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Kite Strutless Aramid Team Series
The ultra-light kite for foiling and light wind freeride.
See Description
Regular Price
889€
Sale Price
889€Regular Price
ref : GON26SAIKITSTRUPESKY-07
Direct sale from shaper to surfer
Pay in multiple installments
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Quality boards conceived in France
Description
Program
The Strutless is our magic kite for foiling and light wind freeride/freerace.
Presentation
For years GONG has held a unique concept of an extremely light kite with an optional fiberglass batten: the Strutless.
The 30% volume saved by removing inflatable struts is a real asset when traveling. But that’s not the main argument. The real qualities are in the air. The absence of inflatable struts reduces drag significantly. The kite glides unhindered through the air and flies from 3 knots of wind.
With this fiberglass monobatten but strutless kite, we gain in glide, low end, upwind ability, and relaunch. The batten is optional, it's up to you to decide whether to insert it, and it slides naturally through the trailing edge like a windsurf sail.
In case of a crash, reverse relaunch is particularly easy on the Strutless, and often the only solution under 8 knots. The Strutless is so light that it can fly forwards and backwards in very little wind, simply by pulling more or less on the back lines. Relaunch happens with less wind and more quickly. Essential for foiling.
A major effort has been made on the bridle and aspect ratio with two goals: exceptional glide even in the lightest conditions, and smooth, progressive depower to improve high-end stability.
The Strutless gains in power. Ideal for early takeoff without gaining altitude, but also absolutely amazing in hang time. It floats!!!!
You’ll love it for kiting on unrideable days, but also for throwing loops and moves in light wind on TT or foil boards. Its boosted maneuverability works miracles.
The Strutless is a freeride kite designed to be very user-friendly and hassle-free: inflation in 30s, minimal tuning, and easy relaunch.
In light wind, the Strutless goes faster, heads higher, turns better; always combining a top-level liveliness / dynamics / lightness ratio in flight.
Strutless design
The Strutless benefits from a design without inflatable struts for unmatched lightness and glide in leading-edge inflatable kites. In kitefoil and light wind, it is simply “essential.”
Additionally, this kite is equipped with an innovative GONG system, unique on the market: you can insert a fiberglass batten into the dedicated sleeve. This batten will give you more control and stability in stronger winds by maintaining the profile perfectly. But it does not create any additional drag, unlike inflatable struts. It’s up to you whether to use it or not, depending on the desired feel.
Open C-shape
The Strutless features an open C shape that combines the glide and low-end power of an open kite with the maneuverability and ease of a C shape.
Short bridle
The new reduced-diameter bridles minimize drag while maintaining flawless mechanical characteristics. The kite is significantly sleeker in flight.
Your Strutless also adapts to your feel thanks to the rear line adjustments.
The new short bridle system improves feedback and the feel is much more direct. Everything becomes more intuitive, keeping you in sync with your kite.
Light wind profile
The Strutless profile is perfectly optimized for low wind. Thanks to its moderately deep and ideally placed draft, combined with moderately sized leading edge diameters without sacrificing stiffness, we get a kite that glides endlessly in very little wind. You fully benefit from apparent wind. You glide fast without getting your arms stretched! The upwind performance is simply magical, as are the hang time and speed.
Moderate ratio
The moderate ratio of the Strutless offers a very stable feel across all flight phases, allowing strong performance in ultra-light wind, especially in kite foil.
With this kite, you get the best balance between essential low-end power and docility at the upper range. Even when heavily underpowered, you'll have perfect maneuverability to execute loops and figure-eights to launch, and as soon as the kite moves forward, you feel the pull to take off.
The power of the kite is felt even at low speeds. You feel well supported by the air. The feedback is clear and lets you easily lock into position. This linearity in the kite's power is combined with a bridle that allows instant depower. Everything is under control.
This feeling is enhanced by the absence of drag from inflatable struts. It’s a truly slick and feline design.
Easy relaunch
The lightness of the Strutless makes it easier for the kite to rotate on the water and position itself on one tip of the kite to relaunch easily. You pull one rear line and it pivots. This feature is essential in certain conditions and when you decide to push the limits of light wind.
The kite is also perfectly capable of relaunching in reverse by pulling hard on both back lines: essential under 8 knots.
Technical sheet
Kite Strutless Aramid Team Series Aramid / 7 m² / Sky blue
Technical sheet:
Leading edge in Aramid: rigid skeleton.
Trailing edge in DP175LL dacron for good snag resistance and better longevity in the wind.
Canopy in triple ripstop spinnaker cloth, ultra-resistant and dynamic.
Insigna reinforcements on the leading edge strategically placed for better durability.
Tip savers in 1680D nylon to protect the tips from abrasion.
Bridle in FL14 ROBLINE and connection in LIROS DC701: very thin, high-quality, and low-stretch.
