*** F-ONE 2012 BANDIT V ***

Philosophy:

Since the first generation Bandit we are committed to offer one single kite for our range. Our goal is not to offer just a "versatile" kite but rather the best kite for each discipline and style of riders, from the beginner to the pro rider. To be successful in all areas is a real challenge from an R&D perspective; this is proving to be much more complex than developing several highly specialized kites. The most difficult challenge faced with the B5 was to improve from the B4 in all areas, without losing any of its qualities. A very difficult task that never ends.

In three words the specifications that we set for the B5 were as follows: Operating range, light weight, maneuverability:

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 with strong gusts conditions.

Lightness: In order to improve its performance when under powered, 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 reactive 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 has 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 its manufacturing processes.

Because the structure of a kite is soft, it can deforms and twist allowing the kite to rotate. One fully rigid profile will not turn at all. Therefore, maneuverability and responsiveness of the kite depend directly on its ability to twist, one important point that we have greatly improved thanks to a thinner leading edge, a new 3-points bridle system and new shape for the struts. All this to "free" its profile. Reducing the diameter of the leading edge, with almost 25% less air volume, brings an important gain in terms of weight and aerodynamic. The result is better performance in the low end, but also in the high end thanks to an improved handling. Also gain in terms of comfort, with an inflation time reduced.

A new type of flatter profile was selected. By reducing the curve of the profile, it is easier to depower to keep control in the high end. In the low end, a flatter kite is more tolerant when powered-up, providing constant power. The result is a better control of the kite aerodynamics, less lateral traction and less effort with the board and in your legs as well when the wind picks up.

Finally, an important job was done with the bar. The bar feeling lets you know and allow you to adjust at any time the position of your kite in the wind window, its traction, speed motion, etc ... These sensations must be precisely dosed so you can receive them all without the steering becoming a physical burden. The B5 passes on more effort in the harness and less in your arm. The direct bar feeling allows the transmission of all necessary information.

Each year, we are testing more than sixty prototypes to meet all these criteria and are spending more than 120 days on the water to develop each new collection. Our initial objectives have been largely achieved with the B5 over the B4. Lighter, more maneuverable and responsive, even more tolerant and ultimately more enjoyable and more effective regardless of the category you are in.

With the B5:

Freeriders: In all conditions you can enjoy all the benefits of the Delta and its natural relaunch ability, you will specifically appreciate its immediate available power, 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, everybody strictly use production Bandit's. Also used by some schools, they can accompany your progression from the first day to the highest level.

Freestylers: You will particularly appreciate its intuitive steering, better handling and lightness. During a jump, the timing is easy to find, with a fine and constant control, it goes up quickly to the zenith and with all its aerodynamic performance, its lift is also greatly improved. It is easy to know at any time where is the kite and therefore to correct its position if needed.

New school freestylers: You will precisely position the kite at the height that suits each of your moves. Unhooked, its lightness and fine control reduces the lateral traction, facilitate the impulsion and allow a better control of the trajectory during the jump by controlling the power at all times. 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 radical moves they could passed, both in terms of commitment, amplitude and height. Thanks to these qualities, you can commit to a kiteloop earlier than before during the ascending phase. The Kiteloop is one of the areas where the progress was the most impressive. The qualities of the profile, its handling, responsiveness allow a gain in control, and being able to quickly ascend 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 pass all your moves.

Waveriders: In onshore condition, light weight, maneuverability and depower capabilities are the B5 main assets. We gave particular attention to maintain the maneuverability even when depowered, which is particularly important in onshore surf conditions. Its power in the low end allows using a smaller kite.
In offshore wind, control, finesse and ability to depower can reduce the pressure on the board, allowing for a more reactive feeling and being lighter under your foot. With the B5, your board seems liberated, 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 enables all the transitions and smooth controlled jumps.

Bar 2012:

The monobloc aluminum Airlite bar developed in 2011 represented a major improvement in terms of hardware. Two details, however, were reworked to incorporate your comments and suggestions on the 2012 model.

What changes:
A more flexible part is replacing the molded strap that you use to trigger the safety system. The chicken loop includes a new finger, adjustable in length depending on personal preferences, harness buckle shape and your active discipline.

Kite Only Equipment:

- Bladder Repair Kit
- Manual
- EVO Bridle
- Expendable kite bag

Optional Equipment:

- AirLite Monobloc Aluminum Bar with 24m Lines and kite leash
- Pump High Output
- Short Line kit 18 or 22m instead of 24m
- For more information about F-One accessories, please click here.

Pricing:

- Free Ground Shipping in all US States
- No local taxes if shipped outside California
- Complete Bar & 24m Lines: $440 USD
- Pump High Output: $39 USD
- Kite Only available
- Bandit V 6 m² complete $1,439 USD
- Bandit V 6 m² complete $1,489 USD
- Bandit V 7 m² complete $1,539 USD
- Bandit V 8 m² complete $1,589 USD
- Bandit V 9 m² complete $1,639 USD
- Bandit V 10 m² complete $1,689 USD
- Bandit V 11 m² complete $1,739 USD
- Bandit V 12 m² complete $1,789 USD
- Bandit V 14 m² complete $1,889 USD