Check out the KiteRelease!

Nak · Fri May 05, 06 5:20 pm **Check out the KiteRelease!**

Hi everybody!

Some of you know me, most of you donâ€™t. I was a newcomer to Sauvies last summer and have been mostly a lurker on this board. Anyway, my wife and I have started a new company locally here, and weâ€™d like to announce a new kiteboarding product that has the potential to dramatically reduce the number of lofting/dragging accidents. Itâ€™s called the KiteRelease. (Patent pending) It takes the place of a regular spreader bar and what it does is to release the chicken loop automatically if the line tension increases to approximately rider weight. And yes, you can still jump and kiteloop to your heartâ€™s content! The KiteRelease manages this by having four rider selectable modes, two automatic and two manual. These modes are:

1. "Low Tension" or "Manual Release". The KiteRelease will release at a very low tension.
2. "Launch". The KiteRelease will release as trimloop tension approaches Rider weight. You can ride with the KiteRelease in this mode; you just need to be conservative.
3. "Ride". The KiteRelease will release as trimloop tension approaches 130% - 140% of Rider weight. You can ride all day while in this mode, but no jumps.
4. "Locked" The KiteRelease will not release and functions exactly like an old fashioned spreader bar.

Shifting between modes is simple and can be done with one hand while riding. It sounds complicated, but really it isnâ€™t. When youâ€™re getting ready to launch your kite, just check that youâ€™re in â€œLaunchâ€ mode. When you put on your board select â€œRideâ€ or â€œLockedâ€ as conditions dictate. When you are heading back to shore, select â€œRideâ€ or â€œLaunchâ€. As you approach shore and are ready to take off your board, select â€œLaunchâ€ if you havenâ€™t already done so.

In addition to reducing your risks substantially, the KiteRelease is easier to use than any spreader bar on the market. Our Soft Shackle (patent pending) technology relegates â€œchicken bonesâ€ to the museum. The Soft Shackle greatly eases the process of shackling in and out. Simply pull the trimloop into the hook and you're shackled in. Grab the trimloop and pull it down & back and you're out! See the video "Using The KiteRelease" on our website to see just how simple and easy this is. There's also a short video on www.Kiteforum.TV

Joanne and I will try and get SI to demonstrate the KiteRelease soon. Check out the website, thereâ€™s five videos and a FAQ section. If you still have any questions, Iâ€™ll try and answer them here as well.

Good Winds!
Nak
www.KiteRelease.com

kiteboard117 · Since 02 Mar 2005 450 Posts PDX McLovin

what differiences are there between this and the slingshot surefire spreader bar?

Nak · Fri May 05, 06 5:30 pm

The SS bar is manual release only. This has two automatic modes as well as a manual release and a locked mode. When you're in "Launch" mode, the KiteRelease will automaticaly release as line tension reaches aproximately rider weight. "Ride" mode adds another 30% to 40%. Unfortunately, all too often manual releases aren't adequate. Riders are still getting hurt and killed because they can't activate a manual release in time.

Nak

kiteboard117 · Since 02 Mar 2005 450 Posts PDX McLovin

ahh i see cool idea for sure

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Pretty cool idea for sure!!! Thumb's Up

Don't really think it'd work for me though since I always have my suicide leash on my Clip & Ride (no depower if the kite breaks away). I'd probably just end up getting lofted backwards! Wink

Nak · Sat May 06, 06 8:42 am

Thanks Kataku2k3!

I think we've met, if you are who I think you are... Anyway, you are a MUCH better rider than me, but if I may humbly ask , if you use a suicide leash, would it be a better idea to clip it to your chickenloop after you leave the beach? And clip it to a safety line when returning to the beach? It just seems, IMHO, that doing this would reduce your risk of being hurt while not hampering your riding... I could be wrong here, as I have no experience using a suicide leash. I'm not trying to tell you what to do or how to ride, I'm just curious about the whole suicide leash thing. It might help me make the KiteReleae better...

