Any 2017 rumors for light weight kites?

[LetsFlyaKite]

Yeah they're going to start changing the shape of the bladders to make them more aerodynamic. So that they are lighter and also quicker in the air. They shape they will change it to is a small rectangle instead of a tube. Also the struts will be even smaller. I heard this from a worker of a reputable company. Very exciting things are going to happen in 17

How will they do this? Multiple bladders? Or some sort of internal support in a single bladder?

It's going to be implemented by the way they construct the outside fabric on the kite, and it will also have whats called a 2 chamber bladder. The kite will have a boxy outside shape after it's inflated. I saw one already, and it looked pretty bad ass. It's not a complete rectangle, but like a curved rectangle shape with smaller struts. And just from looking at it you can tell it will zip through the air faster than having a big tube for a bladder.

[foilholio]

You can't make an inflated flexible structure with flat surfaces. I think they will use fabric between multiple inflated tubes like on inflatable boats and hanggliders, i.e. a patent would be pointless It's an idea with merit but learning to bridle kites well would be more valuable. Increase the bridles 4 times on the LE and reduces the LE diameter to nothing and the weight too. Add bridles to the TE and get easier relaunch and better performance. One hint for inflatable makers, bridles don't need to be made from 2inch rope .

[ShaveTheWhales]

Oh you mean they tried copying the windsurfing LE.. People once tried to tell me that there's no gain to be had from a proper entry shape and big ass round is better

[LetsFlyaKite]

I'm telling you though, this kite seemed like it was flying faster than a normal kite, while still having the same grunt, maybe even more since the bladder was more flat. This might be the next big thing

[ShaveTheWhales]

Yep - that would be a good thing.
My very first question walking into my first kite shop years ago was - why dont they narrow down LE and make a smooth entry luff pocket ?
Looks like the Ass end of a bus!
Retailer had salesman answer, inside the box as usual..

[Peert]

Multi tubes heat welded together would me by best guess.

[FishOutOfWater]

Yeah they're going to start changing the shape of the bladders to make them more aerodynamic. So that they are lighter and also quicker in the air. They shape they will change it to is a small rectangle instead of a tube. Also the struts will be even smaller. I heard this from a worker of a reputable company. Very exciting things are going to happen in 17

How will they do this? Multiple bladders? Or some sort of internal support in a single bladder?

It's going to be implemented by the way they construct the outside fabric on the kite, and it will also have whats called a 2 chamber bladder. The kite will have a boxy outside shape after it's inflated. I saw one already, and it looked pretty bad ass. It's not a complete rectangle, but like a curved rectangle shape with smaller struts. And just from looking at it you can tell it will zip through the air faster than having a big tube for a bladder.

Sounds like that was done waaaaay back in 2003 - the Gaastra Phoenix - viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10142

[Toby]

The double bladder?
I remember it...and I know the guy who has the patent for it...same guy who invented the 5th line...

[Toby]

Looks like I am getting a Sonic2 18 for lighter wind...no tube has that performance.
Plus, current kites are all too fast, even with my setup of 32m lines I have problems landing tricks with rotations...a slower foil with good lift and hangtime should make me land all those tricks of my to do list

[foilholio]

It will be interesting to see how you cope with the reduced feedback and response on a foil, it's obvious what you'll do with the extra hang time lol. Imho foils have their pluses and minuses, they can certainly be harder but that is not always a negative.