be removed independently from the bridle, you can change the bridle and keep the pulley or vice versa.
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