F-One 2010 Lineup Preview - Mauritius trip
You can check out pics of the Bandit III + Twin Tips here.
First days, we tested the 10/11m/13m bandit III in light wind conditions but with really big and intimidating waves between 12/15ft at Manawa (at least for me and apparently not for Raphael, Etienne, Mitu,etc...!!). Then the wind really picked up and we were down to 6/7/8/9m kites. The 5m was not finished otherwise I would have tried it too. Between the beach and the reef, it's perfect for twin-tips, you can get total flat water or a bit of chop depending where you go in the lagoon. And always clear water with a maximum of maybe 1m deep.
There are 3/4 waves spot at Le Morne:
1- Little Reef (not that little!) on the right side of the main pass. I spend a lot of time there as well as Chameau. Can break right and left, mainly left. So much fun there.
2- Chameau (left point) - On the right side of Little Reef: bigger than Little Reef and a wave you need to come out clean and fast to not be smashed on the reef. Although you get used to it.
3- Manawa (left point) - You need to pass the reef, wave break is about a a mile far out. From the beach it's already big but when you go out there, it's huge and loud! First day, I didn't go as I was practicing at Little Reef which was already bigger or as big as anything I have ridden before. The day after, I went with Alex Caizergues, and rode mainly the shoulder of the wave for 30 mn then decided to go for it. Problem is that it's a left and I don't really ride switch so I didn't really do anything on the wave (no bottom nor off da lip for me!). Wave is not super fast but is huge and when you are coming from the back and this big mountain is building under you, it's really something to experience and on top of this, being far out from the beach. So big, that you need to keep your kite pretty high. I couldn't believe this. I saw the big boys, Raphael and Mitu, do huge aerials and landing at the bottom, really impressive. I wished I had my gopro camera with me.
4- One eye (left point) - I never went there. On the right side of Chameau. This is a super fast, long and beautiful left wave with big consequences if you crash at the wrong spot. Mitu, Raphael, Etienne and the video/photo crew spent a lot of time there. Pics and some rush I saw were beautiful. All of this will be in Addikt II to come out soon. I heard the crew is also going to Indonesia in the coming weeks for some more footage. Video camera is a RED camera, solw motion is trully unbelievable. Can't wait to see the video.
BANDIT III: This was the star of the show. Here are the main differences for what I could tell with the Dos. Raphael made a point of having us to try back and forth the Dos and the new III to really appreciate the difference.:
- One pump: our dealers will like it. Simple and efficient. Outside connection.
- New profile: after talking to Sylvain Perreti (kite designer) extensively, I can tell this is the most accomplished kite they have ever produced. 50 prototypes were made only for the 9m, then a total of 3 to 4 proto per other sizes... They wanted to keep the low end intact and drastically improve the high end. As much as possible, F-One is really trying hard to reduce the number of kites a rider needs for all conditions. You can tell they achieved a pretty remarkable result. When it's getting windy, the kite is ultra stable and never flaps or moves around, the kite keeps pulling forward and pointing to the edge of the window (as opposed to laterally with some other designs than the Delta) and is really, really smooth in transition when sheeted out, with a smaller trim travel. Pro Rider like Randy Hereman were reporting how the III is responding so much better during kite loops for example. More aspect ratio and deeper C shape.
- EVO Bridle has now 3 sets of pulleys and 4 attachments on the LE and is much shorter than the Dos to avoid tangles and a better control of the profile.
- Back lines and front lines on the control bar have now the same length in an effort to standardize.
- Graphics have been expanded on the canopy. Very stylish
- New sizes: 5/6/7/8/9/10/11/13/15 --> no more 5.5, 12, 14 and 16.
- New articulating tongue on chicken loop for easier hook in/out.
- New Stainless UPS under the bar.
- Main attachment for the front lines are now closer to the control bar. Front lines are way longer than the DOS and are attached directly to the safety bungee above the poser/depower system. This is due to the new profile and aspect ratio.
- Shorter trim.
- In the works: 100% aluminun bar!
Twin-Tips: First time we could test next year F-One twin-tips this far ahead. All the distributors loved this!
- All twin-tips have been redesigned and the Skate (sk8) is back!
- Platinum pads/straps with easy lock are back but in smaller sizes. Small feet will appreciate.
- Trax comes back in black with an external X carbon twist and a new 3D bottom with a double concave and steps. Beautiful finish. This is the favorite board of Randy Hereman and Eli Zarka. Always very smooth and edgy: 132/38 - 134/39 - 136/40 - 138/41
- TX is back too but is basically the 09 Trax with more scoop and no X control: 134/39 and 136/40 - Passes the chop very well and the best all around board. A SBC Kiteboarding favorite.
- Acid has now a double concave and has been redesigned. 127/37 - 130/39 and 132/41 - Beautiful graphics - For new school freestylers. A favorite of Pauline Boussard.
- SK8: Skate is back. For carving, choppy conditions. I love this board. Does not go upwind as well as Trax or TX, not as fast also but everything else is so good... 132/38 and 134/39.
Custom Bamboo Surfboards:
- All the lineup will be reconducted. 5.2 / 5.6 / 5.8 / 5.10 / 6.0 / 6.2 / 6.4 and 6.9.
- I tried 2 sizes that I haven't tried at home, the 6.2 and 6.9 gun. I wish I'll have the gun for the La Ventana Classic. So fast straight with only one strap in the front. 6.2 is actually really nice, in the same mold as the 6.0.
- F-One is testing double concave bottom on the 5.6/5.8 and also a 5.6 Fish.
