Goodbye F-One - Liam Whaley

[esignoretti]

I'm reading this thread and sounds like Whaley moving to DT will benefit the entire industry in the end.
he didn't do it for the kite. sponsors, money, personal brand and who knows what else have contributed to this decision.

That said, I ride F-One Bandit and it is definitely not a true big air kite. I like it very much though. The Bandit is something between the EVO and the Dice, perfect for the average kiter like me but not specific for BigAir. and I didn't buy it because Liam, I tried and liked it.
F-one did a huge mistake with the Bullit and Liam never had something like the Orbit or the XR. Did Liam helped in developing the Bullit? if so, he is not the best tester... but I'm pretty sure that he could do well with any kite out there anyway.

Now you have a couple of brands that really shine in BA: North and Core. and maybe OceanRodeo with something that sets them apart (also because the material/cost).
The others? all of them will come up with new/renewed models if they want to compete in this market segment. not this year maybe... but for the next season we will have many more options.

[Javig84]

I think F-one was busy developing their wings and foils and could not full focus on designing the Bullet.

I am curious to see how Liam will push the limits of the Dice and Rebel!

[Eckhardt]

What's the longest any team rider or whatever has been with a brand...?

Mitu is pretty loyal I think

[Blackened]

Looked at another way - Aaron joined the development team, mentions a big air kite project in vlogs and then turns up with a custom big air kite to KOTA so maybe they are looking for another rider (a lightweight unlike Lasse) to help refine the Dice? Note I'm aware this is full conspiracy theory but its fun to look at the extreme ideas.

That big air prototype for Duotone could be very interesting. Really want to see what they release next year. Hopefully it's ready for a '23 release and that it's a new kite, rather than mucking with the Dice/Rebel.

[Soleas]

I think the hardest thing for Liam will be to switch from Manera wetsuit and harness to ION !!

Not sure about the harness but im sure the best thing for Liam will be the switch from that bandit to a proper big air kite

[ScoopZ]

Having seen a rumour that Ion are putting their prices up 60%..., this whole thread sounds about right

[Baptiste_FR]

And it's official !!!

[kostantin]

I think F-one was busy developing their wings and foils and could not full focus on designing the Bullet.

I am curious to see how Liam will push the limits of the Dice and Rebel!

You can see how they push the prices.

We are facing a dying business model in real time.

I am not willing to invest in a piece of cloth 2third the amount of the car I bought in 2021

[Ice101]

I think F-one was busy developing their wings and foils and could not full focus on designing the Bullet.

I am curious to see how Liam will push the limits of the Dice and Rebel!

You can see how they push the prices.

We are facing a dying business model in real time.

I am not willing to invest in a piece of cloth 2third the amount of the car I bought in 2021

Very true. The greed has reached too much now. I won’t be either.

[Ice101]

Love the first few words change is necessary to stay motivated and progress. guess the Porsche had nothing to do with it! Ha.