HO’OKIPA – BEHIND THE ULTRA TEAM WITH MARK PATTISON
Originally Published in The Kite Mag Issue 48
Jumping straight into it, tell is about Ho’okipa fabric…
Developed in partnership with Challenge Sailcloth, the Ho’okipa Ultra PE leading edge and strut composite material is 25% lighter and 10x stronger than traditional fabrics.
As a base material Ultra PE is up to 32 x stronger compared directly to polyester, with the Ultra PE fibre being 15x stronger than steel at the same weight and 2x lighter than Carbon Fibre. Ultra PE fibre is so light that it floats on water. Once integrated into Ho’okipa´s unique woven structure, a high amount of material in the composite is structural, allowing us to optimize all areas of the construction.
The biggest combined benefit of Ho’okipa is the ability to run high tension and pressure without sacrificing longevity. Running up to 50% more leading-edge pressure, this higher tension leading edge and strut creates a much more responsive frame that reacts quickly to rider input and keeps the kite stable. This stiffer structure allows us to run a reduced diameter high pressure leading edge and struts where required too.
Essentially, it allows us to make a kite that is stiffer, faster, lighter, stronger and more responsive than ever before.
What sort of weight reduction are we going to see in a 9m kite for example?
The fabric itself is 25% lighter, so it is dependent on the model and size, but the weight savings are between 10 and 20%. However, the benefits go way beyond weight saving and more into the ability to reliably run higher pressure and have enhanced material performance. This results in increased stiffness, efficiency, and responsiveness along with the weight reduction.
Have any manufacturing changes had to be made to accommodate the new cloth, or is it the same as building a Dacron framed kite?
One of the key benefits of the fabric is the manufacture process is very similar to a Dacron frame kite as it is a woven fabric. As the loading is higher, we have had to rework the seam assembly to deal with this, but it is still within the current systems of assembly. It can also be repaired by traditional methods if it does get damaged.
Why did you choose the Ultra for the first implementation of Ho’okipa in your kite range? Do you plan to implement it across your range?
The Ultra was originally developed as a concept kite to enable us to push the boundaries of light wind design. Our Team Series products are a collection that showcases our kite and board models that sit at the pinnacle of all Airush products, hence the Ultra Team.
We are looking at the implementation into other models as we get feedback from the market and continue our development.
Has Ho’okipa enabled you to slim the tube diameters at all for the Ultra Team?
Yes, that has been another benefit, the thinner LE reduces the drag on the kite, allowing a higher angle of attack when going upwind, or travelling at a higher speed. This is also ideal in more offshore wave conditions to help keep the rider on the wave face.
Will a standard construction Ultra still be available?
Yes, the original Ultra will still be available in the original Dacron configuration.
How have long-term wear tests with the new fabric performed?
One of the benefits of the Ultra PE materials is the resistance to wear. Cut and abrasion resistance is 40% higher than aramid on a weight for weight basis. It is the strongest yarn to date for making cut-resistant gloves, high-strength ropes, and bulletproof fabrics.
For the less technically inclined user, what’s the most significant performance enhancement they are going to experience with the new fabric?
Ultimately, Ho’okipa kites are stiffer, lighter, stronger and more responsive…
