Firstly I have to say that this is a wikid kite and has single handedly improved the way I ride. Sits exactly where you want it, boosts really nicely and has awesome grunt. I love it... However I just wanted to know if anybody else has had similar ripping issues that I've had. There's a strip of material that joins the LE with all the struts. This strip obviously moves around allot when in the air and has started to rip the material it's connected to on the struts (mainly the center strut). Anyway just thought I'd suss if anyone else has had the same probs or if I'm pumping up my struts to hard? If so what's the recommended PSI for struts and LE?

no problem here, best to get onto the supplier and see what they have to say.

Hey, yer it happend to me but mine fully ripped on my 13m and it happened to 3 or 2 struts and surf sail payed for the repair.

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sam_kiting said...

Hey, yer it happend to me but mine fully ripped on my 13m and it happened to 3 or 2 struts and surf sail payed for the repair and i was told its ment to rip if you have a big crash and from this happening it stops the kite from ripping even worse.

Seems like an odd thing to design a sacrificial point of a kite! Personally i'd rather they just stitched the entire thing up properly so it could take a beating like most other well made kites.

I wonder if F-One did this intentionally or if it's one of those 'features' that's going to reduce resale value of the kites.

Took that bit off because it was my dad who passed it onto me and im not 100% if he got it right because it does sound a bit stupid.

I'm currently riding a Tribal 2 (11m2) and planning to upgrade to a Bandit. A bit concerned now with this issue that you guys are talking about.
Has anyone else experienced the same problem with this apparently "weak" point in the kite structure?

Also, Can anyone give me some advice on which size of bandit I should buy (if I decide to buy one...). I have been quite happy with my 11, and most of the time I couldn't go on the water was because of a lack of wind. I was told that a 9m would be equivalent to an 11m2 Tribal?? Is that a sure fact? I don't want to be stuck on the beach cause my kite is too small. I'm about 77kgs.

Cheers,

Zoul.

Hey
That week point has only been on the 13m's i think and with your size you would need a 9m or 11m, the best thing to do would prob be to ring up Rob Gannon (0412 997 264) and see if you can organise a demo on the 9m and 11m down at Mullaloo Beach.

Cheers Sam,

Good idea to try demo each size. I know that the 9m would be best suited for un-hooked riding or waves, but as I will buy one kite only, I need a size that does it all.

Which size do you use most, and what's your weight?

Wow...that would be right...those out of the gates too early suffer the first generation blues. I'm just going to get mine double stitched now anyway... bugger it. Wonder if F-one will pay

Interesting to hear about the thickened sections in the front Y bridle too... the bit where the pulley rubs. Be nice to get a set of those for the first Gen buyers.

From what I hear you just need to contact your retailer about any concerns with F-one gear and the issue gets addressed.

M8 are only too happy to provide Bandit owners with replacement bridles.

Hey Zoul

Ive been riding the surfboard latly and have only been using the 7.5m and in 62 kg they have heaps of power these kites, i was out going up wind on the 7.5 and surfboard while another guy was out on the 11m Tribal 2 who was about 80kg and was just staying up wind on a TT

Ive taken the 7.5 out in 16knots before and was still going upwind

As Sam mentioned earlier in the thread, a few 13's have had an issue with the stitching on the strut webbings. No other sizes appear to have been affected. Should any customer have a problem please return the kite to your nearest F1 retailer for professional repair and reinforcement FREE OF CHARGE

Also regarding the bridles, F1 were concerned about the wear rate that some kites showed, although remember any moving part on a kite is subject to wear especially given the sand and salt in the operating environment. Therefore improved bridles will be shipped out for all 1st gen. kites FREE OF CHARGE starting next week. These will go to retailers so please check with the retailer you purchased the kite from. Not only are these new bridles reinforced at the point where the pulley runs, but they are also reversible, effectively doubling bridle life!

Thanks to all riders who chose F1
Cheers
M8 Kiteboarding

Man that is awesome news. Thanks for all your feed back guys... Especially M8.... and Zoul as I said before this is an great kite to ride man and is definitely worth giving a go... and with service like this I gotta say you can't go wrong.

hey zoul you wont be disapointed with the bandit i love myn im 78kg and riding an 11 and i have got going in 12 knts and held it in 30 i find the 11 has alot of grunt at least the same as the 13 tribal and is alot to hold onto in big wind for me which is why im now down sizing to a 9 in regards to durability my kite has taken alot of big hits and shows no sign of wear

Hey mate, thanks for the feedback!

Do you still have the 11? I will only buy one kite, which is why I am a bit careful in my decision.

What is the low end on the 9? Can you go out in about 15 knots, and still have some fun? I am hopping to try out both sizes this week-end to make a final decision.

Cheers,

All the new F-1 Bandit's Have a new V front line nice & thick. New pulleys. And the struts are built into the canopy, like the fule split strut system so I dont think thay will be going any were. For performance, simplicity & water relaunch, there is on other kite on the market with as good characteristics.

They are just Pollyester and nylon thread. You could make one with some cheap materials and a sewing machine.

The first gen Bandits have the struts built into the canopy as well don't they?

Yes skyhook thay do.
Wimdslave, Can you whip me up a Bandit & bring it to my Shop. Or if you would like I can knock up a crazy fly for you It will only take me 3 or 4 hours & you will be able to ride it the next day. It will only cost me say $150 to 200 to make.
If you like it you can have it. fore say $499.
MOJO