Aluula? New Revolutionary Material from Ocean Rodeo

[GregK]

The shift bar only comes in one size though? 52cm.

Correct - the main mold for the bar ( made from glass-filled resin for stiffness ) has to be cut from very hard tool steel, making it very expensive. If OR sell more Shift bars ( or Aluula kites ) then the economics will justify a mold for a smaller Shift bar.

Need to slow down the turning speed of your small kites flown with a 52 cm Shift bar ? Set the steering bridle lines on the kite to the slower turning speed connection point.

[DefyInertia]

So what’s the verdict on Aluula?

[leeuwen]

So what’s the verdict on Aluula?

I think it is safe to say it has superior performance for sure.
Faster and lighter kites are generally better but with diminishing returns when the wind picks up.
There also doesn’t seem to be a wide spread hidden defect that pops up over time with the material, or at least after 1.5/2 years things still seem ok.
If the material had better availability at same price as Dacron I think that all brands would have switched now.
However, reality is that it is expensive and unless you really don’t care about the price I would not necessarily recommend them. Most people will be limited mostly by their own skills, not the kite, if they at least use the appropriate kite for what they want to do. (so e.g. use a one or no strut for low wind foiling).

One other thing to consider: the amount of aluula repair shops is still very limited.

[Lamilu]

I would invest in a one strut hydrofoil biggest kite in this material.
Nothing else…

[Pana]

I would invest in a one strut hydrofoil biggest kite in this material.
Nothing else…

Great ! Meanwhile a lot of people are enjoying what is available, each his own.. Perso my call was for all kites 12m and up, untill I tried a 10m in the waves, happy with that one also.

[alford]

Due to the high cost of the materials and finished product, will Aluula kites ever be more than a niche product?
I also wonder how profitable the Aluula initiative has been for Ocean Rodeo. Yes they command a premium price but costs are apparently high as well. Is Ocean Rodeo better off now? Not hating on them, just sincerely wondering.

[McLovin]

I would invest in a one strut hydrofoil biggest kite in this material.
Nothing else…

Says he/she/they without an ALUULA kite...

Best ADVICE is DO NOT TRY ONE unless you are ready to BUY ONE or TWO or maybe THREE or even FOUR says he who actually has one and several more on the way.

Just sayin'

Life is short - get the RIGHT KITE!

Mc

[GregK]

Best ADVICE is DO NOT TRY ONE unless you are ready to BUY ONE or TWO .... Life is short - get the RIGHT KITE!

Exactly !

Once you get used to how fast the power comes on ( lift not drag ) when a gust hits, combined with ease of control when sheeted out, you will be sold, because going back to a soft & heavy Dacron kite is like flying a zombie.

[Lamilu]

Best ADVICE is DO NOT TRY ONE unless you are ready to BUY ONE or TWO .... Life is short - get the RIGHT KITE!

Exactly !

Once you get used to how fast the power comes on ( lift not drag ) when a gust hits, combined with ease of control when sheeted out, you will be sold, because going back to a soft & heavy Dacron kite is like flying a zombie.

I believe you…
Just wonder why nobody yet made a 1 strut foil specific light…lightest…less expensive version.
A friend of mine says he can hydrofoil as long as the kite is flying…
A 10m 1 strut drifter would also be my first investment in Aluula, not a wave kite that also hydrofoils…

[fernmanus]

. DefyInertia wrote: ↑
So what’s the verdict on Aluula?
I think it is safe to say it has superior performance for sure.
Faster and lighter kites are generally better but with diminishing returns when the wind picks up.
There also doesn’t seem to be a wide spread hidden defect that pops up over time with the material, or at least after 1.5/2 years things still seem ok.
If the material had better availability at same price as Dacron I think that all brands would have switched now.
However, reality is that it is expensive and unless you really don’t care about the price I would not necessarily recommend them. Most people will be limited mostly by their own skills, not the kite, if they at least use the appropriate kite for what they want to do. (so e.g. use a one or no strut for low wind foiling).

One other thing to consider: the amount of aluula repair shops is still very limited.

I don’t agree with the diminishing returns in high wind statement. The Aluula fabric is helpful in high winds for a few reasons:
1. The lighter canopy makes it more responsive.
2. It is stiff, you can pump the leading edge to 9 PSI which means limited or no deflection on big airs.
3.Versatility- A lit of high wind kites are terrible in low wind and vice versa. The new OR Rise is amazing on the top and bottom end of the wind range.