Yakuza GT news - Production samples with prints
Hi everyone,
Following Björn’s big success scoring German Champion for 2008 powered mainly by the Yakuza GT Protos we have been working hard to perfect all sizes and now have the finished print plan. Featuring top and bottom skin colour schemes these kites look outstanding in the sky and the reckoning is the Yakuza GT will be known as both the sexiest and most successful race kite ever!
All GT sizes are currently on final test with our dedicated Pro Buggy Team. Pushing the kites to the max these pilots are giving us the feedback to refine and trim the raw power and speed of these beauties so they work and perform perfectly in harmony with any experienced buggy rider! Plans are running on schedule and it is likely some of the sizes will be released before the end of December. Check out the pics below of the low wind grunt powerhouses the 14 & 12m. The biggest size race kites have to be extremely special and demand absolute attention to detail. First they need grunt to get the rider going, second they have to be capable of high speeds once momentum is built up, and thirdly in all situations the kite has to be responsive and stable to succeed. Until now the original Yakuza in 12 and 14m has been the unbeaten light wind weapon. With the arrival of the Yakuza GT we can be sure a new champion is about to enter the arena. Start saving and contact your local shop with your orders to guarantee being one of the first to get your hands on the Yakuza GT! With this kite you will be in the race and not just taking part…
Read on for Robbie’s designer review of how the kite has evolved and what were his goals with the new Yakuza GT:
When I was asked to make a new Yakuza I had to ask why! After all it still has no competition and is still winning all the major titles even after three years. For sure the success comes from our riders as well and I have to thank them for continually being on top of the podium.
Reluctantly I started the project, knowing it was not going to be a walk in the park. First thing I did was spend lots of time chatting to Dom to find out exactly what our riders wanted. That was easy, more of everything. More speed, low end grunt and stability. I decided it was time to make a totally new concept with as many new parameters as possible to see if i could make a better kite than the Yakuza.
I re defined the profile shape, changed the chamber and tweaked the thickness. I radically changed the plan form to match the profile, giving it more aspect ratio then the previous one. Then I worked on the Arc of the kite extensively to give as much lift as possible but at the same time allowing for better handling.
As the kites go up in size so does the aspect ratio and number of cells to optimise each one for the conditions they fly in. No two sizes are the same in design which meant a lot more work for me but a better result for you.
The first protos were great but Dom, Malte and Bjorn wanted more so I went back and redesigned everything again until they were happy. In the end we got the GT to be exactly what they wanted and I hope that this kite will dominate like the last. Bjorn and Malte are incredible so they needs an incredible kite and I hope that the GT will enable them to stand on the top step of the podium for the next three years.
The good thing about the new GT is that it really is easier to fly than the old one and the small sizes are very stable. This make a kite that I think anyone can take to the podium with confidence.
Enjoy the ride.
Rob
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