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F-One Bandit 4 2011
Take a deep breath and make sure you read all of this as Raphael Salles
(F-One boss and R&D master) has a lot to say about the new 2011
F-ONE BANDIT 4 (a.k.a B4)
Changes between the Bandit III and Bandit IV Changes on the B4 are more visible because we have modified the outline and went from 5 to 3 struts, I will say yes its a radical change but with all the benefits and experience from the 3 previous models. We have also changed the profile, the c shape curve, the diameter of the leading edge so almost everything has been modified except the delta that remains the same. I want to make sure the readers understand the latest point because as the kite looks closer to a c shape now because of the square tips, people think that the B4 is not a delta, but I can assure you it is and you just need to superpose a B3 and a B4 and you will see that the Delta remains the same between the two. It’s just that the new B4 doesn't have the typical look of the first generation delta with pointy tips anymore.
New squared off wingtips The 3 struts gives you more freedom to work on the body. Plus the gain in weight combined with larger square tips, you get a kite with a faster response and a lighter feeling in your hands. The bar response is immediate and with a lighter bar pressure so you know exactly what the kite is doing at any give time. One of the surprises is that both pro riders (who like it a lot!) as well as the beginners feel a definitive improvement in driving the kite with a more direct response that need no anticipation. The new kite also now has three struts That was the challenge we had to face: ok we got a kite that can turn better and is smoother but what is happening when we use it in overpowered conditions? We have worked a lot on the aspect ratio and all the kite balance so it stays rock solid in high wind conditions. The way we do our tests in high wind conditions is quite simple, we call Alex Caizergues, the world speed record holder and ask him to push the 9m in 45 kts at least and tell us what he thinks. This year, all the speed team was quite surprised that we can still manage to satisfy them... DELTA Ever since the Bandit 1, we have classified our concept, which is now patented, as a Delta C shape. We’re the only major brand that has never built a bow kite. I had always explained that a C profile is the shape that we should keep as a reference, I was always thinking that the bow kites will get more and more C, years after years. A delta is a kite that get a sharp angle at the center of the leading edge, giving it a new outline for an inflatable kite. The first important thing is that you can make a 4m or a 20m with a delta and it will work perfectly, something which is not true for a SLE or a pure C shape. This allows us to have a full range without the need of making all kind of different shapes. The delta allows full depower with a lot of stability, without the need for a long depower system, its natural shape is ideal for auto relaunch and the length of the center struts gives us the ability to put the maximum square meters in the center, which is where you need to have them. On a bow or SLE, they have less area in the center and more on the tips so they need to be flatter on the c shape to get power, and as soon as they go more C they loose the low end. The C shape is the only way to get the direct perfect bar feeling so its an important feature on our kite design. Biggest changes for Bandit III riders I strongly believe we have gained in all aspects of the kite if we compare to the B3, not that the B3 is not a good kite. First thing you will notice is the lighter weight, not only the real weight but the moving weight, we call it the fat, that the kite feels lighter in your hands. It’s because of its real weight but also the direct response you get from the bar and the speed during loops for example. So in the low end you can gain power just because the kite is easier to move and gain traction while in the high end, the control of the profile, the de power and the stability at the edge of the window gives you a lot of confidence. For unhook riding, you will benefit from the weight, the response time and the speed in kite loops. We have also managed to get less direct boost when you unhook, so you have a better control and the bar is easier to pass. You don't need to tune so much your de power trim before unhooking, the kite accepts more of a middle trim. So in the end, a lot of things to say... I think every rider in any disciplines will feel the benefit of the B4 from its previous generation. What I can tell you is that we have put into the B4 things that cannot normally fit into one kite: light but strong, rigid but soft, manageable but stable, powerful but comfortable, accessible but performant… Construction We have been using our Force Frame construction since the Bandit 1, with full independent canopy panels between struts and not just stitched on top and constantly improving it. With the Fusion strut design and the use of a lot of Dacron fabric in specific areas, our construction is rock solid. We're in close collaboration with the same kite factory since 9 years so our production and quality control is based on a long experience and partnership. On the B4, we have a new strut valve with no zip ties for the one pump system that allow an easy replacement of bladders and several new reinforcements. New Safety We strongly believe that a complicated quick release systems with metallic parts can stop working when wet and sandy, which are typical conditions. We feel more confident with our velcro system. Velcro will work in any situations, from any type of sand beaches to the snow. Velcro do not need any maintenance and you can leave it for one year without taking care of it and it will work just fine the day you need it. The only thing you need to remember with our system is on which side you place the release, right or left. Riders should always try and learn their safety release before they go out. This year, we have changed the canvas loop for a molded one that is easier to grab and pulls right at the top of the velcro to get an even quicker release. New Aluminum Monobloc bar: AIRLITE We have totally re design the bar; any traditional bar is made out of 5 different parts, central hole - 2 tubes - 2 ends and most of the time made of different materials, all the parts glued together. Our new concept is to have the all in one bar concept with only one monobloc aluminum piece with a molded polymer on ends and an EVA grips. No more broken bar! Kite Only Equipment: Optional Equipment: Pricing: 
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