Yes, folks, we are re-designing our kite bags for the 2009 season.

The focus with the new bags will be efficiency in packing, clean lines and proper sizing for your kite’s size. One consideration though is - do people want an expandable bag?

Our office is split. I never leave my struts inflated and think the expansion sleeves are a waste of material, make the bag sloppy and confuse people. Ross loves his expandable sleeves because he is getting older and does not like to pump the kite up more than he has to. Richard just doesn’t use a bag so he is neutral. Kmac and Anto only have eyes for each other, so they cancle each other out.

What does the Crew say? Keep the expansion sleeves or ditch them?

John Z

I understand Kmac’s position Anto. is distracting & I’m older than Ross so once my struts are inflated I like to keep them firm ... Kiting local & being a proud minivan owner I’m a fan of the expandable bag ... Not only is inflation quick but less folding = less wrinkles = less wear ... My kites live in my van & the expanded bag enables them to ‘air’ dry ... Thanks for the chance to speak up O.R. 8)

Most of the guys around here leave the struts inflated in the winter…. but it would be nice to not have the extra zippers on the bag… I almost always undo the wrong end first. 

Ryan

I like the expandable bags - when the kites get wet from surf or rain and get packed away (usually with sand) with the struts inflated the kites dry much faster. During most of the summer days the kites will dry by the time they get packed and i don’t use the expansion zips…all in all i like the bags they way they are. I thought they where well thought out as is.

NO NO!

Since the invention of splitstrut there is no need to keep the struts pumped up, plus there are still a lot of kiteboarders out there that have smaller transport and need the space.

For the 2009 Bag.

- Bags sized to each kite.
- Bag shaped similar to the way they are now but a bit squarer too, a bit like the North bags. kind of a combination of the existing bag and the pyro drysuit bag.
- A waterproof pocket for keys/phone/mp3 player/emergency condom etc..
- A deep internal pocket to store the bar out of harms way.
- Keep the shoulder straps and top handle as they are as they are excellent features.
- Keep the big chunky plastic zips! they are great!
- If there is some money left over please may we have some sharp styling like that of the 07 diablo and the 07 boards.
- maybe with the left over material, include a complimentary stone/sand bag for weighting a pumped up kite down.

Definately not for the 2009 Bag.

- Not the small satchel style bag a-la slingshot 2005 or Royal 2007, I have nearly given myself a hernia trying to pack my old fuels away in those tiny bags!
- No undersizing of bags a-la naish 05-06-07, people with nash kites always wonder how they are so creased and look worn early! Its because the bags are not long/deep enough and the kite gets crumpled the current OR bags are great as you only fold the kite once through its depth!
- No expandable bag, as it is a complete waste of material/time, storing pumped up kites is so 2004!

Hope this helps big man, as you can see, i dont ask for much!

Ben

With Ben on this one, in the majority. Seen a few kite bags and here’s a few of my thoughts to consider

1. Expandable - not for me, the idea of having struts left inflated isn’t right, OK if you have a huge van or something. Its a pain.

2. Seperate straps / pockets etc. for pump, pump hose, bar, and your valuables.

3. handle / strop for carrying hanging your bag. Caution do a good one. Its basically a piece of rope in a pl;astic sleeve. Tough, clean and cofortable too.

4. Access into the bag. One of the best bags I’ve seen was by a company called Viokite. The whole bag opened up into a flat sheet. Role up your kite, place in the middle and wrap the bag around the kite. Velcro and straps held it all in place. EASY TO GET RID OF THE SAND!!

5. keep the shape and cut of the material simple. Avoid little creases and corners that just simply collect sand!

6. I like stuff sacks. I’ve got 2 from old kites. Great for stuffing your kite inside after a session when its wet and sandy. Useful reminder too to get you ar** in gear and give your kit a clean!

Like Bens idea of a some sand / fixing point. Add a shackle or something to fix your C loop to.

Silly thought to the extreme. Can you include either as standrad or as a seperate order a system / bag that allows you to pack your kites small and tight for travelling.

Ocean Rodeo Vacuum bags that work with your kite pump!! Dont know if its possibile, silly ideas but you never know!

how about straps on the side that make it easy to reduce the size of the bag.

you know that type bags soem sleeping bags have

keep the bar on the outside with it only gets in the way when its in the bag.
make them go stack easily so they take up the leasyt amoutn of room.

i don’t keep struts inflated.

I use the expansion about 5% of the time, and could survive without it.
a simple lash down for a board across the back would be sweet,
and enough expansion for refreshments and meat. 8)

[quote author=“craig myers”]I use the expansion about 5% of the time, and could survive without it.
a simple lash down for a board across the back would be sweet,
and enough expansion for refreshments and meat. 8)

I miss you big guy! How is it going?

I agree fully, I have never used the expansion bit. I forgot to ask for an extra pocket especially for Craig’s ‘specialist’ reading materials.

Ben

Exactly the same as Ben said:

the current OR bags are great as you only fold the kite once through its depth!

So for me the kitebag does not have to be expandable. I would like a zipper that makes a great u-turn on the frontside of the bag like the f-one bags. That way you can place the kite in the bag and then zip it, instead of sliding it in the bag. Hope you understand what I mean.

That’s a no for me as well. Also I agree with Ben on pretty much all his requests…especially the different sizes for different kites. Seems like my 12 is a little too stuffed in that bag.

I probably don’t need a “meat pocket” though…

David

I like to keep my Anto’s inflated and my Anto expandable.

Okay…that was just weird…Craig, Ben, Emma…someone help me here.

IMO the expansions should have gone the way of the dodo when we went to single point inflation…...I rarely used them then and I never use them now. They are just a waist of space, and add extra weight and complication to the bag. They are, by far and away the single biggest complaint regarding the bag, from both end users and shop owners - why keep them?

Simple observation is key here…..after some 30 odd sessions at Crissy Field, I have yet to see someone pack there kite into an expandable bag at then end of the day, and we’re talking 20-40 riders here each time.

Perhaps in areas where people are still flying dinosaurs from days gone by you see this…...but not where the goods are state of the art!

My vote is that we make the bag live up to the Rise itself. :D

On another note, if your kite is wet post-sesh it will never dry even if left in the expandable bag anyway….leave it out of the bag and spread it out to dry properly if that’s your concern!

Ben is bang on the money - I say we listen to the man!

Cheers,

Evan

[quote author=“jorrit”]Exactly the same as Ben said:

the current OR bags are great as you only fold the kite once through its depth!

So for me the kitebag does not have to be expandable. I would like a zipper that makes a great u-turn on the frontside of the bag like the f-one bags. That way you can place the kite in the bag and then zip it, instead of sliding it in the bag. Hope you understand what I mean.

Yes, like the newer north bags and the older slingshot diesel bags!

[quote author=“EvanStolze”]
Ben is bang on the money - I say we listen to the man!

Can I get a WOOP WOOP!