The GIN Boom V2 is a closed-cell ram air kite designed for kiteboarding, with a focus on performance and ease of use. It is IKA certified and registered, indicating its suitability for competitive use and adherence to international standards.
Function Description:
The GIN Boom V2 is a high-performance kiteboarding kite designed to harness wind power for propulsion across water. Its closed-cell design allows for efficient inflation and maintains its aerodynamic shape, even in varying wind conditions. The kite is controlled via a bar and line system, enabling the rider to steer, generate power, and perform maneuvers. The speed system, or mixer, is a critical component that adjusts the kite's profile and angle of attack, influencing its speed, stability, and turning characteristics. The bridle system, with its multiple attachment points, distributes the load across the kite's surface, ensuring stability and precise control.
Important Technical Specifications:
The Boom V2 is available in a range of sizes from 8M² to 21M², catering to different rider weights, skill levels, and wind conditions.
- Sizes: 8M², 9M², 10M², 11M², 13M², 15M², 18M², 21M²
- Fabric Weight: Ranges from 1.69 KG (8M²) to 3.55 KG (21M²), indicating a lightweight yet durable construction.
- Cell Number: 59 cells for 8M², 9M², 10M²; 67 cells for 11M², 13M², 15M², 18M², 21M². A higher cell count generally contributes to a smoother, more stable profile.
- Aspect Ratio: Ranges from 7.3 (8M²) to 12.6 (21M²). A higher aspect ratio typically means a more efficient kite with better upwind performance and glide, but can also be more demanding to fly.
- Area: Corresponds directly to the size, from 8 (8M²) to 21 (21M²).
- Wind Range Foil: Provided in knots, this indicates the optimal wind conditions for each kite size. For example, the 8M² is suitable for 12-35 knots, while the 21M² is for 5-14 knots. These ranges are guidelines and depend on rider level, weight, board, and specific weather conditions.
- Speed System: Made of Dyneema 3mm / 500kg. The system has specific measurements for its components: 540mm and 240mm for vertical sections, 125mm and 610mm for horizontal sections (total lengths 165mm and 650mm respectively), 1000mm for the main brake line, 400mm for a connecting loop, and 150mm for the red/blue line.
- Recommended Bar and Lines: For the Boom V2, 12-meter lines and a 55-centimeter bar are recommended. There is approximately 15 cm of length difference between the power and steering lines. For larger sizes (18M² and 21M²), it's advised to release one knot from the brakes.
Usage Features:
- Rigging: The manual provides clear instructions for rigging closed-cell kites, including identifying the leading edge, trailing edge, bridles, speed system, pulleys, brakes, frontline connector, and backline connector. It emphasizes connecting lines correctly and avoiding touching the brakes, as this can alter performance.
- Preparation (5-Point Check): Before each session, riders are advised to perform a 5-point check:
- Verify personal equipment (helmet, harness, impact vest, wetsuit) is correct and adapted.
- Ensure the kite is correctly set up and connected.
- Check that lines are untangled.
- Confirm weather conditions allow for a safe ride.
- Verify the launch area is clear and safe.
- Launching:
- Self-Launch: Involves closing the deflate valve, positioning the kite at the edge of the flying window to create small line tension, pre-inflating the kite halfway (especially in strong wind, with an assistant if needed), slowly pulling up the kite while walking downwind, and finally putting the kite to the zenith and checking setup.
- One-Line Launch: Involves grabbing one back line and pulling until the kite peels to the side and launches at the edge of the wind window. The hand should return to the bar once the leading edge points up. A drainage system on the wingtip ensures water flows out during this process.
- Reverse Launch: Requires ensuring the bar is facing the right way, grabbing and pulling the back lines to reverse the kite. Once the kite is one wingspan above the water, release one back line and hold the other. The kite will rotate, and the hand should return to the bar when the leading edge points up.
- Landing:
- With Assistance: Find a helper in a clear area, use the international signal to instruct them to catch the wingtip at the edge of the wind window, upwind of the kite. Once the helper has the kite, walk towards them to release line tension, allowing the kite to flag out downwind. Secure the kite with sand or other non-damaging objects.
- Self-Landing: Hold both back lines simultaneously until the kite stalls and flies backward. Do not release the back lines until the kite is fully landed. This method is recommended only in light winds.
- Outline (Ram Air Kites): The kite uses reflex profiles, meaning the leading edge rises slightly, which contributes to self-stability and prevents negative angles. Pulling the brakes affects the trailing edge, removing the reflex and potentially leading to a frontal collapse if pulled too much. The speed system and brake length can adjust the flap angle, creating a more or less hollow profile for downwind performance.
Maintenance Features:
- General Care:
- Always inspect equipment carefully before use.
- Always have a partner for launching and landing.
- Learn on a small two-line trainer kite before using a larger, more complex kite.
- Regularly rinse the kite, bridles, and pulleys with clean water.
- Do not leave the kite exposed to the sun when not in use or flapping in the wind on the beach.
- Never use the product without a safety leash system.
- Change defective parts immediately upon finding signs of wear. Spare parts are available, and customers should refer to product data sheets and warnings.
- Use self-adhesive spinnaker tape for canopy fabric repairs.
- Do not dry the kite in the sun or store it wet.
- Pack the kite carefully to avoid damaging leading edge battens, ensuring longevity.
- Speed System Maintenance:
- The speed system (mixer) and pulleys should be replaced upon any sign of malfunction or destruction, or after 200 hours of use.
- When replacing, work in a quiet, wind-sheltered place.
- Always change one side at a time, using the other side as a template.
- Disassembly: Disconnect front and rear pigtails, then disconnect the front connection (A) by removing loop heads. Identify and replace worn parts. Lines A, B, and the brake must not move during this process.
- Reassembly: Ensure all bridles are clear. Pass the speed system through corresponding pulleys. Connect the heads by putting two lines together, passing them through both loops, and applying tension. Crucially, ensure there is no twist, and Main A is clear from Main B.
- Recommendations: Before each use, check that the speed system and bridles are correct and that pulleys are free of sand to prevent damage.
- Measurements:
- Check: All lines should be measured in their total length with a laser, under 5 kg of resistance, with a tolerance of 5mm. Symmetry is crucial.
- Trim: The kite can be trimmed by adjusting line length or the speed system. Shortening A's or B's is not recommended as it won't increase speed or range. Pulling B's makes the kite more stable but reduces its range in the window. Pulling brakes reduces stalling but can remove the profile's reflex if pulled too much. Brake distribution on the trailing edge influences downwind performance and handling.
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