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 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.
