Naish Inside Scoops with Lars Moltrup

[Toby]

New Twin Tips

MONARCH

1) How do the rocker, flex and outline affect the board’s performance?

In general, these features have a great influence on the riding characteristics of the board and all work in relation to each other. Rocker, flex, and outline must all be adjusted and balanced to the target conditions you want the board to perform in. If you are looking for comfort in choppy conditions and soft landings, a higher rocker will be optimal, provided that the board has the right amount of flex.

If you want a board to plane out earlier, a low rocker board with narrow tips will work best. The low rocker will also need to have a lower value of flex so that it will not collapse on hard landings.

The outlines also play a big part in optimizing the board for the riding style and level of the rider. Wider tips give you more radical pop and better flatwater freestyle performance, where narrower tips give you a more forgiving and comfortable riding experience.

To make it easier to understand and compare, we have started to define the flex and rocker with quantifiable values. Stiffer boards have a lower flex value, for example, the dub = F32. Softer boards have a higher value, for instance the Hero = F45.

To make the rockers easier to understand and compare, they have been defined in three stages of tangent radii creating a continuous curvature. The radii is defined in the board specs and have different placements and sizes. This gives the boards different riding characteristics.

Specifically to the Monarch:

Low rocker, low flex and wide tips (which give a slightly straighter outline than the typical freeride board), provide the Monarch with radical pop, maximum control, early planing and speed. The beveled edges give the board a comfy ride in choppy conditions. The low flex of the Monarch has allowed us to have a low rocker. The rocker is highest at the stance area and relatively flat in the center section. Due to the wide tips, the rocker is increased to give the board a lively feel.

2) How does the bottom and deck shaping contribute to the performance?

The different contours and features on the bottom of the boards give various characteristics to the board. When designing the deck of the boards, it is overall a matter of reducing weight, but also very much an efficient way to stiffen the board up with minimal use of materials. The tip shapes provides an I-beam effect which gives a much stiffer tip than if it was a flat or single concave.

Specifically to the Monarch:

The quadruple concave bottom gives the board directional stability and soft landings. The beveled edges help disperse the water on landings and also add impact absorption. The tunnel in the beveled edges also increase directional stability. The Hexa-tunnel Tips provide unmatched edging for solid grip and work as a structural arch to increase stiffness in the tip area with a minimum use of materials.

3) What is the philosophy behind the construction?

The design objective is focused on making the boards as light as possible. For this reason, we are utilizing high tensile gradated laminates, which means that the largest amount of fiberglass is at the stance area and in-between. This also means we can reduce the amount of material applied to the tips to save where less reinforcement is needed.

All boards also have impact reinforcement zones, which are fiberglass patches that disperse impact forces throughout the board, thus increasing durability.

Specifically to the Monarch:

The Monarch has two strips of carbon fiber on the deck and one wide strip on the bottom to strategically control how the board flexes and maintain an optimal weight-to-strength ratio.

4) What does the rail shape do for the board?

Throughout the twin tip line, all the boards have step rails. This concept was implemented to reduce weight by reducing the overall wood core volume and increase grip on the water.

5) What is Flex Torsion Control?

The Flex Torsion Control is added on the high performance boards to increase stiffness in both the axial and torsional axis, specifically in the area where it is needed. Without adding excess weight to the board, the Flex Torsion Control gives the board a better response and a more dynamic ride.

6) How does fin positioning affect the board?

For the new twin tip line, we have found the optimal position for the fins through vigorous testing. Testing criteria has been upwind ability, edging, comfort and release from the water.

Specifically to the Monarch:

The angling of the fins is related to the bottom shaping and desired characteristics of the board. On the Monarch, the fins have been angled 3 degrees in order to improve the grip and upwind ability.

http://naishkites.com/Monarch


DUB

1) How do the rocker, flex and outline affect the board’s performance?

In general, these features have a great influence on the riding characteristics of the board and all work in relation to each other. Rocker, flex, and outline must all be adjusted and balanced to the target conditions you want the board to perform in. If you are looking for comfort in choppy conditions and soft landings, a higher rocker will be optimal, provided that the board has the right amount of flex.

If you want a board to plane out earlier, a low rocker board with narrow tips will work best. The low rocker will also need to have a lower value of flex so that it will not collapse on hard landings.

The outlines also play a big part in optimizing the board for the riding style and level of the rider. Wider tips give you more radical pop and better flatwater freestyle performance, where narrower tips give you a more forgiving and comfortable riding experience.

To make it easier to understand and compare, we have started to define the flex and rocker with quantifiable values. Stiffer boards have a lower flex value, for example, the dub = F32. Softer boards have a higher value, for instance the Hero = F45.

To make the rockers easier to understand and compare, they have been defined in three stages of tangent radii creating a continuous curvature. The radii is defined in the board specs and have different placements and sizes. This gives the boards different riding characteristics.

Specifically to the dub:

High wakeboard inspired rocker, medium stiffness, and forgiving outline allow the dub to eat chop like no other board. This means the dub has great absorption of the force during hard landings and a forgiving, comfortable ride in all conditions. The dub has a high center rocker which declines at the stance area and a very low, almost flat, section at the tips for back foot stability. The board performs excellent with the Apex binding and can be used with boots as well.

