Airush Halo 2006

Airush's new Halo kite is a second generation BOW Kite; developed specifically for intermediate to advanced riders looking for increased security, depower, and efficiency.

The Halo combines Airush's legendary profiles and shaping techniques with a focus on reduced bar pressure, increased upwind ability and stability. It also features an optimized bridle configuration for maximum ease of use, and safety.

Turning characteristics are optimized by increased vertical components in the wingtip and flexible wingtip strut connection points.

The bar system features a 1-2 purchase on the outside flying lines, this ensures that the bar can be reached once released. In addition this feature improves the turning characteristics.

A load return system assists in minimizing bar load as the kite is sheeted out. This returns the bar to the base of the depower line if the kite is crashed.


Tech Features :

• Reduced bar pressure
• Increased upwind ability and stability
• 1-2 purchase bar system
• Increased wind range through patented BOW kite design.
• High performance foil and refined plan form.
• Reduced bar pressure through load return system
• Optimized Bridle system with limited pulleys for maximum reliability.

Halo frequently asked questions:

Is there anything special in the Halo setup compared to a C-Kite?
Technically no, although the bridling can be a bit daunting to a C kite user, the connection to the kite is the same as a standard 4 line C Kite. Use the 2nd knot on the back pigtail connections for the standard sheeting setting. It is recommended to set the bar up straight downwind from the kite. This way you can check your bridles are correct and lines are not twisted by applying a small amount of tension.

Can I depower the Halo too much?
Due to the huge amount of sheeting range in the Halo design the Halo does have a significantly larger wind range than a standard C Kite. However a certain amount of the depower in the kite should be viewed as "useable depower" while a large amount of the depower range is purely there for safety reason. If you run the Halo with too much depower strap and too sheeted out it can luff and will lose steering.

What happens if I exceed the wind range of the Halo?
If you exceed the useable depower range the kite can start to luff, you will also experience a loss of steering. One visual sign is a loss of tension in the canopy behind the leading edge. If you are experiencing a very strong gust it is recommended that you reduce your board speed and gently sheet the kite out while maintaining some back line pressure.

How about using an adjustable stopper ball to limit bar travel?
One of the key selling points on the Halo is the Bar Release Depower. This makes the Halo significantly safer in this specific area (simply letting go of the bar will depower the kite significantly). By running an adjustable stopper ball, if the stopper ball limits the sheeting, it also prevents the function of one of the Halos main safety features. If you are attempting to limit the Halo's sheeting you should consider a standard C Kite.

What is the useable wind range?
The wind range will differ significantly depending on your skill level, weight, board size and riding conditions.

A very basic estimate on the wind range for a 75 Kg intermediate rider would be:

14m 10 - 18 Knots
10m 12 - 22 Knots
7m 15 - 28 Knots

IMPORTANT: If you are a lightweight or less advanced rider the recommended wind speed could be significantly lower.

Relaunch
One of the major positives on the Halo is the rollover relaunch capability however it is important to note the difference between the relaunch process on the Halo when compared to a standard Leading edge inflatable.

1. If the kite is crashing try to maintain a certain degree of line tension on the front lines, but sheet the bar out as much as possible (extend your arms) this will reduce the pull of the kite on impact.

2. Do not swim towards the kite once it has hit the water, you absolutely do NOT want the kite to roll onto its back.

3. If the kite has crashed leading edge down, pull on the left or right side of the bar (do not alternate out of frustration, it may take a few seconds) the kite will begin to roll to the edge of the depower zone and then relaunch.

4. As the kite launches allow the bar to move away from you to limit the pull from the kite. However you will need to keep some back line tension to maintain steering.

Why don't you recommend the Halo for beginners?
The Halo was developed as an intermediate to advanced freeride kite and is a relatively complicated kite to setup and fly. The huge depower range means the rider needs to maintain some pressure on the bar.

Why do I still need to use a safety leash with so much depower?
In many instances the significant depower will allow you to avoid difficult situations. However, there are a few situations where you would need to release the trigger release safety on the depower loop. In these instances the leash is essential to keep you attached to your kite to avoid any danger to yourself or others.

How much should I inflate the leading edge?
The leading edge should be inflated to 6.5 PSI. Take care not to over inflate, as this can put unnecessary load on the leading edge seams and bridle attachment points.

I have had by Halo fly backwards in light conditions, how do I prevent this?
If the kite is quite deep in the power window and the conditions are light the kite can start to stall. If this occurs, you should sheet the kite OUT (push the bar away), this will allow airflow over the canopy and the kite should climb again.