100% removable bridles for easy replacement of wear parts.
Fiberglass strut that eliminates the octopus effect when depowered.
Here are the design details of this kite:
- 0-strut inflatable design: optional 1 fiberglass batten—thin and light, it doesn’t disrupt airflow. The Strutless is fast with low drag and stays in the air perfectly in 4 knots. The fiberglass strut boosts the high-end range, upwind ability, and relaunch.
Open C shape: optimized for glide in light wind and foil.
Projection coefficient: 68.0%—a relatively open arc.
Moderate+ ratio (5.0) for solid power and a super-smooth, linear feel across the whole window. We get lift with a kite that stays fast. It’s also ultra-stable at the zenith and forgives a lot of mistakes.
Forgiving profile for maximum stability in the high wind range and in case of steering errors, while providing great catch in loops.
Thin leading edge at the center for a fast, fine kite in the air, while keeping more section in the tips to preserve surface area and rigidity under heavy load in moves or high wind.
Deep profile for solid low-end power. Avoids working the kite too much—less technical, more efficiency when under-powered. A more effective, grunty, and forgiving kite in the low wind range.
Freeride outline for efficiency: sufficiently curved leading edge to return to launch position by gently pulling a back line. Relaunch is extremely easy in reverse with this very light kite—essential for light wind.
Setback tips for bar feedback that makes it ultra-precise in light wind.
Thin tips to maximize ideal glide in light wind and foil.
A very centered surface for solid power.
Advanced bridle to free the kite and make depower more progressive.
Tip shape with little internal twist for a kite whose rotation is driven by the ear sections, not by brake lines. Keeps the kite fast in turns, without stalling—especially in very low wind or lulls under 6 knots. The Strutless stays at zenith and edge of the window better than any kite.
No canopy tension: no tension on the Strutless to keep the kite fast, stable, and smooth.
Easy bar feedback: you always know where your kite is thanks to constant, measured bar pressure.
Medium depower, as we want to keep power in the harness that ensures ultimate glide in light wind. In short, the front lines provide lift, and we leave only steering to the back lines. Racing feel.
“Self-stable” shape with its moderate ratio and deep profile that “catches” air. Setback tips that shift some mass toward the back of the kite to prevent nose-dives/stalls. You have a predictable, safe kite in your hands for maximum security. This gives you time to reposition the board after a crash without panicking about a kite that would otherwise be eager to fall.
Short front bridle on 6 points to block the octopus effect in high wind, redesigned for more depower and more consistent behavior in all aspects of flight.
3 rear attachment points to adjust reactivity and bar feel according to personal preference.
Buying guide
For whom?
With its fiberglass batten, it is as simple as any inflatable single-strut kite. So everyone will easily access its incredible flying qualities. Moreover, it is a kite that, by nature, is not ridden overpowered, and therefore is not physically demanding.
For what?
The Strutless is the inflatable strutless kite that’s a hit in freeride.
You can cruise full speed with a kite that doesn’t pull air and glides wonderfully in light or irregular wind.
Ideal for foiling, it also works very well on a twin tip for throwing some good jumps. Its hang time is exceptional, and it loops super well.
Understanding our kite range:
- Display: the freeride kite for rapid progression.
- Vertigo: the high-performance kite for all programs from unhooked to surfing.
- Ayto: the absolute 5-strut kite for big air and kite loops.
- Unik: the lightweight single-strut freeride kite for light wind, foil, and waves.
- Strutless: the super light kite for light wind, foil, and TT freeride.
- Elips: the ultimate kite for waves.
What size?
The Strutless is the queen of the low end. Very fast and powerful, we love it at cruising pace.
Choose your kite by following our recommendations below. Wind ranges always depend on your weight, skill level, and the board under your feet!
Bar size
The choice of your bar size will have a direct impact on the overall feel of your kite. Remember that the longer your bar, the easier it will be to turn your kite. This detail is important when using larger kites, especially in very light wind, to maintain good responsiveness. The greater lever arm compensates for this natural loss of responsiveness.
Conversely, the smaller the kite, the faster it will turn! So, using a smaller bar allows you to balance behavior and soften the kite’s reactions. You must therefore take these parameters into account when choosing your bar size and adapt the handling to the feel you like and the conditions encountered.
If you’re looking for smooth, progressive handling, you should “undersize” your bar.
If you prefer fast, reactive handling, choose a larger bar.
The key size is the 52 cm bar. This is the most versatile bar, and the one to choose if you only want one bar for a quiver 7-9-12 or 8-11 or even 8-10-13.
When equipped with an extended kite quiver, the best is also to have a quiver of bars to keep a balanced feel when switching from a small kite to a larger one. Also note that having two bars cuts parts wear in half!
Here are our recommendations:
The above recommendations are based on the behavior of GONG kite wings. Since our bars are compatible with many kites, you can adapt the choice depending on the type of kite used.