2) How does the bottom and deck shaping contribute to the performance?

The different contours and features on the bottom of the boards give various characteristics to the board. When designing the deck of the boards, it is overall a matter of reducing weight, but also very much an efficient way to stiffen the board up with minimal use of materials. The tip shapes provides an I-beam effect which gives a much stiffer tip than if it was a flat or single concave.

Specifically to the dub:

The 3D trapezoidal skid plates allow for superior edging, drive and gives the rider the option of riding finless. The beveled edges disperse water efficiently for forgiving landings. The flat center provides clean water entry at the bottom and optimizes the water flow. The water flows through the V and the deep double channels giving the board superb grip at speed. All this shaping in the tips creates structural trapezoids, which increases stiffness without the use of extra materials.

3) What is the philosophy behind the construction?

The design objective is focused on making the boards as light as possible. For this reason, we are utilizing high tensile gradated laminates, which means that the largest amount of fiberglass is at the stance area and in-between. This also means we can reduce the amount of material applied to the tips to save where less reinforcement is needed.

All boards also have impact reinforcement zones, which are fiberglass patches that disperse impact forces throughout the board, thus increasing durability.

Specifically to the dub:

The dub has one wide carbon fiber strip on the deck and one on the bottom to add stiffness in the center section of the board, control flex and maintain an optimal weight-to-strength ratio.

4) What does the rail shape do for the board?

Throughout the twin tip line, all the boards have step rails. This concept was implemented to reduce weight by reducing the overall wood core volume and increase grip on the water.

5) What is Flex Torsion Control?

The Flex Torsion Control is added on the high performance boards to increase stiffness in both the axial and torsional axis, specifically in the area where it is needed. Without adding excess weight to the board, the Flex Torsion Control gives the board a better response and a more dynamic ride.

6) How does fin positioning affect the board?

For the new twin tip line, we have found the optimal position for the fins through vigorous testing. Testing criteria has been upwind ability, edging, comfort and release from the water.

http://naishkites.com/dub


MOTION

1) How do the rocker, flex and outline affect the board’s performance?

In general, these features have a great influence on the riding characteristics of the board and all work in relation to each other. Rocker, flex, and outline must all be adjusted and balanced to the target conditions you want the board to perform in. If you are looking for comfort in choppy conditions and soft landings, a higher rocker will be optimal, provided that the board has the right amount of flex.

If you want a board to plane out earlier, a low rocker board with narrow tips will work best. The low rocker will also need to have a lower value of flex so that it will not collapse on hard landings.

The outlines also play a big part in optimizing the board for the riding style and level of the rider. Wider tips give you more radical pop and better flatwater freestyle performance, where narrower tips give you a more forgiving and comfortable riding experience.

To make it easier to understand and compare, we have started to define the flex and rocker with quantifiable values. Stiffer boards have a lower flex value, for example, the dub = F32. Softer boards have a higher value, for instance the Hero = F45.

To make the rockers easier to understand and compare, they have been defined in three stages of tangent radii creating a continuous curvature. The radii is defined in the board specs and have different placements and sizes. This gives the boards different riding characteristics.

Specifically to the Motion:

Medium rocker, low stiffness, and narrow tips make the board handle extremely well in chop. The rocker is highest in the stance area for handling chop, low in the center for early planing and almost flat in the tips for directional stability. The medium rocker works well with the low flex and narrow tips to give a forgiving, comfortable ride. The Motion has slightly extra length to it, which also makes it the twin tip of choice for people who want to go play around in the waves.

2) How does the bottom and deck shaping contribute to the performance?

The different contours and features on the bottom of the boards give various characteristics to the board. When designing the deck of the boards, it is overall a matter of reducing weight, but also very much an efficient way to stiffen the board up with minimal use of materials. The tip shapes provides an I-beam effect which gives a much stiffer tip than if it was a flat or single concave.

Specifically to the Motion:

The triple concave 3D bottom gives the Motion incredible drive, control and soft landings. The beveled tunnel edges disperse water on landings and increase tracking, which makes the ride smooth and adds to the shock absorption on landings.

3) What is the philosophy behind the construction?

The design objective is focused on making the boards as light as possible. For this reason, we are utilizing high tensile gradated laminates, which means that the largest amount of fiberglass is at the stance area and in-between. This also means we can reduce the amount of material applied to the tips to save where less reinforcement is needed.

All boards also have impact reinforcement zones, which are fiberglass patches that disperse impact forces throughout the board, thus increasing durability.

4) What does the rail shape do for the board?

Throughout the twin tip line, all the boards have step rails. This concept was implemented to reduce weight by reducing the overall wood core volume and increase grip on the water.

5) What is Flex Torsion Control?

The Flex Torsion Control is added on the high performance boards to increase stiffness in both the axial and torsional axis, specifically in the area where it is needed. Without adding excess weight to the board, the Flex Torsion Control gives the board a better response and a more dynamic ride.

6) How does fin positioning affect the board?

