A cool speed training with Alexandre Caizergues @home. 42 knots of wind max, Bandit 4 8m and F ONE custom. On this run, 56 kts max speed and 54 kts avg on 250m.

by Shane Thompson / SBC Kiteboard Test Team

The F-One Bandit is a real standout in the unhooked, and powered freestyle category. SBC Kiteboard head-to-head surf tests (Issue 12.1).

Highlights
• Stylish design with wave-built construction
• C-kite style handling with direct steering and control
• Higher levels of all-terrain performance than ever before

F-One has totally redesigned and revamped their legendary Bandit IV for 2011 with new canopy shape profile, leading edge arc, a reduction in struts to three and widened wing tips. Still with Delta shaping the new Bandit promises better C-like quality performance, improved handling, low-end power and faster turning.

Control Bar and Safety Systems
The new Airlite Aluminum Monobloc bar is free of any clutter and streamlined. It features an aggressively narrow, smooth and comfortable EVA grip that feels light but solid in your hands. The one-piece aluminum construction gives it a solid feel and polished finish. The above-the-bar trim cleat system is reliable and easy to adjust on the fly. Underneath the bar floats there are adjustable length leader lines so you can efficiently tune any back stall from the kite. The Velcro quick-release system is an effective, if not underrated quick- release safety system. It avoids the downfall of most systems which if underused, unkempt or grunge filled, might be prone to seize, corrode or fail. The safety handle can be set on either side of the chicken loop depending on your preference. It would be important to keep the safety knob on the same side for consistency of engagement. The mini fifth-line engages full flagging of both the front lines of the kite. Good polish and functional safety systems get the Airlite Aluminum Monobloc bar top marks.

Kite Performance
The new Bandit IV had the most distinctive and different feel than any kite of the test. It has a solid shape and is supported by a quality Force Frame build with one pump. Classic and stylish graphics, Fone has done well with this kite’s appearance as it occupies the heart of the brand. The Bandit seems much less Delta this year but with a more C-kite look to it with wider wing tips and three struts. It maintains its simple bridle system and the welcome addition of settings on the wing tips allows for adjustments to the IV’s turning speed and bar pressure. Its light weight brings some better low-end power from the IV also has some more dynamic turning speed and reaction to bar input that the III lacked at times. The lightweight feel to the three-strut design makes it more nimble and reactive in the waves. Depower is solid but with more available power, there still some pull and reactivity to kite input. The overall control is good, jumping is C-like with good lift, and more manageable drift than earlier Delta shapes. The wider wing tips give the kite smoother power through the arced turns. It is important to tune out the bandits back lack lines for optimum stability and depower.
The new Bandit has impressive speed, even in lighter winds and its solid upwind capability give it good race capability. Water relaunch is still Delta-like and the kite’s lighter weight ensures the Bandit IV is quick to flight in lighter winds. The all-terrain capability of the kite and enhancements in direct feel impressively suit the Bandit IV to the intermediate to advanced rider that wants a do-it-all design without limitations.

Reality Check
The increased C-kite shape of the Bandit is a trade off for some of the instant depower of the more Delta-shaped kites of the test.

Bottom Line
The aggressive overhaul of the Bandit IV has delivered some positive improvements for this Delta-evolved design. The Bandit will be sure to excite current compadres and inspire intermediate to advanced riders to push the limits in new conditions and disciplines.

Using either Bandit 3 or Bandit 4
Location: Ocean Beach, San Francisco, California
When: March 2011
Wind: Between 17 and 24 MPH
Kites: Bandit 3 7m and Bandit 4 8m

Trip to Coche Island / Los Roques / Venezuela
by Alex Caizergues

When we were looking for a great spot to celebrate the New Year and get some good freestyle sessions in January, Marie and I started thinking about Venezuela (thanks to our team mate Charlotte Consorti, fastest women on Earth!) and specifically to Isla de Coche (small island in front of Isla Margarita).

Weather is already great at this time of year, the spot is perfectly flat, and you have a good choice of Hotels and resorts directly on the beach (or not, it’s even cheaper!). We chose Punta Blanca Ocean Club, the closest to the spot (literally 100m!), with a nice swimming pool where you can enjoy a fresh “pina colada” after the session.

When we arrived, on January 1st, the spot was pretty packed because it was still the Venezuelan Christmas holidays (ending the 10th of Jan). Since then, it has been paradise, never more than 10 people, light/medium/strong wind every day!!! We are kiting with our Bandit 4 : 12, 10 and 9 for me and 10, 9 and 8 for Marie , two kites each and everyone is happy!

For the boards, Trax and Acid are the perfect mix!

Hope you will enjoy the pictures; feel free to make comments on our facebook pages!

Marie & Alex

Hosted by Big Blue Unlimited, the Turks & Caicos F-One distributor.

2011 FEBRUARY 22-28 2011 KiteWEEK with JULIAN HOSP

Pro kiteboarder Julian Hosp (F-One International Team) will be back in the Turks & Caicos to host a Big Blue Unlimited/ F-One  KiteWEEK.

The 6 day camp will take place in the last week of February 2011 from 22nd – 28th and will be only open to 6 guests. Book NOW. Cost not including accommodation or flights will be $1200 per person.

He will be bringing the latest 2011 F-One Bandits for all to try.

CONTACT BIG BLUE ASAP FOR MORE INFO TO BOOK YOUR SPOT.

Big Blue Unlimited
Leeward Marina
Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands
Tel. 649 946 5034 or 649 231 6455
Fax number 649 946 5033
info@bigblueunlimited.com
www.bigblueunlimited.com

All you need to know about the Bandit 4, the technology, the bars, the wind range, the color, the interviews of the designers, videos, the feedback from the pro-riders, etc.. all in one really cool website www.bandit4.com

By Kurt Friedmann, Photos Jason Brook

Try the kites Alex Caizergues, used to break the 100 km per hour  barrier.

The 2011 F-One Bandit IV , assorted with F-One directional boards and twin tips will be available for demo at the Delray Beach kiteboarding spot in Florida December 22 – 26. The demo will be held by our team rider, Lydia Snider.

Times: when ever wind is blowing.

It’s really hard to know when that is going to be this time of year.
Call 831-566-0918 for specifics during the demo Days Dec 22 – 26.