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Airush have just added an innovative new control system to their lineup – the Magnum Control Bar – featuring an all-new Auto Untwist feature. We found out more from designer Tyler Ryan.
Photos Mitchell Doyle Markgraaff
What sets the new Magnum apart from your previous control systems?
The biggest difference between the Magnum bar and our previous control systems is our all-new, ultra-compact Auto Untwist feature. This center fitting coupled with the heavy-duty ceramic bearing IQR help sustain order in even the most extreme conditions. The Magnum control system does the work for you by keeping your center lines untwisted at all times, allowing you to focus on your riding. With the sleek center fitting acting as a guide over the smooth TPU-covered depower mainline, simply sheet in or out and watch the lines untwist themselves. Keeping order amongst the chaos has never been easier. Plus there is also the fresh new colorway!
How long have you been developing the Magnum and which designers and riders have been involved?
The Magnum has been in development for just over a year. It has been a team effort between designers Tyler Ryan, Craig Tompkins and Mark Pattison. Many riders were involved in the process, but the two lead product testers were Elias Quahmid and Jason van der Spuy.
How have you engineered the Auto Untwist into the system?
We have engineered the Auto Untwist feature around a single TPU-covered depower line. The rectangular shaped depower main line interfaces with our new optimized center fitting, restricting its twisting motion while retaining the freedom to steer the kite. We opted for a single covering as we feel the crux of an Auto Untwist bar is simplicity. The single covering gives you a clean, uncluttered solution to keeping those lines untwisted at all times.
Is this as simple as wrapping some plastic around the lines, or is material selection more complicated?
We opted for a PU covering to protect the main depower lines from friction wear but also to house the depower main lines and safety lines in an uncluttered neat way. It is certainly not as simple as wrapping some plastic over the lines – the PU tubing has a very specific outside size, durometer and inside geometry. The outside dimensions are essential in keeping the center lines untwisted, while the inside geometry is very carefully sized to house a 600kg breaking load depower main line, as well as a flagout safety line. The inside geometry needs to be big enough for the safety line to pass through without snags, but also small enough to lock into the center fitting properly. The durometer is also extremely important – too soft of a durometer and the TPU will feel sticky, too hard of a durometer will cause cracks and hinder kite handling.
How do the ceramic bearings hold up in a marine environment?
Ceramic bearings are not susceptible to corrosion like stainless steel and are much more wear resistant. Both these qualities lead to improved performance and lifespan.
What grip, bar ends and trim system have you used for the Magnum?
The Magnum features an embossed sanded EVA grip, which is soft on the hands while remaining durable and grippy. The bar ends are MODUS bar ends, meaning you can adjust your bar from 50cm to 60cm with the insert pieces. The bar ends also feature fully molded EVA bar floats. With regard to the trim system, we have opted for a pull-cleat trim system. We feel this type of trim system gives you the most fine control of your kite’s trim while remaining uncluttered.
Which flagging layout and lines have you chosen? And what about chicken loop options and line extensions?
The Magnum features a single front line flagout system with Braidtech BT450 flying lines. Each individual line has a breaking load of 450kg. The Magnum ships with our standard chicken loop but is compatible with all Airush chicken loop sizes. The line extensions on the Magnum are 14m + 9m, giving you the option of 9m, 14m or 23m lines.
Is the Magnum compatible with your whole kite lineup and all kite disciplines?
Yes, the Magnum bar is compatible with all four-line Airush kites and can be used with the Razor by adding the fifth line to the bar – this line ships with the Razor. The Magnum is ideal for freeride and foiling due to its uncluttered design and Auto Untwist technology, but it can hold its own in any discipline. ■
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