For the new twin tip line, we have found the optimal position for the fins through vigorous testing. Testing criteria has been upwind ability, edging, comfort and release from the water.

Specifically to the Motion:

The angling of the fins is related to the bottom shaping and desired characteristics of the board. On the Motion, the fins have been angled 4 degrees in order to improve the grip and upwind ability.

http://naishkites.com/Motion


HERO

1) How do the rocker, flex and outline affect the board’s performance?

In general, these features have a great influence on the riding characteristics of the board and all work in relation to each other. Rocker, flex, and outline must all be adjusted and balanced to the target conditions you want the board to perform in. If you are looking for comfort in choppy conditions and soft landings, a higher rocker will be optimal, provided that the board has the right amount of flex.

If you want a board to plane out earlier, a low rocker board with narrow tips will work best. The low rocker will also need to have a lower value of flex so that it will not collapse on hard landings.

The outlines also play a big part in optimizing the board for the riding style and level of the rider. Wider tips give you more radical pop and better flatwater freestyle performance, where narrower tips give you a more forgiving and comfortable riding experience.

To make it easier to understand and compare, we have started to define the flex and rocker with quantifiable values. Stiffer boards have a lower flex value, for example, the dub = F32. Softer boards have a higher value, for instance the Hero = F45.

To make the rockers easier to understand and compare, they have been defined in three stages of tangent radii creating a continuous curvature. The radii is defined in the board specs and have different placements and sizes. This gives the boards different riding characteristics.

Specifically to the Hero:

High rocker, low stiffness, and narrow tips make this board the most forgiving, easy-to-ride board in the lineup. The rocker has almost flat tip sections for back foot stability, a flat center section for early planing and a higher rocker in the stance area for handling chop. The tips are narrow for easy riding and the high flex for medium/slow riding speeds provides maximum comfort.

2) How does the bottom and deck shaping contribute to the performance?

The different contours and features on the bottom of the boards give various characteristics to the board. When designing the deck of the boards, it is overall a matter of reducing weight, but also very much an efficient way to stiffen the board up with minimal use of materials. The tip shapes provides an I-beam effect which gives a much stiffer tip than if it was a flat or single concave.

Specifically to the Hero:
The Hero has been designed with simplicity in mind and features a single concave 3D bottom for easy edging and a superb grip.

3) What is the philosophy behind the construction?

The design objective is focused on making the boards as light as possible. For this reason, we are utilizing high tensile gradated laminates, which means that the largest amount of fiberglass is at the stance area and in-between. This also means we can reduce the amount of material applied to the tips to save where less reinforcement is needed.

All boards also have impact reinforcement zones, which are fiberglass patches that disperse impact forces throughout the board, thus increasing durability.

4) What does the rail shape do for the board?

Throughout the twin tip line, all the boards have step rails. This concept was implemented to reduce weight by reducing the overall wood core volume and increase grip on the water.

5) What is Flex Torsion Control?

The Flex Torsion Control is added on the high performance boards to increase stiffness in both the axial and torsional axis, specifically in the area where it is needed. Without adding excess weight to the board, the Flex Torsion Control gives the board a better response and a more dynamic ride.

6) How does fin positioning affect the board?

For the new twin tip line, we have found the optimal position for the fins through vigorous testing. Testing criteria has been upwind ability, edging, comfort and release from the water.

http://naishkites.com/Hero


New Apex Bindings

1) Why is the new Apex binding so unique?

The binding designs have evolved steadily over the last few years. However, the level of adjustability, comfort and quality of the bindings on the market had large improvements yet to be made. This is why we took it to the next level with Apex and made a premium binding that is available for everyone, everywhere.

2) Where did you get the inspiration for the Apex?

We are constantly looking at different sports and how they utilize technologies. Not only how the products work and how they are shaped, but also how the production process enables them to innovate. When looking at the snowboard industry, their bindings can be adjusted in a limitless number of settings and this is what we were aiming for when designing the Apex.

3) What is the benefit of the multi-adjustment settings of the Apex?

The Apex can be adjusted in numerous ways. The specific locations of adjustment have been tested, tried and optimized, making the Apex the most diverse fitting kiteboard binding ever produced.

The duck/angle of the binding can be adjusted within 2 degrees and will fit any kiteboard from any manufacturer.

X-factor ergo strap is the first ever, fully molded strap with 4-point adjustment. This means you can adjust it both in the front and the back on the strap itself. The adjustable side wings allow the four points of the strap to be individually adjusted lengthwise for the desired angle, position and size of the specific rider.

4) How does the Apex perform in cold water?

The Apex has been tested extensively in cold water environments. The durometry (softness) of the footbed and strap have been designed to work optimally in cold water conditions. Furthermore, the strap has maximum adjustment to accommodate neoprene booties for people riding all year round.

5) What else is there to say about the Apex?

The footbed has been shaped ergonomically to fit the contour of your foot, such as the arch and the toes to make the pad stick to your feet and become a part of your anatomy. It takes anthropometry, which is the study of human dimensions, into consideration in order to ensure the most comfortable fit for the most diverse spectrum of foot sizes.

http://naishkites.com/apex-binding/