PROTON

This year we will introduce the brand new Flexifoil Proton. A solid kite with swept back wingtips for improved relaunch and depower. The Proton has stable performance and is perfect for beginner and intermediate kitesurfers, though the most seasoned kitesurfers will love this product too. (The Proton is not a delta kite).

The Proton is due to launch in May 2010.

ION

Andy Preston has worked his magic on the new Ion. We have dropped the ‘name number’ so this kite is being marketed as the Flexifoil Ion. The kite has a curved panel cut instead of the traditional straight lines; the designs have been refined to give a far more accurate representation of the original intended design. The new Ion has a familiar feel with subtle refinements.

The Ion is due to launch in April / May.

HADLOW

The new Hadlow specifications are still being finalised. Be sure to see the usual tweaks and refinements in shape and performance to meet Aaron’s demanding requirements. Also being tested is a new depower bridle that Aaron’s Dad has been using for the past year. He has been riding in South Africa on a 2009 Hadlow Pro 9m and strapless surfboard so we are confident we can transform this kite into a fast, responsive wave kite!

We are finding new ways to stiffen up the leading edge to assist with relaunch whilst maintaining the kite’s performance.

The Hadlow is due to launch in June 2010 and maybe earlier.

The Proton, Ion and Hadlow have a new leading edge construction. Tests have demonstrated a 40% increase in the bursting pressure when inflated using a compressor (up to 1.4kgcm-2 from 1.0kgcm-2) – a kite pump can usually inflate a kite to around 0.6kgcm-2 [8.5PSI] at the most!

All the kites have new sail seam constructions, which give a stronger and more accurate construction; along with a cleaner, smoother and more accurate canopy shape. Andy has been able to utilise lap seams on the canopy to achieve this.

All kites have a new strut to leading edge interface. This is far more accurate, neater and stronger. All kites will have a new reinforcement patch material that is unique to Flexifoil kites… (until our competitors ‘borrow’ the idea!) This is made of a Kevlar / Neoprene laminate which is extremely tough and allows the stitching to recess into it for further protection from abrasion.

KITEBOARDS

Our 2010 kiteboard range launched in September last year will continue through into 2011, although we may see new graphics later on in the season and two more shapes are on the drawing board.

BAR

The existing control bar design will remain for the forthcoming season, but with a longer 35cm center line and adjustable leader lines. Leader lines with landing handles will be an optional extra. A budget has been allocated for a new bar to be developed by the end of 2010.

PRODUCT TESTING ROUND UP

The last test trip to Dakhla in Morocco was really successful. We managed to fly Ions, Protons and Hadlows in a variety of wind conditions.

Martyn Hogg spent one day trying to break an 8.5 Ion, in about 25-30knots, by repeatedly slamming it into the water as hard as he could.

He couldn’t break it, so he gave it to the locals and they couldn’t break it either, so the new construction techniques are perfect! The Proton relaunch is the easiest of any Flexifoil kite we have ever made and still has great flying characteristics that won’t hold you back!