S2AS - News

Thursday, 2 August 2012

Flexifoil 2013 Kite: The Force

The Flexifoil Force 2013
New for 2013 we introduce to you the FORCE. Combined with the qualities of the ION but with a brand new shape, the FORCE flies like a true C-Kite but generates a performance similar to that of a hybrid. Its 4-strut design creates a more curved profile whilst its fully supportive bridle produces better performance, stability and control of the kite.

Outstanding design and build quality have always been at the centre of Flexi- foil’s core values. Our customers can be assured that a Flexifoil kite will give them the best value along with a performance that is second-to-none, whether they change kites annually or prefer to keep them for the long haul.

The FORCE has been created from the ground up using the latest 3D CAD technologies;  a completely new series that has taken on manufacturing processes that have evolved over the last few years. This ensures capable and reliable production to guarantee quality you can trust.
A refined leading edge and strut design with improved canopy construction gives the FORCE a more fluid and curved leading edge providing the ultimate in performance. The FORCE will deliver more than just satisfaction to every level of rider.


Standard Features
- TEIJIN T9600 TECHNOLOGY
Premium Quality Japanese and European Materials: We just won’t compromise on materials and use what we believe to be the best. Teijin T9600 still proves to have the best coating and longevity with excellent UV resistance. Dimensions Polyant Dacron® provides the best combination of fabric stability and stiffness for our Leading Edges whilst a new Kevlar-neoprene reinforcement patch material over every Leading Edge circumferential seam will protect against the harshest beach environments.
- 110 MICRON TPU BLADDERS
Flexifoil is proud to use 110micron TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) bladders (as opposed to the standard 90 micron) giving you the peace of mind of having a more puncture resistant and durable bladder in your FORCE kite.
- MOLTEN BLADDER TECHNOLOGY
Our uncompromising Molten Bladders still require frequent production tests to prove endurance of 120degC of heat without failing. Only the best will do!
- SOLID & STIFF WINGTIP CONSTRUCTION
Regardless of the conditions you like to ride, every FORCE is enduring and dependable due to its solid wingtip construction.

Construction Features
- RIGID STRUT JUNCTIONS
Our rigid strut to leading edge reinforcement is highly successful across our entire range of water kites. This gives each strut a much stronger and stiffer connection to the leading edge, resulting in a smoother profile of the canopy that optimises the performance of the kite.
- REINFORCED DACRON DP 175 LEADING EDGE TUBE
We have continued to use the Dacron® Leading Edge construction owing to its impressive levels of strength and durability. Past inflation test results have shown a 40% increase in the air pressure required to destroy the test samples and endurance tests carried out in the Sahara were passed successfully.
- EZ SINGLE-POINT INFLATION
Still simple and reliable and easy to change should you ever get a puncture. The Single Point Inflation System minimises your setup time and gets you on the water quicker.
- DACRON REINFORCEMENTS
The FORCE generates a solid pull that is spread throughout carefully positioned reinforcements to the wingtips and down the lines to your bar, optimising strength and weight. The much-copied Dacron cage retains a strong frame that means if you are unlucky enough to damage your canopy, the repair should be simple and cost effective.
- KEVLAR SCUFF PADS
At points susceptible to wear on the leading edge of the FORCE, we have introduced Kevlar scuff pads. This helps protect the leading edge of the kite from damage when it is left pumped up on the beach.

Overview
- 4 STRUT LAYOUT
The FORCE is the first Flexifoil high performance hybrid kite to use a 4-strut design. Not only have we reduced the amount of struts on the FORCE but we have also made these thinner making the kite lighter & faster.
- REDUCED LEADING EDGE
Designing the FORCE required the correct balance between stability, upwind ability and weight of kite. For the FORCE we were able to reduce the size of the leading edge to give it greater speed and to offer a more efficient turning experience.
- REFINED AEROFOIL SHAPE
An important part of kite design is producing a kite that is as close to the original 3D model as possible. Taking a 3D design and translating it into patterns cut by CNC fabric cutters, printed and then assembled by skilled seamstress’s takes expertise, which only comes with experience (something we have plenty of!)
- ANTI FLUTTER TRAILING EDGE BATTENS
The material used to construct the batten is extremely tough and flexible. Combined with Dacron® they eliminate resonant frequency vibrations that can occur as the trailing edge changes shape during a driving turn, avoiding any unnecessary drag or turbulence.
- ULTRALIGHT VERSION
Another addition for 2013 is the FORCE UL 13.5, which offers a completely different profile to the rest of the range whilst still incorporating the key performance characteristics. With a higher Aspect Ratio, thinner profile, and a revised planform unique to this design, the 13.5 has greater relaunch capabilities, speed, and response in lighter winds.
- SINGLE OPTIMUM FRONT TOGGLE
A distinctive feature on the smaller FORCE kites, the 7m & 9m, is a single connection point on the leading edge. The optimum position has been tested thoroughly so the rider benefits from maximum performance, wind range and stability from the kite.
- FULLY SUPPORTIVE BRIDLE
A fully supportive bridle system creates better stability and control of the kite through its entire wind range and angle of attack. Each size has a unique bridle system that has been customised to suit that particular size.
- SLASH CUT WINGTIPS
Similar to the HADLOW ID, the FORCE uses Slash Cut technology on its wingtips. The heavily tapered wingtips distribute the load across the entire tube, allowing for a thinner tip and creating sharper, faster turns as well as helping with a quick relaunch.
- VARIABLE PROFILE
Each size has its own unique profile. The kites aren’t just scaled up; each size has been designed individually. This gives every kite the ultimate performance in their given wind range.