2012 Airush One

Apr 11, 2012

Author: SBC Kiteboard / Shane Thompson

Best in Class: Water Relaunch

Size tested: 12 m
Sizes available: 6, 9, 12, 15 m
Design style: 4-line, 1-strut delta-SLE hybrid

The Airush One is the industry’s only one strut-canopy shape, and has some remarkable performance upgrades from last year’s genesis model. A testament to the quality build and materials of the Airush line, the One boasts simplicity and performance in super compact setup. The capable flying character, good low-end power and tight pivotal steering opened up some fun options for surfing waves. A quiver of Ones would, in fact, be the perfect compact travel setup for anyone seeking warm and steady tradewinds and pumping surf. The One should be sought after by the progressing rider, intermediate cruiser, or the minimalist surf seekers of the world. The frame is compact and lightweight, which allowed it to lift easily from the water with less wind power. It was one of the fastest and easiest kites of the test; once flying, the One had a stable canopy and delivered quick pivotal turns with positive but not burdening bar pressure that enhanced positional feedback. Unhooked, the kite felt less controlled, and could be more sensitive to canopy distortions whilst flying off the back lines. The 12-metre had good low-end and could outperform its all-terrain rivals in the lighter winds. Testers agreed that the overall stability of the One showed substantial improvements over its breakout model—that and low-end playability should broaden its appeal to entice kite travelers, surf sessionists or anyone seeking less baggage and more simplicity.

Not as smooth unhooked as some three-strut models
There’s only so much you can ask for from a one-strut... although it’s a gem for waves and freeride, the stability for unhooking still falls behind the best of the all-terrain models.

WHAT THE SBC TEST TEAM RIDERS LIKED MOST.
“Great entry-level surf kite. Fast turning, good low-end and effortless relaunch—prefers hooked-in riding.”
“As a wave kite, it’s awesome: nice feedback from the bar, light bar pressure, but you still know where the kite is.”
“Surprisingly stable for a single-strut, and dependable enough feel to want to take a 12-metre into the waves.”

Tech Features
      -One-strut wonder
      -One-pump system
      -V3 bridal system

Related News

• 2012 Freeride All-Terrain Kite Reviews

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