F-One Tribal 2006
F-One Tribal (hybrid to c-shape kite): because F-One no longer used the Dream for the more radical tricks due to the arrival of the F-One Impact, they decided it was time to replace the F-One Dream.
Now that the full depower kites were here to stay, F-One designed the Tribal. The F-One Tribal is originally designed to be a very forgiving kite, just like the Dream, but with full depower. Of Course the Tribal was meant to be a real c-shaped kite, so they went with all the way with the classic c-shape and added rounded tips. F-One did test bowkites at some point but felt that they could easily combine the c-shape due to a new but simple invention called the Integral system.
Tribal Integral System
The F-One Tribal kite represents a new safety and performance concept and features a patented bridal system allowing bow kite style safety and huge depower capability whilst still maintaining the characteristics of a classic C shape kite surfing kite. All in all this also meant that you only need two kites in you quiver to cover a wide windrange. Something the bowkites are pretty good at too. The integral system works as follows. 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 sits there and slowly falls out of the sky. Now the Tribal is a very light weight kite so this works really well in light winds. When you want to go again simply grab the bar and you’re off. For maximum safety, the fifht line also works as a safety line to help you land the kite safely in any conditions. The relaunch is pretty ok, as long as you pump the leading edge hard and there is sufficient wind of course.
The F-One Tribal 11 meter is the largest kite you’ll need when you weigh around 80 kilos. The Tribal is powerful in light winds and can be a beast in strong gusty winds. The steering is fast, but when you are an experienced rider you’ll want the smaller Tribals (8 meter fo example) all the time in 38 - 40 knots. The F-One Tribal is well made, not the sturdiest of kites but definitly ok. Its good for wave riding, jumps and freestyle tricks. Still a very good buy. Do pump up the leading edge as hard as you can: this will prevent the tips from bending slightly outwards when powering the kite in gusty wind.
Bar F-One Tribal
The bar is very recognizable with the zebra print and all. It has one of the largest openings in the bar for all your lines to go through. And that is a good thing! Safety handles are produced with velcro and need to be replaced for maximum safety. The fifth line will wear and tear after a year or so. The set comes with a good handelpass leash. Again: replace the safety for quick release of your fifth line, especially when your going wave riding..
In fact, the release section can be easilly be improved: by using a safety system such as - of wich know - North, and Cabrinha. I once found myself crashing on a serious wave. I was ‘washed’ so to say, and within the next two seconds, i was not able to put my hands behind the velcro strap. The kite fell into the water, was hit by the same wave, pulled me with great force under and trough the water. Result: a big tear from the leading edge to the other side. I realised i had to replace the safety system. It was a good choice to use the Cabrinha safety system, after being eaten by a south african shorebreak. This problem has not been solved in 2007.
My first experience with the Tribal 8 m was not the most easy one. In stronger gusts, the grunt of the kite resembled my old C shape Slingshot 9 m, especially in high speed turns. The Tribal is a bit touchy, so one has to be subtle with pulling the bar and the position of the kite in the wind window. The second time I discovered that the Tribal delivers smooth shots of energy suited for powered tricks, accelerated turns and high jumps. The Tribal invokes high speed and comfortable sailing from about 23 to 38 knots (90 kg). It is wel made and looks good. One - pump not included. The safety system equals the Impact: once that problem is resolved, the Tribal is an efficient and thrustworthy machine to ride ‘deep big surf’ at any coastline.
I bought a 2006 F-one Tribal from a kite school in the Philippines in 2007. The kite took me from a novice to intermediate rider quickly. The depower ability and wide wind range made it an excellent kite for me. I found it very important to pump up the leading edge rock hard to prevent the tips from folding back when turning the kite under power. The worst problem I had with this kite was with the white colored ripstop fabric. It pretty much fell apart. Just the white. Not any of the blabk or red sections had any problems. The entire white stripe from wingtip to wingtip needed total replacement. Also I had a problem with the bladder valves. I needed to reglue all of them to the bladders. I own many other kites and never had the materials problems that I experienced with F-one. I wonder if anyone else had the same experience.
Hey Jim,
ive got the same experience, the wingtips will fold when steering with a lot of power. I was in Tarifa when trying my 8m for the fist time and didnt like the look of it. So rockhard is the solution.
Never heard of your wear and tear problems though. Fone has a reputation for building kites that are not that strong.
But the valves for the struts do seem to get very old very soon and brake of.
Fone has a good reputation on company service. Where do you live and have you contacted fone?