I edited this because it sounded like I was trying to tell you how to ride. Far from it, you're a better rider and obviously pretty good at making your own decisions. Again, I'm just trying to learn more about this aspect of kiteboarding. Very Happy

Good winds!
Nak
www.KiteRelease.com

bleighty · Since 17 Apr 2006 86 Posts St. Petersburg, FL

I will have to admit that I am weary of anything that might release automatically in an unexpected moment.

Not saying at all that this is not a quality product. I am just stating my personal opinion (aka: fear) that maybe in a gust the pressure could increase to a point that it realeased and suddenly I am unhooked and overpowered.

-Bryan
St. Petersburg, FL

Nak · Wed May 10, 06 1:32 pm

Hi Bryan!

You are absolutely right! That's why the KiteRelease has a locked mode to disable automatic release once you're clear of the beach. An available option will also be the JumpLock; this is a secondary lock that prevents unwanted movement out of the locked mode. Some riders will want the security of JumpLock; some riders will want to get out of locked mode as quickly as possible. It's all about personal preference! Very Happy

JumpLock can be removed, or installed, at any time with just a couple of simple tools. You can also disable JumpLock while riding, if you so choose. Weâ€™ll have a video of how to use it on the website soon.

Good Winds!
Nak
www.KiteRelease.com

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

I did a search on Kiterelease and found this topic 2006. Very interesting. I am sure lots of time and effort when into coming up with this version. Getting ideas from your head to a finished functioning product is no easy task.

We are quick to accept status quo and accept that future gear improvements will come in small incremental steps. Sometimes these "improvements" are just change for the sake of change to give the marketing dept something to talk about. We can all think of situations were multiple kite companies have produced kites that were steps backwards from the previous year. My recent purchase of an Engine Harness was a huge leap in my opinion. I had a Dakine Renegade which is a perfectly good harness, but the fit and improvement in performance was worth the extra cost. Size, weight, customized graphics and made in an American garage all had influence in my decision too

It may just be me, but, I think there is an untapped and unrealized demand for simpler and less expensive control bar/QR solutions. Currently, new bars retail for $500+ in most cases. Each bar comes with a QR. If the QR can be moved to a component of the spreader bar it would allow the cost of a bar to come WAY down. It would also bring the cost of kiting down for the user because they are paying for one QR instead of one for each control bar. Convenience would also improve. I would be more compelled to buy one for each kite and leave them attached to the kite in the bag. In addition, I would rather make my own bars out of proven components than pay for new bars sold by kite companies that use their retail early adopters as their R&D team.

I really like the idea of a QR on the spreader bar like the Slingshot Surefire bar and the added safety features of the "Kiterelease" are worthy of a closer look too. I am not sure I want an unintended release of my kite, so a demo/education would be in order to answer my concerns with the the features of the KiteRelease. However, I do know that I would want that feature for my son when he starts learning how to kite.

Just my opinion, but I would like to see it pivot from a fixed center point instead of bolted to the spreader bar to keep the spreader bar from turning up. I would also like to see a slider version which would essentially be a ring on the end so kiters could use it on their slider bars.

I think we will see the next significant step will be the uncoupling of the QR from control bars and a simplification or elimination of trim systems. Maybe this is the right time a product like the KiteRelease.

flipper · Since 17 Oct 2011 320 Posts Obsessed

This seems like a potential step forward. I need the upgrade.. so when my mind thinks, "OH SHIT!", it automatically releases.

WindSki · Since 14 Dec 2012 402 Posts Portland Obsessed

Nak

I was turned off at first by the original post in that the bar could release under normal conditions or should say release prematurely for some accidental reason.

BUT

Your comment about “Once you clear the beach”
This idea about using the feature when launching / landing is great, this is the most, if not all really dangerous times. I believe your biggest sale-able feature would be having this capability when launching / landing and the rider then can lock out the capability during normal water use.

Here is another product you could work on and fix. The new power and de-power capability by the Zeeko Ultimate bar is great but needs some refinements. Prusik knot kite bar. Four of us here in the area have played in this bar but it needs some refinement. If you would like to borrow the bar let me know ! You cold have a two product company?

