Bandit 2021

The legendary kite is back once again, and this year the smaller sizes have a focus on big air and kite loops.

  • New outline: Featuring squarer tips for more maneuverability
  • Incredible Top End: Get total control in high winds
  • Improved stability: Well behaved no matter what the conditions
  • Ride for longer: Lateral pull turned to forward energy
  • Powerful kite loops: The turning arc is always predictable, the speed back to the zenith is fast and clean

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.

Bandit-S2

The all-new BANDIT-S, a dedicated strapless and surf kite, the choice of champions and riders who truly value surfing with a kite.

  • Effortless maneuverability: steer the kite exactly where you want it
  • Excellent drift: Focus on your surfing, not on the kite
  • Power on demand: Switch it off and re-engage it with fingertip control
  • Fantastic stability: Enjoy a smooth ride whatever the conditions
  • Predictable: The BANDIT-S responds immediately to every rider input

Surfing with a kite presents a considerable challenge to the rider, the ocean is ever-changing and moves fast, the wind is a force in constant motion and all the while you need to control the kite and the board to maximize every second of the wave. Our goal with the BANDIT-S was to create a kite that allowed the rider to focus on riding the wave and not worry about the kite.

The bar pressure on the BANDIT-S is very light; you never really feel the kite pulling or any fatigue on the arms. With just small input from your fingertips, you can engage the incredibly responsive steering. The leading edge is thinner, allowing the kite to twist, and the wingtip shape further enhances the response. This is perfect for onshore riding conditions where you need to steer the kite around the wave as you ride. The turn is pivotal, meaning you can quickly redirect the kite for a powerful bottom turn, allowing you to follow your surfing lines with precision.

Power is nothing without control; when you push the bar out on the BANDIT-S, you can completely dump everything in the kite. This instantly releases any pull from the kite, allowing you to truly surf the wave from top to bottom. It’s impressive how it changes the feeling of your board; suddenly, you will find yourself totally free on the wave. From sharp snaps in the pocket, to cranking a bottom turn at Mach 10, the kite will deliver the exact amount of power and response you need the instant you demand it.

Stability was another area we worked on allowing the BANDIT-S to drift perfectly down the line in side-off conditions. The kite is lighter this year, thanks to the new 130g Teijin Dacron with ripstop material we are using. Not only does this help with the kites ability to drift, but it also improves the turning speed. You’ll find the BANDIT-S is always precisely where you want it to be in the window at all times.

One of the best qualities of the new BANDIT-S is just how easy it is to fly; it’s one of the most intuitive kites on the market. IKSURFMAG Editor Rou Chater had this to say after he flew it “The kite is incredible, it’s just so easy to fly and was always where I wanted it to be, fingertip control, incredible speed, I almost forgot I was flying the kite, it was so natural”. It’s the kind of kite that you get dialled into in an instant, meaning you can concentrate on the wave in front of you.

For strapless riding, the BANDIT-S is designed to jump high, which will help you score points with the judges or the crowds on the beach. The loop it delivers has a small radius in the turn and won’t pull you sideways too much, so you can stay in control of your board. The instant depower also allows you to stay connected when throwing front and back rolls too. All this control at your fingertips leaves you to work on your next big trick rather than thinking about the kite.

These qualities make the BANDIT-S a phenomenal kite for foiling, the fast turning nature means you can generate lots of power early on to allow you to ride a smaller kite and allow easy carving. Its lightness and stability are essential features for foiling, and it’s great for gentle breezes, with a big wing and small kite you can have endless hours of fun.

If you want to boost some jumps on a twin tip, the S can do that too, it’s a very easy kite to jump around on and is packed with performance. It’s easy and forgiving when learning strapless airs, and for the freerider on a twin tip, this is true too. Whatever board you are riding you’ll find the Bandit S intuitive to get airborne.

The BANDIT-S is the most natural and intuitive wave kite we have ever created; prepare to take your riding to the next level.

Swing

An incredible new way to fly and experience new feelings on the water, once you try it, you’ll be addicted.

  • 100% Depower and totally safe
  • High-end construction
  • Launch anywhere, even busy or gusty spots
  • Wide wind range
  •  Five sizes for different conditions
  • Easy to learn and very accessible

The all-new Swing from F-ONE, a light, compact and totally safe handheld kite you can launch anywhere. Using our extensive kite design techniques, we have created the Swing to be stable, fun to use, and most importantly, easy to learn.
There are no lines to get tangled, no danger of getting dragged, and there is genuinely 100% depower, get ready for a totally new way to enjoy the wind.

History

Founded in 1994 by Raphaël SALLES, F-ONE has evolved steadily over the years and keeps on growing. As one of the pioneer of the sport in France and over the world, for more than 20 years has this former professional windsurfer developed and designed equipment for kitesurfing. Drawing on his experience of watersports, he has since 2011 also developed the production of Stand Up Paddles.

Philosophy

The ocean is our playground, equipment is our passion, fun is our goal! Discover what is “One Culture” for us.

Innovation

R&D is at the very core of everything we do at F-ONE, since the very beginning we have always strived to have the best products on the market. In order to achieve that goal, we have to continually innovate and build equipment that meets up to our exceedingly high standards. We are all riders, and we all want to be using the best gear.