the F-one Bandit is the result of intensive research into kite-aerodynamics and the wish to create a kite with full depower. The debate goes on whether a Bandit is a bow kite or a hybrid, but in my eyes Fone has definitly created a unique kite concept.
First up I have to say two important things here: the introduction of the Fone Bandit coincided with the coming of the Naish Helix. And when the Bandit was introduced there was this feeling that kitemanufacturers just wanted to invent something new for the hell of it. On the other hand: FOne replaced the Tribal 2, The Impact and al the other kites in their range for the Bandit which to me comes across as a serious vote of confidence..
Fone Delta C-Shape
The F one Bandit is popping up across beaches all over the world. When looking at the kite you immediately notice that the front lines are placed very high up the leading edge. Also, the tips are very small ont his kite. All this has resulted in a kite with a small aspect ratio. This makes the kite very effective in depower capabalities and creates a larger effective area in the middle. The Bandit had a very good low end, but that was already the case with the Fone Tribal 2 2007. Letting go of the bar makes the kite effectively depower and therefore makes it very suitable for riding waves. The F one Bandit turns on a dime but not as fast as the 2006 series.
The F one Bandit is produced in the following shapes: 6.5m – 7.5m – 9m – 11m – 13m – 15m. Try not to buy a kite bigger than the 11m because of the serious low end. In comparison with the Tribal Fone has made the following alterations: 5th line effect because of the EVO, V-shaped bridle featuring a pully on each front line (Weird when you think of the North EVO??!), smaller ARatio and more bar pressure.
F one Bandit: your everyday Kite
The F one Bandit should be tested thoroughly before buying. Either you love it or you hate it but that is only because the kite is such a statement of progression. But do try this kite when you want to kite all day, every day.
Update 2009:
write a review F one Bandit DOS for us!
My question is: Wich number or size i have to use? My weight is 68 kg and I`m a beginner in this sport. It´s a good idea the bandit for me?. Thanks, Agustin
Hey Augustin, welcome aboard.
the bandit would be perfect for you. I would not buy a kite that is too big for you cause you’ll progress fast with this kite and you’ll want to kite in stronger winds within months. So the 9 would suit you perfectly.
hola que tal soy novato en este deporte estoy practicando con cabrinha y me siento seguro por que en momentos de apuro suelto la barra y el kite se despotencia y cae suave no me pega el tipico arrastron estoy pensando en adquirir la bandit de 11m peso 78k tiene este kite el mismo sistema o parecido al de cabrinha para despotenciar? me gustaria saberlo por seguridad gracias salu2
Hola cervera. yo no comprendo espanol mucho…
ehmm: no 11. nueve si!!
My question is: My weight is 88 kg and I`m a beginner. I have already Tribal 2 (15m2). To compleet, I would buy a smaller kite for 15 to 30 knts Witch of the 9 or 11 m2 is the best choice for me.
Thanks,
Xavier
Hey Xavier,
a mistake I made is to buy kites that are too big. Cause you’ll end up on da beach watching your friends having fun on the water..
why dont you go for the 7,5 and kite till 35 knots. Altough im not too sure if the gap is too big between the 7,5 and the 15. I personally think a 15 is a waste of time. I guess it all depends on where you live and which conditions are regular at your spot.
hey there bandit.
when is the 2009 model coming out? how much? the 9m.
Sounds like a good kite..and you make out it’s ok for less experienced riders . Would you suggest that the 9m would work for lighter wind days, when my other kite is an ‘05 Fuel 13 . I weigh around 12 stone(76 kg). Hope you can help
fegus
Ive had the fuel 13m ‘05 for a while. its a bit heavy when compared to the latest kites but it still is an ok light wind kite. And indestructible at that. You need a light wind kite. And the fone bandit is very ok for that.
But i’d consider the 7,5 fone bandit.. seriously