Airush Union V3 2018

Description

 Airush Union V3 2018

Its an absolute belter of a kite – Airush Union V3 – the most advanced and hardcore of a mainstream kite Airush have produced so far. Be sure to take a look at this awesome kite!

Read our own views on it at the bottom of the listing.

• Big Air, Hang Time, and Horizontal Pull in the Kiteloops.
• Intermediate to advanced all-round versatility.
• Unhooked performance.

The all-new Airush Union V3 has been re-designed from the bottom up to improve key areas. The Union III delivers even more lift and hangtime when going for Big Air, along with quicker and more responsive steering.

The shape has been refined to sit slightly further forward in the window whilst retaining the light and ultra-responsive steering.

A new wing-tip design prevents back stalling while the increased linear power delivery has made it even more suitable for freeriding, freestyle and wave riders alike.

The Airush Union V3 is the natural step up for the Lithium user looking for increased jumping performance and quicker depower response, or for the freestyle rider wanting unhooked performance with the usability of increased depower and a more forgiving feel.

Key Features

Next Gen Dyneema Load Frame

The Airush Union V3 load frame comprises a unique web of Dyneema that supports the primary loading of the canopy. These sections of low stretch, ultra-light Dyneema yarn are designed to be subjected to individual loads well beyond that of the canopy cloth.

Lasts Twice As Long

The all-new Airush Dyneema load frame featuring webtech is the key to having the lightest single strut kite on the market and not compromising on durability.

By expanding our exclusive Dyneema load frame throughout the areas normally occupied by dacron with webtech, we are able to eliminate this heavy fabric and utilize the Dyneema web fibers instead weighing less without compromising strength.

We achieve all of these weight savings while still using our legendary Technoforce D2 by teijin and dimension polyant leading edge and strut material.

Integrated Dyneema

Central to the concept of the load frame are the lightweight Dyneema yarns, where each single yarn can carry almost 40kg of load. These are integrated into the canopy through a reinforced taping that allows them to elongate when under extreme load, absorbing most of the shock that traditionally would have run through the canopy. At the same time, they carry the primary load of the canopy, preventing stretch and increasing long-term performance.

Technoforce D2

This premium fabric is used in conjunction with the Dyneema load frame for the ultimate combination of durability and performance. Ongoing testing has highlighted the lowest stretch and UV stability, along with the highest long-term reliability of any fabric available.

V3.2 Bridle

The v3.2 bridle system, now 10% shorter, contributes significantly to the turning speed and performance of supported leading edge kites. In addition, the total depower adds immensely to the safety benefits.

XL Inflate / Deflate Valve

The XL inflate/deflate valve features an insanely easy and fast way to inflate and deflate your kite. The large opening creates maximum flow of air and reduces fatigue and stress on your pump. This in conjunction with the Airush high velocity pump makes inflating your kite extremely fast to get you on the water as quickly as possible.

Bar Pressure Adjustment

All Airush bridled kites feature the bar pressure adjustments on the leading edge of the kite. These options allow the rider to select the perfect amount of feedback and comfort in the bar while riding with simple and quick adjustments before your session!

Safety Handles

On all Airush kites, the emergency safety handles are provided on each wingtips. This maximises the control and security when performing self-rescuing.

Rear Line Adjustment

The rear line adjustment featured on all airush kites allows for quick changes in the kites bar pressure and response. With adjustment towards “high” the kite will have increase bar pressure and decrease turning speed. Moving back towards the rear of the wingtip will decrease bar pressure and increase turning speed.

Smaller kites have 3 bar pressure settings, larger kites only have medium and low bar pressure options available.

Airush Bumpers

Airush bumpers are found throughout the leading edge of the kites to reduce wear and increase durability on rough surfaces. These bumpers are key for increasing the lifespan of Airush kites.

Kevlar Reinforcement

Kevlar, found in bullet proof vests, is found throughout the airush kites. These kevlar reinforcements are only put in the most critical areas to protect from wearing while still minimizing weight which affects the kites performance.

FBI ONE PUMP VALVES

The oversized SPIS valve (single point inflation system) optimises inflation and deflation. The fast bladder inflation (FBI) features increased wall thickness and oversized diameter tubing. This eliminates tube kink and reduces stress on your pump, resulting in a quick and easy inflation.

Waste 2 Wear Kitebag

Around 36 billion plastic bottles are produced every year, and more than 30% of non-recycled plastics will end up in the rivers or oceans. Consider this, and remember that these waterways are our playground. We have teamed up with one of the leaders in recycled plastic, and now we produce many of our kitebags and key accessories in collaboration with waste 2 wear.

Waste 2 wear recycle 100% post-consumer plastic bottles into eco-friendly fabrics. This unique process involves turning environmentally damaging waste into useable, sustainable yarns. The recycled yarns are then combined with natural fibers to be woven or knitted into eco-friendly fabrics, suitable for garments, home textiles and accessories.

So what is it and what does it feel like and do?

This year its way more alive than last – its going to appeal to people who really like to pilot their kites. The more you throw it around the more youll get from it. Its fast turning, and super efficient. Bite against it and it hammers to the front of the window with real attitude. Its pulling significant woo numbers, well in excess of last year. Is it a difficult kite to use? Well, no, but such is its eager pull you can find yourself running out of apparent wind if you go too far..

Conversely you can gain a lot more than you have ever had before if you use its abilities right. Its very stall proof in general handling, stable and easy – certainly only the best of manners when your hands are off the controls.
Its also much better for unhooking (surges forward on bite as mentioned earlier) thus giving a lighter bar, mid move, and its speed of turn is much faster which is knocking squarely on wave kite territory..
More technical – arguably – but so much more focused than last year – its going to find a lot of favour with those who can fly well..

How is it different to last year?

Its much more focused. slightly less powerful size for size until you move it, then its the same (apparent wind). So you can use a slightly larger a kite than you would last year. It loves to be thrown around, last years feels solid but restrained by comparison. This year the kite the kite has more life and lungs. It’s approaching the Razor in ability and feel, with full depower, distancing itself further from the freeride cornerstone that is the Lithium.

What are its signature selling points?

Squarely at the front of the multi-discipline kite one kite for all with a leaning to pulling significant woo numbers. A jumper that likes to be thrown, looped, actively piloted. An active riders kite, and the more you fly it the more you’ll get from it. Woo numbers are right up there – at the cutting edge, with a flavour of everything from foil, freestyle to wave. Perhaps further from the average intermediate than its been so far, but so much more potential.
Other selling point – build quality. I’m yet to meet anyone that knows about the industry admit that ANY other brand has as well built a product as Airush. That load frame is unique, the materials the best you can buy. The most expensive production you can get, and that’s a proven fact. No stretch, no canopy fails, no bagging out over the season(s).

Read our handy guide on how to look after your equipment here.