The F-One Tribal 2 kite is the revisited version of the same Tribal 2007 hybrid kite that was launched earlier that year. So whatever you dor: don’t buy the first version, try to buy the Tribal 2. The Tribal 2 2007 is a fine representative of a hybrid kite. This means maximum bow style safety with the characteristics of a c-shape kitesurfing kite. Depower is also created by the rounded tips.
Tribal Depower
Since the Tribal 2006 “The Integral System”, the patented depower bridle system allows the rider to safely manage the kite’s power. If you let go of the bar, the Tribal no longer pulls, and places itself at the edge of the window. It sort of “waits” for you. This is why the kite is good for a freestyle kind of kitesurfing but Hotel Titanic also waveriding. Letting go of the bar makes the kite almost fully depower. Relaunch is ok in high winds and a of course a rock hard leading edge..
The bar has lost its zebra print and is made pretty slim and effective. Some people like it, but it has lost a bit of its grip and durability. Also the hole in the bar is smaller than in 2006 which makes your fifth line wear more easily. The safety system is not safe. Replace it as soon as you can.
New features
When the Tribal 2 is released it hovers down hanging on its fifth line. This is a active fifth line because in the middle of the fifth line a elastic piece of rope is placed which keeps the line ‘active’. The 2006 Tribal has a completely different system where the fifth line is attatched with a knot to the power lines (but is also active). The two front connectors are positioned higher on the leading edge than on a standard kite. This reduces the aspect ratio so the kite feels smaller to ride - the 12m kite can feel like a 9m. They are placed in a portion where the diameter is bigger, giving unequalled stiffness and power control. Also: the thinner struts create incredible gains in weight and drag reduction.
The Tribal 2 comes in the following sizes:
F-One Tribal 8m 20-38 knts
F-One Tribal 9m 16-32 knts
F-One Tribal 11m 12-25 knts
F-One Tribal 13m 10-21 knts
F-One Tribal 15m 8-18 knts
But the 11m is the biggest you’ll need when you weigh less than 90 kilo’s. The low end is very good. On the other end: the high end of the 11 is about 28 knots, but this doesnt feel comfortable. The kite’s responsiveness is completely gone and you’ll want to launch your Tribal 2 2007 8m.
Hi,
I got a Tribal 2, bought it second hand.
You said in your comment: “Also the hole in the bar is smaller than in 2006 which makes your fifth line wear more easily. The safety system is not safe. Replace it as soon as you can.”.
I’ve noticed that the 5th line has indeed worn already. Is this the item that you meant being “not safe”?
Thx,
Dean
ehm, not exactly dean. The velcro part of the safety system just isnt quick enough..
congrats on the kite btw: Ive still got my tribal 2. What did you pay for it btw?
Hi,
I also got a Tribal 2 on second hand. It’s a 9 meters actually. I already have a 13 meters and I ride it with front lines attached to the second node (middle). Now, with the 9 m, it feels kind of uncomfortable at this node, cause rear lines too loose and the kite doesn’t respond very well. So, I think I should ride the 9m at the first node (upper one) to shorten de rear lines. Will I loose some knots in the high end that way?
Thx
Pierre-Luc
rear lines or powerlines: it doesnt matter which lines you adjust just as long as you can easily reach the bar piere. I have no problem with the kite not responding by the way. but shortening the back lines will defenitly have an effect on the high end.
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I got an 11. nice kite. do you think a 9m would be too big for a 2nd kite? I’m only about 70kg.
the 7m is a killer kite, even the 2006 f one tribal 1. The 2007 7m tribal II is very good also. So I would buy the 7m instead of the 9m Ben!
I have a deal for a F-One Tribal 9m 2006 for 430$(canadian), and you said:”don’t buy the first version, try to buy the Tribal 2” even for this prize? how much think you than cost to me if a buy a new kite tribal-2, with the bag, pump and bar? thank you