2011 product book
BLADE KITEBOARDING 2011
FORCES OF NATURE PRODUCT BOOK
DESIGN INSIGHT Product design at Blade is founded on the understanding that no single kite design is ideal for all riders. More than that, every kite design is ideal for a specific group of riders. The principle is that every rider has a different physical and mental approach to kiteboarding, and these rider-specific characteristics are the basis for Blade’s kite development. Internally we call this our Rider-centric Design Paradigm. We focus on a rider-centric approach because the natural alignment between rider and kite does more to promote progression then any other aspect of kite performance. This method is more accurate than designing for predefined “styles”, such as New School, Freeride, Wave, All-around, etc. These categories alone are too broad and do not accurately align rider type to kite performance characteristics. Blade’s development process is similar to boutique brands in other industries which design for specificity. The process starts by defining a specific rider profile, compiled from working with groups of riders with similar preferences then analyzing their performance needs. With a clear rider type in mind, performance characteristics are aligned to the specific demands of that rider type, and all key decisions during design development answer these demands. The result is a finely tuned kite that delivers the best possible performance specific to that rider profile. The right kite for the right rider, this is Blade’s Natural Selection Process.
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION Very simply we use the best. High end materials and build construction are an issue of cost, and all of our kites get the same top-end level of construction, so we leave out gimmicks and design trends and focus only on functional, effective design innovation that proves to deliver performance in our testing. Blade is one of the very few companies in the industry that works intimately with its production factories, not just to assure standards of quality and production excellence, but also to develop innovative processes to raise the bar in build quality.
PRIME - TYPE 152 KITE Advanced riders pushing their physical and mental ability, laying down movement with pristine technical precision - the Prime Type 152 is designed for you. If you aim for your personal best every time the wind blows and define your presence on the water as harder, better, faster, stronger, the Prime is your ideal platform for exponential progression. No compromises, the Prime is about delivering a high-end technical performance. Fast through the window and very direct, you can put the Prime exactly where you want it when you want it. The wingtip-axis turns are very quick and generate steady power, the newly developed tip shape contributes to the Prime’s smooth power delivery both hooked and unhooked. Up in the air it’s a wide open playground with huge pop and scalable hangtime at your command. The Prime’s high-end performance is characteristically hardcore Freestyle/New School, but if you are of intermediate to advanced skill and are aggressive, precise, and technical in nature, the Prime will put progression in your every move, every session, any style.
progressive C-kite Geometry fast direct handling quick powerful turns smooth power delivery hooked and unhooked huge pop and controllable hangtime precise control optimal bar pressure for power moves
TECH SPECS.
WIND R ANGE
Size
AR
Wingspan
Flat Area
Profile
Struts
Bar Length
7
5.5
3.04
7.02
Dynamic 1.7-2.2
5
45
Not
17-31
9
5.5
3.45
9.13
Dynamic 1.7-2.2
5
45
for
15-28
11
5.5
3.81
11.08
Dynamic 1.7-2.2
5
50
Begin-
13-25
13
5.5
4.15
13.15
Dynamic 1.7-2.2
5
50
ners
11-21
Advanced
POWERFUL PLAYFUL DYNAMIC
TRIGGER
TRIGGER - TYPE 107 KITE Riders that strap into the pilots seat, ripping through active, dynamic sessions with a powerful style - the Trigger Type 107 is designed for you. If you come to the beach to play hard in all conditions, and be in control of the action, the Trigger is geared specifically for your needs with lively performance characteristics that harness your energy. The Trigger’s experience is about active control and usable power. Handling is very dynamic, yet it provides exceptional stability as the result of sharp refinement to the highly efficient LE shape and bridle. Steering is noticeably crisp and direct, and like all Blade kites, it’s designed to fly fast through the window. Present bar feel connects you to the Trigger at all times and depower is direct, providing access to a solid top-end that is extended this year by 3-4 knots. The low end continues to be excellent, performing strong when most kites are laying out on the beach. Further development in the wingtip shape delivers predictable turns with impressive speed, generating smooth power through the low-powered center-axis pivot turns. The Trigger’s solid pop will get you up in the air with a clear sense of purpose. In the air or in the waves, the Trigger delivers active all-around abilities to the hands of riders at all skill levels who are powerful, playful, ‘‘‘and dynamic in nature. Those riders that select the Trigger will find their perfect match for the ultimate ride in every session, any style.
active dynamic handling incredibly stable fast through the window quick and direct pivot turns great wind range
TECH SPECS.
