2-Line Tech with Reduced Line Plan:
The 10, 11, 14, 15, 19 and 21 metre sizes (all with 65 cells) now feature true 2-line technology with only A and B line levels. Less bridling means less drag, allowing the kite to drive further forward in the window for greater speed and higher angle potential.
Reducing the line levels to only A and B along the chord, in combination with a highly complex internal structure to distribute loads, the R1 V5 features the least amount of total bridle line length we’ve ever used on a foil kite
The thinnest and strongest Technora bridle line material on all sizes further contributes to overall drag reduction.
4-Line Bridle Tech:
The smallest 8m and 9m sizes have retained 4-line levels (A, B, C & brake) using a different planform with lower aspect-ratio and cell count (51 cells) based on previous well-proven R1 designs.
When nuking conditions strike and it’s time for ‘survival mode’, four lines with a more active feel of sheeting input offers maximum stability and control.
Chordwise Fibreglass Battens:
On sizes 10m through to 21m the chord profile is reinforced with lightweight fibreglass battens to distribute load whilst maintaining the shape of the profile during angle of attack changes and turbulent airflow. This drastically improves overall performance as the foil remains true to the designed shape.
Profile Development:
While Ozone kept the cell count and planform very similar to the V4 design, we extensively focused on maximising the potential of the profile section of each size to work in harmony with the 2-line bridle layout.
Analized in CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations and tested under real competition conditions by the world’s leading racers, we worked on creating the least lift possible at the lowest angle-of-attack – especially when moving the kite up and overhead during tacks.
Expert riders will now make their manoeuvres with a more fluid motion, allowing them to come out of transitions at high speed with very little lost momentum.
Yet the R1 V5 also delivers constant pull on up- and downwind angles, is capable of being ridden at more aggressive angles and with greater speed, while still feeling stable in dirty, gusty winds.
The end result is a racer’s dream – giving the confidence to take the biggest kite size possible for maximum straight line speed and the highest angles, without feeling compromised during manoeuvres.
Leading Edge Profile Battens:
The Leading Edge is reinforced with flexible lightweight plastic battens to maintain the shape of the profile during angle of attack changes and turbulent airflow. This drastically improves overall performance as the foil remains true to the designed shape.
Rigfoil Technology:
Rigifoil battens are sewn in between the leading edge profile battens to maintain optimal profile shape at high speeds.
Preventing the canopy material from indenting between the ribs, the leading edge section is now as clean as it would be if there were twice as many ribs, without actually adding the complexity of full length ribs.
(For the perfect performance-to-weight ratio, the 19 and 21 metre models feature Rigifoils only to the last inflation valve towards the tip. Not adding the rigifoils to the tip sections of these two biggest sizes reduces the chance for the tips to roll / fold in during very light wind manoeuvres.)
Mini Ribs:
Mini Ribs are sewn into the centre of each cell along the trailing edge of all sizes. These are designed to minimise the ‘ballooning’ deformation effect of the trailing edge, creating a cleaner surface for the air to release from the airfoil.
Triple Transverse Sail Shaping:
Triple Transverse Sail Shaping on sizes 10m-21m running along the leading edge creates a cleaner surface on the most important area of the aerofoil. The result is less turbulent airflow and longer skin adhesion, which positively affects the lift-to-drag ratio, increasing overall performance.
New Valve Design:
Finally, faster inflation and a better seal are the important finishing touches offered by the new valve design.
