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Continuous Evolution: The TS explained
TS: Ride-Optimized-Geometry
The TS updates and improves upon the 'Ride Optimized Geometry' concept that we introduced in 2011. Each size is the TS range is still shaped and tuned with the sole intent of creating the most perfect high performance kite in each size based on its intended riding style. Though each size of the TS is unique there are design trends across the range that define their incredible performance; some of the new features and key characteristics that will help you choose the perfect TS are explained below.
The small, medium and large size TS kites each have different material use patterns specific to their intended use. The R&D team have modified Dacron placement across the trailing edge and wingtip area of the smallest TS kites for enhanced Canopy Framing that provides protection from even the heaviest waves. KSP Wave Tour pro-rider Nuno 'Stru' chooses the 5.5m TS over the Kahoona V4 when conditions are nuking. "Once the wind picks up past 30 knots there's no other kite I'd rather be using in the waves. The smallest TS sizes feel indestructible in the surf and perfect in the air."
The medium size, 7m-14m TS kites use Air-Aid Dacron in the wingtips for more responsive handling and bar feedback. The Largest TS kites, 15m & 17m use our unique Air-Aid Ripstop canopy fabric. This unique Ripstop delivers the twin Air-Aid advantages of lighter weight and enhanced strength, providing light wind riders and racers with the ultimate advantage.
TS Micro Bridle:
For 2012 every TS receives a completely overhauled front bridle. Team riders requested more responsive steering and enhanced unhooked performance on the medium sizes, 7m-14m. R&D team member Jordi Modolell explains, "By moving the front bridle points closer to where they would be on our GP C-kite we have been able to deliver TS kites with more pivotal turning and better feedback at the bar.
The addition of a single pulley into the first segment of the TS Micro Bridle allows the TS to deform more evenly across the LE in response to extreme steering inputs, making it feels more stable at the bar and allowing it to deliver power all the way back up to the top of every kite loop. The variable front bridle tow point and revised attachment points make the TS even quicker to relaunch than last year's kites so the medium sizes are the fastest relaunching 5 strut kites we've ever made."
Air Aid materials: Enhanced Ripstop and Dacron Materials made from our unique Air-Aid treated fabrics are used across the range. With lower stretch and lighter weight than standard fabrics Air-Aid enhances light wind performance, steering responsiveness and stability.
Team rider Michael Schitzhofer is using the 15m TS once again as he takes on the PKRA Freestyle Tour. "The 15m TS is the perfect step-up when the wind is too light for my 13m GP C-kite. The 15m makes a great light wind freestyle kite. The combination of redesigned front line Micro Bridle and the addition of a single front line pulley make it the most C-kite like big SLE I've ever ridden".
3 strut and 5 strut layout:
The TS range uses either 3 or 5 strut canopy layouts to deliver unbeatable performance for specific riding styles. The 4m and 5.5m kites both use a 3 strut layout. This allows enhanced airflow across the shoulder of the canopy, enhancing stability and reducing drag for greater upwind ability when you need it most-with your smallest kites The 4m and 5.5m TS kites are the perfect high wind kites, equally happy in the waves or throwing mega-loops above them.
The medium size TS kites, 7m-14m use a 5 strut layout that delivers maximum canopy support and flying stability. Team riders and customers alike demanded that the medium sizes should deliver as much of the unhooked performance of the GP C-kite as possible, but without trading any of the ease of use and day long riding comfort that made our SLE kites legendary.
For light wind and course racing the 15m and 17m kites must be as efficient as possible. These share a similar 5 strut layout to the medium size TS kites but strut placement is designed for minimum aerodynamic drag and maximum power delivery. Newest team member Brock Callen will be relying on the superior aerodynamic efficiency of the 15m and 17m TS kites to help him achieve his course racing success's this season. "I'm lucky to have such a great light wind kite for course racing, the TS is an unfair advantage."
Aggressive canopy profiling and tip-to-tip shaping:
Designer Peter Stiewe explains, "To improve power delivery throughout a turn in the medium TS sizes, we adjusted the canopy profile to work in harmony with the revised TS Micro Bridle. This has the secondary benefits of allowing greater maneuverability paired with a lighter bar feel in all wind conditions. Careful LE span shaping in the 10-14m TS sizes helps push turning ability while retaining all the stability and unhooked control of the smaller sizes. Improved power delivery and maneuverability in the medium sizes makes them kiteloop machines that retain their pull all the way through any loop making them the perfect new-school kite for any rider who doesn't want to commit to a pure C-kite."
More power per SQ/m:
The TS largest TS kites have undergone subtle changes in canopy plan shape and aspect ratio to deliver more low end power. By increasing both aspect ratio and total projected canopy area the largest TS kites deliver more low end pull to heavier rider helping you ride and win when others can't.
The TS brings the original Ride Optimized Geometry concept one step closer to perfection, with kites that excel in the waves, for unhooked newschool moves and still deliver light wind performance like no other. With a sizes range from 4m to 17m there's the perfect TS for every rider and every riding style.
TS: Continuous Evolution.