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Designer’s Corner: Globe Trix 2010

Originally Published in the October 2009 Issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine

Designer Profile:
Name: Mat Pendle
Age: 41
Location: Mauritius
Job Title: Designer
Designing: Kite design for 10 years
Kiteboarding: 11 years

Product name: GK Trix
Product category: Hybrid / Surf
Sizes available: 5, 7, 9, 12 & 15m
Release date: October 2009

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design?
The Trix 2010 is a next generation product but has been totally redesigned.

globe_trix

If this is next generation design, what were the main goals in developing it?
The flying feeling and performance can be adjusted to react like the Trix 09, but can also be adjusted like a totally new kite with low bar pressure, very stable, perfect for cruising.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase?
The most difficult is to get the profile and center of balance right and I am lucky to have so many years of design experience. I have flown a lot of kites over the years, but to understand what is going on you absolutely need the original files to see what profile the kite has, and compare it exactly. I have files since the beginning of kiteboarding, and it sure helps. Some minor differences in the profile shape can make a good or bad kite. The problem with inflatable kites is that once the kite is made we cannot adjust the profile, like on any boat or windsurf sail. You need to choose the best compromise, plus you need to get a good profile per size in the same kite range. It’s the same for the aspect ratio ”” that will change for each size.

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If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be?

I would say that for 2010, the improved options to adjust the feeling of the Trix, and the better ability for automatic relaunch is what stands out.

What is the biggest advantage of your control bar?
In 2010 I will keep going with the bar used in 2009. I got a lot of positive feedback for the push up Quick Release, based on an improved pin system I came up with. It’s very safe with no danger of a stainless steel pin flying at you, and is super easy and fast to reengage. The depower strap and line is very simple. Without undoing any knot, you can change the distance of the depower strap from the bar in a few seconds. The stopper ball is also super light and easy to use.

How does self launch and self landing work on this kite?
The new shape of the kite makes relaunch even easier. Just let go of the bar and the kite will drift gently to the edge of the window, waiting for take off when you grab the bar again.

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics?
The profile has been refined with less drag on the tips, giving the Trix more performance and higher turning speed. The leading edge has been swifted back for a higher projected area, but the kite still keep its C-shape. The more swift back design also allowed for more adjustments for the A-KPO bridle so you really can fit the kite feeling according to the way you ride. I know some say it is complicated, but this is the future and only takes a few seconds. Many brands are slowly going the same way.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions?
This is a safe fun riding kite, radical for freestyle and wave riding.

What is your warranty policy on this product?
We will cover all manufacturing defects and I follow up personally. I manage them as claims are getting low, and quality is higher every year. All GK riders should sign up to globespirit.com, our community website, here they can contact other GK riders for help and reach me and the globespirit staff directly.

What differentiates your product from your competitors?
I don’t really look at other brands. I have been designing kites since the beginning starting with Wipika, the first LEI brand. I came up with VARC (variable aspect ratio concept) which was then used industry wide and have patents for both the KPO and A-KPO bridle systems, which is being used is some shape or form on many kites today. I’m proud of my design contributions and certainly have many more concepts in mind!

TESTED: Augustin Garcia, GK Consumer
The kite I know the most is the 7 m2 GK Trix I use it 90% of the time in Réunion Island in very hard conditions with strong wind and big waves. Before I buy a kite, I always try minimum five different kinds from different brands. I selected the GK Trix as this kite is very precise on the bar (very important on the waves) and it have a good depower so it works excellent in strong wind but also has great low end when the wind becomes light.

Originally Published in the October 2009 Issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine