Brand: F-One
Kite Model: Trigger
Sizes Tested(m): 9, 12
Sizes Available(m): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Control Bar: LINX Bar
Synopsis
The Trigger is a 5-strut, big air kite that has that classic direct and nimble F-One feel, but with even more amazing lift for soaring jumps and hang time.
Likes
The Trigger is the newest model in the F-One kite line that offers top-level performance for boosting big air with lots of hang time. It features a five-strut frame with flatter arc, high aspect canopy that delivers the explosive lift extra hang time that is sought after in a big air kite. F-One’s development and test team, led by the company founder, Raphael Salles, is passionate about rigorously testing and tuning their kites to ensure they meet all the parameters of performance outlined for each product. Their philosophy is to use the highest levels of “sail engineering” to maximize performance without necessarily using ultra expensive materials that can double the cost of the kite. Both the new Bandit XIV and the Trigger show how kite performance can be substantially improved using improved design with high quality and proven, traditional materials. The Trigger is designed for going big and holding its form through mega gusts and mega loops but it’s not a difficult or clunky kite to fly and it feels light and crisp in the air. Sometime the flatter arced five strut kites with lots of pulleys can feel lagging in turn initiation and have a more sloppy, less reactive feel through the bar. The sweeping turns and higher aspect kites can take a bit more timing to get the right loft and trajectory to jump bigger, but the Trigger rewards even sloppy boosts with decent hang time and has a more easy jumping character than some of the more wind hungry five strut designs. It also has very quick and reliable turn speeds with a fast loop that won’t easily stall. The Trigger has great upwind drive and it offers some decent low-end power compared to some of the competitors in this category. Like many of these new five-strut dynamos the Trigger continues to increase in performance with more wind and power in the upper end. For riders looking for the most hang time and explosive lift per square meter the extra structure and stability in the upper wind range, the Trigger is your ticket to the stratosphere.
Drawbacks
Less direct feel and slower turn initiation than some standout three strut kites like the Bandit XVI.
Users
Kiters that want to practice their big air manoeuvres with a familiar F-One feel and function, but with more hang time and upper end wind range provided in this five-strut design.
Control System: LINX Bar
The LINX Bar is a streamlined and refined control bar system well-matched for smooth driving control. The bar has a very comfortable EVA grip with ergonomic shaping and easy colour coding. The main center line employs a rectangular PU sheath which provides low friction sheeting and won’t pinch fingers that are close to the stainless insert. The Quick Release cup is also easy to assemble and engage. This is a simple and effective system with nice streamlined bar floats that house the adjustable bar length ends and leader lines. With smooth sheeting depower ability, and easy clam cleat trim above the bar, the LINX Bar control system checks all the boxes for high standards of safety and functionality.
