IKSURFMAG Issue #49
At A Glance
Now in its eighth year, the Bandit stands tall over a legacy that just seems to keep on going. The kite that changed everything all those years ago has itself changed an awful lot from those early incarnations. In recent years the kite has seen tweaks to the design rather than a radical overhaul and that is true once again for 2015. It is a three-strut kite with a definite C-Shape arc, whilst still retaining the Delta characteristics that changed the face of kitesurfing all those years ago.
For this year the placement of some of the key materials has changed, the kite still uses the super stiff TechnoForce canopy material, but the distribution of the Dacron on the trailing edge has been tweaked to reduce flutter. In addition, the bridle connection to the kite has been updated; it now uses a 4-point connection, which offers more control and improved handling.
One-pump is standard although there is no “fast” inflation system as yet, something we have seen lots of brands adopting over the last few years. The build quality is as good as ever and there have been some upgrades to the one-pump components. The bridal itself remains short and simple with a direct connection on the real and a pulley on the front to allow the kite to move as you sheet in and out.
Sizes: 5m, 6m, 7m, 8m, 9m, 10m, 11m, 12m, 14m, 17m
The Bar
The Monolith bar underwent an upgrade last year, this single machined block of aluminium still remains one of our favorites. It is light and simple and seems to last forever! The upgrades include… Click here continue reading…
