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2011 Globe Kiteboarding Kite Line

https://globespirit.com

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GK/Litewave 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

The GK Trix will be returning in 2011 with new graphics, minor tweaks, and a quick release that is now easier to put back together. Photo Stephan Kleinlein/www.oceanbluesky.com

Globe Kiteboarding (GK) is rolling out new versions of the Trix and Sonic for 2011 that will show off new graphics and minor changes compared to the 2010 kites. For people who love to tinker with their gear, the bridles on both kites will still offer a wide range of adjustments.

The GK quick release, which some riders had trouble putting back together in 2010, has been redesigned to be easily re-assembled with one hand.

GK Kite Designer Mat Pendle answered our questions about the 2011 GK kites while Litewave Dave Turner filled us in on what to expect from Litewave in the coming year.

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What are the biggest changes on the 2011 Sonic and Trix compared with the 2010 kites?
The biggest change will be to the graphics for 2011.There will be some panel layout changes and we are also taking some measures to lighten the kites just a little. The feedback that we got from the 2010 Trix and Sonic was very good. The Trix generated a lot of interest and riders like the easy-to-ride style, which is great for freestyle and of course wave riding.

The 2010 Trix was a complete redesign compared with 2009, so the shape for 2011 will remain the same as 2010. The Sonic is great for fast cruising and huge jumps. Riders who liked the 2010 Sonic will feel comfortable with the 2011.

I have not changed the shape of the kite itself, but you can adjust the kite by just moving the bridle positioning and get the exact feeling of previous year Sonics all the way back to 2006. I have never changed the magic profile of the Sonic.

Have any changes been made to the control bar?
The safety quick release has had a small modification that makes it even easier to reengage. The release system is basically unchanged, but now you can put it back together with one hand. It works really well. Just push up and you’re out.

Will the GK kites offer as many tuning options in 2011 as in 2010?
Both the Trix and the Sonic have super simple and small A-KPO bridles. You can unpack the kite from the bag and ride with nothing to move or tune your kite to something more personal by adjusting your bar pressure and turning speed. They will probably have the same number of options, but we may reduce that by one adjustment.

We have three positions now and may go to two. This is for tuning the front line attachment position for the bridle and is a patented GK invention. To tune line lengths, GK has a novel approach. You simply shorten/lengthen the bridle on three adjustment knots at four attachment points.

This lets you take one bar kite-to-kite without adjusting the bar. Outside lines are adjusted on 3mm spectra leaders off the bar ends.

What type of riders will prefer the Sonic? What riders will gravitate towards the Trix?
The 2011 Trix is our medium aspect ratio kite that is super stable and fast turning. It’s perfect for wakestyle, wave riding, or beginners. Built with more stitching and reinforcements than any other kite on the market, the Trix is sure to last many seasons to come, even in the surf.

The 2011 Sonic is now in its fifth generation and the refinements on this kite make it a super-efficient upwind machine that is suitable for the rider that likes to go fast and boost big floaty jumps. The Sonic is our high-aspect SLE kite that has lighter yet fully adjustable bar pressure.

If a rider loves their current 2010 GK kites, what are the biggest reasons to upgrade to the 2011?
If a rider loves their GK 2010 then he or she should keep it and tell their friends to share the fun with a 2011. Maybe I make the kites a little too strong and durable.

It makes the price a little higher, but you can keep going on your kites for a long time. Some sales guys told me to make a cheaper kite that isn’t as durable. That might be better for business, but not for the planet. There’s not much to recycle on a kite.

How have the Litewave Hybrid Lace Up straps and pads been updated for 2011?
The Hybrid Lace Up straps and pads will be lighter, stronger, and better looking in 2011. The pads will be molded with traction insert pieces. The patented design has a wider laced-up strap with a toe ledge that holds your foot in super snugly. The elevated heel gives more edge bite. The result is better board control and better riding.

What changes can we expect from Litewave for 2011?
2011 is bringing changes to the Wing, Storm, and Quad-Surf boards. The 2011 Wing, which is available now, has evolved into a mind-blowing machine. Riding has never been smoother or easier. The tip-to-tip radical concaves smooth out chop and makes for a very positive carving feeling.

The tips are very thin and flexible with built-in torsion bars to maximize carving performance under load. This board is truly a session saver. I weigh 100 kg (220 lbs.) and can stay upwind on this board in 10 knots. The 2011 Litewave Storm twin tip delivers unmatched grip and upwind performance with evolved features like a tip-to-tip single-concave, parallel outline between the feet, and an ultra-thin outline with torsion bars for a flex pattern that allows end-to-end flex while minimizing fin twist-off.

The 2011 Litewave Quad-Surf features a pulled-in bat tail outline and a faster gun style rocker that allows this board to really drive through and keep speed through bottom turns while the quad-fin configuration gives incredible grip for snappy off-the-lips. The quad fin setup also makes for a wave board with limitless top end speed yet a very snappy and responsive feel.