WIND R ANGE
Size
AR
Wingspan
Flat Area
Profile
Struts
Bar Length
3
4.7
2.31
3.07
Dynamic 1.9-2.4
3
45
23-40+
21-40+
5
4.7
2.93
5.08
Dynamic 1.9-2.4
3
45
20-35+
18-35+
Beginner Advanced
7
4.7
3.21
7.09
Dynamic 1.9-2.4
3
45
18-35
17-35+
9
4.7
3.63
8.94
Dynamic 1.9-2.4
3
45
16-30
15-33
10
4.7
3.94
10.11
Dynamic 1.9-2.4
3
50
15-28
13-30
12
4.7
4.29
12.09
Dynamic 1.9-2.4
3
50
13-25
11-27
14
4.0
4.65
14.03
Dynamic 2.0-2.4
3
50
11-20
10-22
THE ART OF KITEBOARDING
POWERFUL INTUITIVE CONTROLLED
vertigo
VERTIGO - TYPE 266 KITE Riders immersed in the moment, guided by feel and intuition, blurring the boundary between movement and the kite’s response - the Vertigo Type 266 is designed for you. If you approach riding as seamless experience with the forces of nature, the Vertigo is the medium that will effortlessly channel your energy into pure motion through wind and wave. As close as a kite gets to autopilot, the Vertigo is all about intuitive control and scalable power. Rock solid stability over its broad wind range inspires confident riding in all conditions. Massive depower provides access to excellent performance in a broad low-end and high-end. The Vertigo’s ultra efficient leading edge gives it superior upwind ability, while the kite’s overall shape lends to quick, mid-powered off-axis turns. Steering is direct and the flying is quick and very predictable. The Vertigo has well mannered all around abilities characteristically found in high end delta kites. Beginners through advanced riders who are powerful, intuitive, and controlled in nature will discover the Vertigo connects them to a new level of kiteboarding experience in every session, any style. substantially increased lower end wind range huge hangtime
TECH SPECS.
WIND R ANGE
Size
AR
Wingspan
Flat Area
Profile
Struts
Bar Length
Beginner
Advanced
extensive depower
7
4.05
3.31
7.05
Dynamic 1.8-2.5
3
45
18-35
17-35+
low bar pressure
9
4.05
3.75
9.03
Dynamic 1.8-2.5
3
45
16-29
14-31
10
4.05
4.09
10.08
Dynamic 1.8-2.5
3
50
15-27
13-29
12
4.19
4.41
12.09
Dynamic 1.8-2.5
3
50
13-26
12-27
14
4.19
4.75
14.13
Dynamic 1.8-2.5
3
50
11-20
10-21
direct feel Reflex Relaunch system
specifications: Teufelberger lines breaking strength: 220kgs Teufelberger lines diameter: 1.6mm Length of flying lines: 19m Length of rear leader lines: 445cm Length of front leader lines: 380cm Total length (bar to end of lines): 23.60m Bar length: 45cm or 50cm
BLADE BAR 2011 The 2011 Blade Bar is designed for maximum control and precision in a simple effective setup. The Blade Bar features dramatically improved durability and precision through a redesign completely utilizing high end plastics and flexible materials which resist impact, deformation and won’t corrode or breakdown. The 2011 Blade Bar features the Blade Swivel Dome G3, the third generation of the innovative Blade Swivel Dome. It combines the features and functionality of a chicken loop, swivel, and a 100% effective safety release into one fast, efficient mechanism. This proven and refined design is updated for 2011 with a newly developed plastic composite raising its durability and reliability to exceptional standards of safety. With one simple gesture, the Blade Swivel Dome G3 instantly releases forces ranging from 5KG to 380KG with minimal effort. Once the quick release is activated, Blade’s Absolute Depower System (ABS) immediately causes the kite to lose all power while remaining secured to you by one of the depower lines, ensuring the safety of both you and your equipment.
Most importantly, the Swivel Dome has been designed to be put back together easily and quickly while in water. The entire release device remains intact once activated, so there are no parts on the Blade Bar to lose. For 2011, the Blade Bar gets a redesigned center piece molded out of a single unit of stainless steel to protect the depower lines from wear and provide smoother control action. The flying lines are also upgraded to the latest advancement in line technology, stretching 50% less than the previous standard. The new Blade Bar is a refined system which inspires confidence by combining comfort and safety with speed and ease of use, so you can focus on riding. New plastic composites for durable precision Third generation blade swivel dome g3 mechanism Effective fast-on/fast-off quick release Blade ADS guarantees 100% depower immediately on release activation Comfortable grip and direct bar feel
DEUCE - TYPE 20 BOARD Advanced riders pushing their physical and mental ability, laying down movement with pristine technical precision, the Deuce Type 20 is designed for you. If you aim for your personal best every time the wind blows and define your presence/attitude on the water as harder, better, faster, stronger, the Deuce is your ideal platform for exponential progression in high performance technical riding. The Deuce is designed for high end technical performance for the advanced rider. The advanced edge geometry combines a high rocker and a stiff and aggressive variable flex pattern - utilizing top molding technology, the pattern accurately generates stiffness through the core and more flex around the edges and tips. The bold rectangular outline with broad tips combined with a single concave bottom enhance speed and quickness and contribute to the responsive ride of the Deuce. The design focuses on extreme pop, excellent response, and produces great upwind ability for riders that edge harder. Set in a more aggressive wider stance, the 2011 Blade pads and straps are fully updated with new high-impact absorbent foot pads, and new straps for accurate adjustment on both sides of the strap. G10 fins are chosen for maximum edging in a hydrodynamic profile stiff center board incredible pop aggressive variable flex pattern landing shocks High-end materials in every detail
TECH SPECS. Length
Width at Middle
Width at Tip
Core
Concave
131cm
41cm
33cm
Wood
Single
134cm
42cm
34cm
Wood
Single
SCALPER - TYPE 49 BOARD Riders that strap into the pilots seat, ripping through active, dynamic sessions with a powerful style, the Scalper Type 49 is designed for you. If you come to the beach to play hard in all conditions, and be in control of the action, the Scalper is geared specifically for your needs with lively performance characteristics that harness your energy. The Scalper is designed at the sweet spot of usable performance. For 2011, the Easy Edge geometry combines a larger medium rocker and more dynamic and lively variable flex pattern - utilizing top molding technology, the pattern accurately generates stiffness through the core and more flex around the edges and tips to strike the balance between strong upwind ability and an even ride. This combination allows strong edging in a board that delivers a solid pop for big air. The carefully tested medium-tip outline combined with a single mid-concave bottom enhance effortless planing and contribute to the well-mannered ride of the Scalper. Set in a more aggressive wider stance, the 2011 Blade pads and straps are fully updated with new high-impact absorbent foot pads, and new straps for accurate adjustment on both sides of the strap. G10 fins are chosen for maximum edging in a hydrodynamic profile. High-end materials in every detail Easy Edge geometry Variable flex pattern Effortless planing Forgiving and still direct characteristics D-Flex Tips
TECH SPECS. Length
Width at Middle
Width at Tip
Core
Concave
128cm
39cm
30cm
Wood
Single
132cm
41cm
30.5cm
Wood
Single
135cm
42cm
31cm
Wood
Single
FORCES OF NATURE
Riders: Jelle Hak Michael Zenaty Ran Rave Ofri Argov Ron Van Der Staay Mark Shinn
Photographers: Shai Guiterman Katya Romanova Design: Dan Shaham Yaron Shin
Blade Kiteboarding Product Book Š January 2011 www.bladekites.com