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Designer’s Corner: RRD Obsession 2010

Originally Published in the October 2009 Issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine

Designer Profile:
Name: Werther Castelletti
Age: 42
Location: Caserta, Italy
Job Title: Geometrist
Designing: 6 years
Kiteboarding: 8 years

Product name: Obsession 2010
Product category: SLE
Sizes available:5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12 & 13.5
Release date: Late August 09

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design?
The new Obsession is the second generation of the first very successful kite.

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If this is next generation design, what were the main goals in developing it?
The Obsession was already a great kite, so we focused on small details to improve its overall performance. We shortened the leading edge length in all the sizes about 20% compared to last year’s design. Tips are10% wider to improve the kite’s maneuverability and we worked a lot on the kite shape to improve its stability, especially in gusty conditions like those we have in Tarifa, which is the spot we chose for our test session this year. To achieve better stability, we moved backward the maximum draft in the middle section of the kite.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase?
To reach a final design that performed great in challenging conditions. We tested the kites in Tarifa during our winter testing, with very strong and gusty wind shifting from 15 to 50 knots during the same session! Stability is the key when you go out with a small kite in 50 knots of wind.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be?
The standout performance of the new Obsession is still its excellent maneuverability and unbeatable turning speed, but now with its new shape, the result is an even more stable kite, faster in the big sizes and slower in the small ones, with an incredible amount of power and easiness to ride unhooked. This new kite will be a trendsetter in speed and progressive smooth power in all areas of the flying window.

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What is the biggest advantage of your control bar?
The new Global bar presents many innovations. The chicken loop is now moulded and ergonomically designed. Compact, clean and precise, it has a very reliable release which can be put back together with one hand on the water. But the most important feature of the bar is the new rigid thread flying lines, an exclusive product developed and manufactured in Italy only for RRD. These new revolutionary lines are made with inner uninterrupted unidirectional pure dyneema fibers, covered by pure dyneema 30° woven fabric. The combination of these two styles of weaving accounts for unmatched low stretch factor of the lines; 85% less on average compared to classic flying lines. The Rigid Thread lines also allow the kite to be faster in the turns and a quicker transfer of the power of the kite to the board, resulting in more response and better handling of the kite in any conditions. The difference in performance is remarkable!

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions?
The Obsession is a great overall performer capable of suiting the needs of World Cup freestyle riders like Seb Garat, to waveriders and racers like Abel Lago to the average freerider at any beach. We have many kite instructors using it during their lessons who also enjoy it themselves after their lesson are finished.

What is your warranty policy on this product?
12 months for any defect of manufacturing issue under regular, noncommercial use.

What differentiates your product from your competitors?
Our Obsession in developing the best kites in the world!

Originally Published in the October 2009 Issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine