nixmatters wrote:
in all other loaded seams the sheer strength of the double adhesive tape bonding does the job, right? The seams are there mainly to prevent peeling of the adhesive. And that PSA should bond even better to the Aluula surface.
Relying on adhesive could be interesting in a few years.
droffats wrote:
Somehow Aluula doesn't rely on thread count for strength.
Did it ever? Higher thread count just is a nicer looking and more stable fabric. I am not sure why in this and previous dyneema fabrics they have chosen lamination over more weaving.
Sorry, thought you're refering to the sewing thread count.
The canopy ripstop looks like any other D2, I can't see any lower thread count there.
I beleive the Aluula lamination is there to 'lock' the looose weave. A tighter weave with such slippery yarn won't make the fabric stable enough. For strengh they don't need a higher count, the tests they've shown are more than clear on this. Bias stability (low stretch) comes only when the fabric is tensioned (inflated LE), this is my understanding so far. Curious to see that thing with the thin bladder increasing the stiffness.
Wait to see the new Duotone lightweight dacron. Not as light as the Aluula, but 'lower thread count' than conventional dacron.
As for the adhesive tape - LEI canopy seams have always been relying on it. Without it a canopy will tear apart at the first loop or harder landidng, especially when new and crispy.
Yes the lamination would be to lock the weave. In previous versions there was no weave. Weaving technically should make things weaker, but is necessary to have normal fabrics. The thread count looks low to me when it is easy to see the threads. It would not make a good canopy material like that. With a gain in weight to fill so large holes with coating or what every laminate.
nixmatters wrote:
Wait to see the new Duotone lightweight dacron. Not as light as the Aluula, but 'lower thread count' than conventional dacron.
OK. But again I am concerned with the lower thread count. In foil kites it leads to more porosity. This would affect the canopy on LEIs, but I wonder about the bladder as well. The fabric is less smooth and the gaps may increase stress. Overall I am really wondering about longevity, glue in general is known to be less reliable or unpredictable.
nixmatters wrote:
As for the adhesive tape - LEI canopy seams have always been relying on it. Without it a canopy will tear apart at the first loop or harder landidng, especially when new and crispy.
Well foil kites do not use it. I am aware of it being used say in repairs to help with alignment. I don't see it contributing much strength, other glues could but they all would seem to eventually deteriorate too much. Stitching is the most reliable join.
Favorite Beaches: Sherman island, Roosevelt park- gorge, Moriah Harbor-Great Exuma Bahamas, Little Sable Point Lake Michigan, Oscoda Lake Huron, Long Beach IN Lake Michigan, Escanaba, HWY 2 U.P. Michigan, Lake St. Clair, Harsen's Island, Tawas.
Gear: Slingshot RPM Slingshot Rally Duotone Evo Liquid Force DLX Slingshot Celeritas
That is the actual pricing. It's pretty much in line with foil kites, which may be the most direct competition for light wind and foiling. Surf, not so much.
12m FS Soul is 1870€, the alula still feels way too expensive.
Some people will still pay whatever they ask for it, let's hope the prices get lower with time for the masses.
I've had the Aluula Roam 10m here for a few days now, albeit in light winds, and a few peeps have had a run on it now, twintippers, SB and foilers.
All the feedback is the same, light, quick and responsive, super smooth, fantastic kite.
Wave riding and foiling is going to be crazy on this kite, it doesn't drift it floats. You have so much confidence in the kite.
Pricing, it'll be different for everyone whether they decide it's worth it for them, but for me - now I've been there I'm not sure I can go back.
My 2020 Roam 10m felt like a 15m when I changed back to it.
Talk of low thread count etc, you need to actually physically see the material before making assumptions. A photo doesn't do it justice.
