Lacuna Alpha Kite

Description

THE ALPHA
Lacuna kitesurfing products have been carefully designed with zero compromise in quality and rider safety. This allows the rider to progress and push their limits with confidence knowing that their equipment will not fail at the most critical moment. Whether that being big wave surfing at dungeons, training quadruple back-roll kiteloops for King of the Air or simply learning to start kitesurfing. All of these activities require different aspects of the equipment to be trustworthy and safe. Three years, 15+ versions of 5 different models, 60 plus different bridal combinations per kite, it took to create the ultimate top end product that not only could withstand the harshest of kitesurfing environments the world has to offer but make them fun and enjoyable to be in. That is why Cape Town is the ultimate destination for kitesurfing research and development while manufacturing is done with precision at the factory in China. This combination has allowed Lacuna kites to create products of exceptional durability and of the highest quality. This no compromise on quality and pushing every riders limits, gave birth to “The Call to the Void”, the idea that people have always been drawn to the unknown, stepping out of their comfort zone and knowledge base and exploring new possibilities. This is what embodies our beliefs and is what has driven us as a brand to deliver unique products to serve our customers.
DURABILITY TEST
Lacuna supplied three kite schools with kites for the South African windy season. South Africa, especially the Western Cape, is known for its harsh conditions on kitesurfing equipment. This is due to the fact that the wind is strong and far denser than most destinations. Most of the days when the predominantly teaching wind blows the hot African sun beats down on the equipment. This is besides the increased wear and tear that kite schools experience on equipment due to the lack of experience of students that are in training. Lacuna are proud to report that each kite school in South Africa, one in Langebaan, one in Durban and the other in Hermanus have successfully been able to use the equipment without needing to replace any of it halfway or three quarters through the season. The season typically runs from October till March. This is a significant achievement as two of these schools previously found that equipment had to be replaced halfway or three quarters through the season in previous years. Lacuna Kites are built for durability.
KITES - DESIGN SPECIFICATION - ALL KITES CANOPY MATERIAL
Teijin Double Ripstop material was selected as the canopy material offering durability with great strength to weight characteristic. Teijin have a proven track record and is regarded as the gold standard in the kitesurfing industry. Teijin has supplied material for big brands such as Naish for many years. We are currently testing triple ripstop and believe that all future production runs will be manufactured with Teijin Triple Ripstop canopies.
DACRON REINFORCING FRAME
Lacuna kites have a Dacron reinforcing frame. The selection of Dacron material found to be most effective in this regard. The reinforcing frame is pivotal in adding bomb proof structural strength to the kite as a whole. Additionally, the reinforcing frame adds stabilization to the ride with the reduction of kite flutter. No flutter creates greater efficiency as the kite becomes smoother which translates to a smoother ride. Laminar flow with less turbulence across the surface.
CANOPY TO DACRON FRAME TRANSITION - INSIGNIA TAPE
Insignia tape is used as a chemically bonded and stitched transition layer between the Double Ripstop Canopy and the Dacron Reinforcing Frame. For durability and longevity, a medium density cloth between the Dacron and Ripstop is necessary to create a buffer between the 2 density materials. Seen in this image as a thin white strip between the black Dacron and orange Ripstop, it is imperative to ensure consistent manufacturing quality and a robust durable kite.
WIDE ANGLE WINGTIP BRIDAL DEFLECTORS
Robust Wingtip deflectors are mandatory to prevent kite lines snagging and wrapping around a wingtip during self-launching or relaunching the kite. Thus preventing the kite going into a continuous loop.
LOOP THROUGH LOOP REINFORCED BRIDAL CONNECTION
Loop through loop reinforced bridal connection points are used. Although being a more expensive method it is the only method that ensures that the loop of a bridal does not come off the bridal connection point. This is an added safety feature. This system is stronger, more durable, lower profile and cannot come undone. We use PVC labelled reinforced bridle connection points.
ULTRA FLOW INFLATION SYSTEM
Ultra-Flow Inflation valve system affords a high volume low pressure inflation, which translates to less energy and faster inflation. More me on the water and less me pumping up on the beach. As the sport of kite surfing has grown, we have seen children under the age of 10 and adults in their 70's on the water. A kite should not be difficult to pump up. We have maximized flow rate to ensure Lacuna kites are the easiest to inflate on the market. The valve cap has a double o-ring seal encase sand gets into the pressure valve seat. A neoprene inflation valve cover is also provided.
DACRON REINFORCING ABOVE INFLATION VALVE
Proper Dacron Reinforcing is placed above the valve inflation cap, this is to reduce damage to the canopy when kites are le in wind flapping on the beach. The sizing and model is also clearly marked on the top of the kite to ensure the kite size and model are easily identified when the kite is rolled/folded up to fit into a kite bag
LARGE DIAMETER STRUT VALVES
Wider inner diameter and straight up and down strut inflation system. The wider inner diameter creates a higher volume flow of air as the kite is inflated, making kite inflation easier. Straight up and down strut valves are poisoned parallel and close to the strut, minimizing turbulence making a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing kite. In tandem with the Ultra Flow inflation system, Lacuna Kites are some of the easiest to inflate.
TURNING SPEED VERSUS BAR PRESSURE SETTING
Many riders of different abilities ride in hugely varying condition The wing p offers three ‘pigtail’ connection points enabling the rider to customize the bar pressure and turning speed depending on their preference.
TRIPLE STITCHED LEADING EDGE DESIGN
Lacuna Kites are some of the most durable and hardiest kites available. With a triple stitched leading edge and Dacron reinforcing frame the kites can be pounded at kite schools again and again without failure.
KITE PERFORMANCE
Advanced freeride, boosting and hangtime machine. The Alpha offers huge li with massive sheet in and go. This fast high aspect kite flies forward in the window with a wide turning arc and good pull through kite loops. The four line, bridled, five strut design is extremely stable and rigid kite frame. The additional struts provide stability in high winds enables a huge wind range with excellent high wind performance. The bar feedback is direct and predictable with good bar pressure. Aimed at advanced twin tip free riding and big air boosting. The Alpha is not aimed at entry-level riders, directional wave riding or downwind foiling. Due to the massive hang me available, this is the pick of the bunch for massive twintip boosting and ‘Old School’ board off tricks. The Alpha can also be Megalooped with confidence. The Alpha has a very efficient design with a smooth kite profile, making it a great kite for upwind riding and racing.
RIDER
Intermediate to Advanced