As most of you know Blade is a fairly new brand, and the 2007 season changed it from an almost unknown brand to a brand that is known by everyone on the beach.
2008 is right around the corner and the BLADE designer team has put a lot of effort on developing the most updated and improved gear, concentrating once again on having the best kites on the market.
Blade will introduce 3 new kites in 2008: the Vertigo, the Beast, and a kite whose name is yet to be decided.
The Vertigo 2008:
In 2008, we would like to continue the great success of the 2007 Vertigo.
Our designers kept the same outline shape as before and made some modifications to bring it to be an even better kite then the 07 Vertigo. The main issues we focused on improving in 2008 edition were the lack of stability in high winds, little to almost no bar pressure, and lack of airtime.
One major change in the design was to make the LE a bit thicker, which helps make the kite significantly more stable.
The following is a detailed comparison with the 07 vertigo.
1. A 5-line kite that can be flown with a regular 4 line bar as well. The 2007 kite was able to fly only 5-line. The 5-line setup is still the recommended setup.
2. Same quick turning as the 2007
3. Higher bar pressure that will let the rider get a more precise feeling.
4. Higher stability
5. Longer airtime
6. Easier re-launching due to the thicker LE, which gives the kite a better shape once in the water.
7. Kiteloops are expected to be as easy as in the 2007, with a little bit more pull for greater unhooked moves.
8. Power: The 2008 Vertigo has a stronger pull then the 2007 Vertigo. The overall wind range is the same but the low-end of the 08 starts earlier and the upper-end ends a bit earlier as well.
9. De-power has the same great range as 2007
10. Sizes: The main selling kites for 2007 were the 10s and 12s.
We have decided to make a change in the sizing allow for a better quiver selection for all users.
The 2008 sizes are 7, 9, 10, 12, and 14.
The 2008 sizes give the following 2-kite quiver options:
7 and 10 for little weight and/or strong conditions.
9 and 12 for average weight and/or good wind conditions.
10 and 14 for bigger people and/or low wind conditions
11. Bar sizes: A 45cm bar, with 5*25 lines for sizes 7, 9 and 10.
A 50 cm bar, with 5*25m lines for sizes 12 and 14.
The Vertigo is intended as an all-around kite with good high performance aspects as well. As many kite schools preferred the Vertigo for their first time kiters in 2007, the 2008 version will give an even better benefit due to its extremely high stability. But, the quickness of it, great hang-time and powered kite-loops give it an extremely high performance kite and wave kite.
Kites Avalable Late November 2007
The Beast 2008:
Although the Beast came out fairly late last year, it was a great success as well.
For 2008 edition our designers made some drastic changes. We have made it more of an all-around kite with an emphasize on the beginner aspects. We wanted to introduce a more stable kite and conquer the over-quickness problem of the smaller kites.
Now, the LE has sharp angle shaped segments that allow the fabric to be pulled tighter and cancel the flattering when the kite is fully de-powered.
The following is a detailed comparison with the 2007 Beast
1. A - 4 line kite as in 2007.
2. Slower turning on the smaller sizes.
3. Bar pressure will be less then the 2007 model.
4. Higher Stability than 2007.
5. Airtime will be as good 2007.
6. Same easy and comfortable re-launch as 2007.
7. A little bigger turning kiteloop then last year’s Beast.
8. Power: The 08 Beast has the similar strong pull as 07 Beast, but the stability of it makes the smoother ride that lets the kite have lower grunt.
The wind range is the same as 07 Beast with a little better upper-end once again because of the stability.
9. De-power same great range as 2007.
10. Sizes: Same sizes as the Vertigo 2008 for greater quiver selection.
The sizes are 7, 9, 10, 12, and 14.
7 and 10 for little weight or/and strong conditions.
9 and 12 for average weight or/and good wind conditions.
10 and 14 for bigger people or/and low wind conditions.
11. Bar sizes: A 45cm bar, with 4*25 lines for sizes 7, 9 and 10.
A 50 cm bar, with 4*25m lines for sizes 12 and 14.
Kites avalable December 2007
MAD (Multi-valve Airflow Distribution):
All kites come with the all new MAD (Multi-Valve Airflow Distribution) system. This remarkably new system is intended for both riders who prefer a single inflation point as well as the ones who still love to inflate the struts separately. The kites come with the MAD system already assembled but in a matter of seconds the user can change the fittings to the old system again. An additional benefit is the no-hassle repair procedure. Everyone is familiar with the longevity and difficulty in repairing the common single inflammation systems. This system allows you to repair bladders as if this was a regular multi inflammation kite.
Bar:
The 2007 bar is a great bar. It is easy to operate and has a quick release that never fails you. We have improved the system by changing parts for a more lasting durability.
1. The center piece is changed to a stainless steel unit. The de-power line runs through stainless steel which gives it higher durability. In addition, it helps keep the EVA away from the plastic parts. No more parts will run against the bar’s grip and allow the EVA to last longer.
2. The stopper ball has been modified in shape to keep the EVA on bar unharmed and release quicker when pushed against it with the bar.
3.The de-power strap has been stitched differently to keep it from twisting.
4. We will offer the chicken loop in two sizes: regular will be the standard 2007 loop and a larger chicken loop which is 3 cm wider in diameter.
5. All bars will come with handle-pass leash.
The Yet to be decided 2008 Kite:
Our third kite is a pure free-style kite. This kite is the kind of kite that is intended solely for the freestyle rider. It will give the rider powered kiteloop action while getting a huge pop into the air. This is the kind of kite every “new school” rider will love to ride!!!
Its shape is more of a the c-shape but it still has a great de-power.
This kite is still in the early prototype stages and is expected for first production in March/April.
The sizes of this kite will be 7, 9 and 11.
More details and information for this kite will be given in the future.
Bron:
http://www.atfreeforum.com/bladekitesforum/viewtopic.php?t=158&mforum=bladekitesforumGrt,
Wouter de Boer
Radboudkites.nl
06-43994284
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