The new 09 signature model Hadlow Pro has been designed specifically for the needs of the world champion PKRA kitesurfer Aaron Hadlow. Flexifoil have worked tirelessly over the past year - tweaking, tuning and improving the 08 design, to improve the kites performance which is already likened to an F1 car.
The performance enhancement seen with the new 09 design is impressive. Aaron specifically wanted Flexifoil to improve the larger kites ability to drive quickly to the top of the window during the kiteloop. This has been achieved, the new kite races to the top of the window enabling massive powered driving megaloop and with predictable responsive control and soft landing.
The new AH Pro is the kite of choice for the advanced freestyle rider who is looking to push their level of riding and are looking for a kite that will not hold them back, they’re designed for the fearless and the brave - have you got what it takes?!
6-strut Design
The AH Pro strut design has been modified. The addition of an extra strut has seen the kites incredible performance leap forward an extra notch. The benefit of the additional strut is that is supports the profile better to help it drive through kite loops. It also helps to improve the feedback you get from the bar as the kite has a more direct feel - this direct feel enables the you to instinctively feel what the kite is doing and where it is in the sky.
Profile and Aerofoil Modification
Aaron loved the powered fast kite loop ability that already existed with his smaller 7m and wanted this performance across the range. Significant improvements have been achieved by designing a new aerofoil shape. The new AH PRO 9m and 11m kites race to the top of the window, delivering a punchy drive that is required for Aaron’s powered riding style.
Ultra-thin Leading Edge (LE) Tube
Increases the speed through the window and therefore the manoeuvrability of the kite.
Supported LE Tube
Whether in Hadlow Pro 4-line mode or the standard 5-line mode, the ultra-thin LE is supported in the centre section by two lines. This helps to maintain the correct LE shape and increase kite power production.
When in 4-line mode the effect is even more pronounced. The two four meter extensions are attached to the front lines which means the tow point of the kite is less effected when the kite is loaded up, thereby keeping the grunt in the kite which is required for Aaron’s signature powered wakestyle moves.
Inflatable Wingtip Struts
Getting the kite off the water fast is important to Aaron. In a seven minute PKRA heat Aaron regularly pulls an incredible 20+ tricks! If he drops his kite it’s vital that he can get it off the water fast. The Hadlow pros have oversized wingtips to aid the kite’s fast turning ability and a narrow front tube for fast kite speed. These can mean that the kite can be tricky to launch especially in rough conditions.
To help the kite relaunch the new design incorporates inflatable wingtip batons across the whole range. The smaller sizes 5.5, 7, 9, retain optional rigid baton, to provide direct turning response.
Reinforced Leading Edge Tube:
Reinforced stitching increases the stiffness and strength of the tube. This not only helps soak up a few slams, but also maintains the shape of the aerofoil for a more powered experience.
Wingtip Battens:
Makes the end section of the wingtip stiff, providing the rider with direct feedback to the bar and a kite that steers extremely responsively. On turning the kite, the baton spreads the load into the wingtip and reduces the chance of any local deformation.
Trailing Edge Battens:
Battens are sewn into the trailing edge near the wingtips. Reinforced with Dacron, they create a stiffer trailing edge and a clean release for turbulent air passing over the wingtips, this reduces drag and provides an increased turn speed. The battens have been reduced in size and are now uniform in length across the whole size range.
Molten Bladder Technology:
2009 sees the introduction of improved bladder welding techniques to Flexifoil water kites. The new welding process has been tested up to a sweltering 100 degrees centigrade to make sure it will stand up to extreme conditions felt in all the world’s hottest kitesurf locations.
Improved Single-Point 'E-Z' Inflation:
All the struts and the leading edge are interconnected so you can inflate the kite through one single inflation valve, making your kite quick and easy to set up and ride. Attached to the leading edge are ‘inflate’ and ‘deflate’ valves making the kite easy to set up and pack down.
Improved Air Clamps:
Rounded clips seal off the air between the leading edge and struts to ensure the entire kite won’t deflate in case of a puncture. It is also possible to deflate the leading edge while keeping your struts inflated for easy kite transportation. The connecting tubes in the ‘E-Z’ system have been covered with a neoprene sock which helps to protect them. The strut valves are manufactured with a softer material which achieves a better bond with the bladders.
Improved Reinforced Strut Ends:
Rugged strut ends made with an
anti-abrasive material help protect the struts when handling the kite. These enlarged strut tips also make for an easier bladder replacement process.
Optional 5th Line Attachment:
For riders who prefer to ride using a 5th line system for added safety and self-landing, there is an optional 5th line available. The 5th line is to be used in conjunction with the bridle, not separately. The kite is supplied with the 5th-line top attachment.
Wingtip Dump Valve:
Flexifoil were the first company to introduce this feature which makes it quick to deflate and roll up the kite after a session. Open the tip valve, main valves and air clamps and then roll up the kite from one end to the other. The air is expelled in one motion and leaves the kite ready to pack away.
Upgraded Colour Coded Flying Lines:
The new AH PRO kites’ explosive performance creates a high peak load on the flying lines. To withstand this power, the flying lines have been upgraded to 270kg (from 250kg). The line lengths are exactly the same as Aaron uses. 22m - (18m + 4m)
Velcro Valve Fastening:
Strong Velcro tabs keep the valves securely in place.
The 09 Hadlow Pro comes in one design only, designed in conjunction with Hadlow himself.
Available in five sizes: 5.5m, 7m, 9m, 11m and 13m .
*All kites, supplied as Kite Only, which includes pump, bag, repair kit & kite.*
Flexifoil Hadlow Pro 09 Control Bar sold separately - carbon bar 48cm, 250kg / 18m + 4m / 4 line set, 5th line kit and handle pass leash.
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