Splitting the BANDIT into two distinct lines has allowed us to radically change the way the smaller sizes of the BANDIT 2020 work. The 7, 8, 9 and 10 m are now fully geared to overpowered riding, big air and kite loops. The larger sizes from 11 m and up offer incredible control and freeride abilities with a huge wind range. Key to this new concept is the updated spider 4 or 5 points bridle set up, which is different to the classic 4 point bridles on the BANDIT S. The new bridle helps keep the profile arc of the kite stable even in extreme overpowered conditions.
This adds a massive amount of control and comfort to your riding, making it the perfect tool for events like the Megaloop Challenge and the King Of The Air. The leading edge is slightly larger in diameter too, further enhancing the stability of the kite in the air. New wingtips with a squarer, more drawn out shape allow the kite to rotate fast through the turns due to less drag thanks to the narrower angle on the rake of the tip. This new design generates a wide dynamic turn that delivers lots of pull and power through the turn for huge kite loops.
Comfort on the water is key to everything we do here at F-ONE and the BANDIT 2020 takes that to new levels. Less lateral pull, especially in overpowered conditions, will not fatigue the rider and you won’t feel like you are being beaten up on the water.
The BANDIT 2020 has been designed not to deform when it is depowered; instead, the kite holds its shape and remains in the same spot in the window no matter the wind strength. This means it generates smooth and comfortable forward momentum even in the gustiest of conditions. This leaves you feeling more energised and able to stay on the water for longer with impressive upwind performance. The kite keeps flying and provides a constant power distribution.
The turning speed and reactive steering is another feature of the BANDIT 2020 you will enjoy; the bar pressure is a little more positive than the BANDIT S allowing you to feel where the kite is at all times. This is particularly important when kite looping; however, while there is a little more bar pressure, the steering is incredibly quick to react and very dynamic. The turning arc of the kite is always predictable and under the control of the rider. The speed back to the zenith is fast and clean. This allows you to throw huge mega loops and feel safe and supported for the landing.
The fast nature of the kite allows you to send it back in the window for explosive takeoffs, and we’re expecting this kite to top the WOO leaderboards this year. You can still ride waves with the new BANDIT 2020; it’s geared to be a great all-round kite just like every BANDIT. The emphasis this year was on the kite loops and big air though.
The larger sizes of the BANDIT 2020 feature all the excellent characteristics of the smaller sizes, but the design profiles and arcs have been tweaked to offer even more low-end wind range and lightness. You no longer need different styles of kites to fill your quiver, just choose the BANDIT that best suits your riding style and get on the water in as little as 10 knots while being confident in over 50knots too!
The new BANDIT 2020 will excite you like never before; great power is nothing without control, this kite has that and more. Big jumps, huge loops and loads of hangtime, perfect for freeriding too, get ready for the future, get the new Bandit 2020.