P.S. Your web site does not come up

jonefstarlie · Since 11 Jan 2014 1 Posts New Member

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sfbomber · Since 27 Jun 2012 112 Posts Stoked

What's the status of the KiteRelease production? Last I heard you were looking for reliable suppliers and liability insurance.
Rather than deal with distributors and retailers, have you considered selling your product online (e.x. Switch kites)?
And rather than dealing with foreign suppliers, have you considered making the parts in the U.S?
Can the kiterelease be tuned for different rider weights? E.X. 200 pounds, versus 100 pounds, versus 50 pounds?
Lastly, do you have any video, showing the different settings of the KiteRelease, and how to change between the different settings?
The only video I could find was this one:
http://www.kiteforum.tv/video/kiterelease_wet_sand_contamination_test.html
I was a big fan of the Surefire Spreader bar when it first came out, but stopped using it because of unwanted releases.
I would be stoked to see you launch this as a successful product.

kenja · Since 19 Jun 2008 179 Posts Stoked

This seems like a great idea, especially for beginners. The website isn't working for me, but I'll keep my eyes out for it. I'd love to have this for teaching my boys to kite. Is the release pressure adjustable for smaller people?

Nak · Mon Jan 13, 14 10:22 am

Hey everybody! Sorry, haven't checked in to NWkite in a bit!

To answer a few questions:

Yes, it is completely adjustable for riders of any weight and skill level. You adjust it at home by adding or removing shims. Each shim changes the release tension by 15 pounds.

Once adjusted, you have four rider selectable release tensions.
1. Manual Release. Self-explanatory.
2. Launch/Land. I adjust this to 80% of rider weight. This prevents inadvertent loftings and most inadvertent drags. Riders of different skill levels may prefer to increase/decrease this level. This tension is adjustable at home and takes about 5 minutes and a few basic tools.
3. Ride. This position increases release tension by about 40%. This allows you to ride with a reduced level of protection, however jumps or extremely hard starts may cause a release. This position can be bypassed by the experienced rider or used to ride to or from the launch.
4. Lock. Self explanatory. It's locked, it ain't releasing, period.

For experienced riders, a "Jump Lock"--added or removed at home in about 30 seconds--adds a lock which prevents the KiteRelease from coming out of "Lock" without very specific input from the rider. It completely prevents any possibility of an accidental release. Beginners should not use the "Jump Lock", experienced riders probably will prefer using the "Jump Lock". It engages automatically when you shift the KiteRelease in to "Lock". It adds about 1 second or less to coming out of "Lock".

Shifting between positions is easy, fast, and takes one hand. You don't need to look at it, you shift it by feel. This includes using the "Jump Lock". One hand, no eyes.

Additionally, the KiteRelease uses a "Soft Shackle" which eliminates the Donkey Dick. It works SO MUCH better than a Donkey Dick, for both hooked and un-hooked riding.

I've used one KiteRelease for about 4 or 5 years now. It's easier to use than a regular spreader bar--no donkey dick--, safer, and it's damn near bulletproof. I've used it in every imaginable condition and it has never, ever, failed in any way. It has saved my ass on several occasions.

I have videos of it in use, I'll try and get the website back up soon.

I have US, European and several other patents on the KiteRelease and the Soft Shackle. My plan at this point is to sell the KiteRelease to a company that has the means to produce it.

BTW, the Soft Shackle could be used on a standard spreader bar, doing away with the donkey dick. Ride with the Soft Shackle once, and I guarantee that no rider of any skill level will want to use a Donkey Dick ever again. The Soft Shackle is worlds better for any use and any rider, period. Pull the chicken loop into the hook, the Soft Shackle engages. To unhook just pull down on the control bar. You have to pull down in an exaggerated motion to get it to release. I have had zero inadvertent releases of the Soft Shackle in all of these years.

Thanks for all of the interest! Sorry I haven't been able to get it on the market. Embarassed