Line length:
Your Feel-X bar comes standard with 80 cm pre-lines, 19 m lines, and 3 m extensions already mounted.
The standard setup is the most versatile and will be your best choice for 90% of your sessions. By adjusting its lengths, or even changing them with our extensions (sold separately), you boost its versatility even more!
22 m lines: The “standard” length offers a more progressive and predictable bar feel (recommended setting for progressing kiters). Your wind window will be larger, thus offering more power at the start. This is the setting to favor in low and medium wind, and for everyday freeride use.
19 m lines: Short lines offer a more direct response from the kite, which increases its reactivity. The wind window will be shorter. This is the perfect setting for advanced kiters, excellent in waves or foiling for more liveliness.
If you choose to ride with short lines, you will also gain comfort in high wind.
Note that 22 m and 19 m are not extreme line lengths and remain a fine-tuning adjustment to your handling feel.
What price?
Equipments
Included equipment:
Your kite, ready to ride (excluding bar and pump).
A sturdy and efficient backpack: U-shaped zipper for easy packing, ventilation grid, padding, compression straps, pocket for the bar, straps for the pump…
A pump leash loop on your kite to secure your kite while inflating.
Universal high-flow inflation valve.
Repair kit.
Fiberglass batten.
Rear adjustment: 3 points.
All our kites are of course compatible with our FeelX bar but also with 95% of the bars on the market. If you’re unsure, get a complete set (x4) of pigtails: PIGTAILS.
Don’t forget to bring a pump ;-)
10 years of spare parts.
GONG makes durable kites: it’s the foundation of our specifications. Never disappoint.
GONG makes its durable kites last: offering you all the components of our products for 10 years is a challenge we gladly accept. We are convinced that a good kite today is a good kite in 5 years if well maintained. And this maintenance is good for the planet because it will allow many young riders to equip themselves second-hand at very affordable prices.
To ensure a long life for your kite, it must be maintained.
1/ We can do it for you in our workshop. Our teams of experts are at your disposal to diagnose and solve your problems.
2/ We keep the necessary spare parts in stock, including fabric. Just order online, or ask your favorite repairer to do it.
If the part is unfortunately out of stock, we will order it to have it as quickly as possible.
Delivery
Delivery delay
We indicate a preparation and shipping time of 3 working days. In reality, the majority of orders are shipped within 24/48 hours.
The delivery time, i.e. delivery time of the package to your home, then depends on the delivery location and the carrier.
We work with reliable and efficient carriers. 99% of shipments go perfectly and quickly. In the case of the remaining 1%, rest assured that we will do what is necessary with the carrier.
Shipping fees
Unlike other sites, shipping costs are not hidden behind the price of our products. You know exactly what shipping costs you, and you are not disadvantaged if you choose to collect your order at our GONG Space Center.
Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight and volume of each package, and your delivery address.
Tracking your package
Delivery tracking is managed directly by the carriers to whom we have entrusted your packages. They will contact you by email or SMS to allow you to choose delivery methods and follow the route of your package.
Carriers
We work with the best transport societies to deliver to you throughout Europe and the world within very short deadlines. We chose them for their quality of service and their compliance with deadlines.
For mainland France, 80% of your orders arrive at their destination in less than 48 hours of processing.
For Europe, delivery times vary from 3 to 6 working days, depending on the country of destination.
For the rest of the world, delivery times depend on transit time and customs clearance time. This delay depends on customs and can last from a few days to a few weeks depending on the destination and seasonality.
Please note, transport time is added to preparation/shipping time. Two companies collaborate on your order (GONG and the carrier). Each one masters its activity and is committed to optimizing its deadlines so that you are delivered as quickly as possible and at a reasonable price.
Eco-responsible packaging
Preserving the environment is an absolute priority. This is why we do everything possible to reduce our ecological footprint.
The most important thing is to sell quality, durable products that will be repairable and will please you for a long time.
For our shipments, we use:
Scotch craft paper.
Final packaging in high-end cardboard.
For rigid boards: Flexi-Hex, very high resistance ecological packaging.
This means:
Reusable and recyclable packaging.
An almost total reduction in single-use plastic.
Maximum protection and impact resistance for rigid boards thanks to the innovative Flexi-Hex honeycomb design (35mm thick).
Receipt of your product
Upon delivery, check the condition of your package in the presence of the carrier. A complete explanation email on the procedure to follow will be sent to you when your order is shipped.
Despite our requirements and all the care we take in the packaging and protection of your product, transport hazards may occur, and your product may suffer more or less significant transport damage.
Note that the products are protected in their carton. If you have any doubts, simply refuse delivery and contact us.
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Is the Strutless kite easy to use?
It is often thought that a kite without inflatable struts is complicated. In reality, it's quite the opposite because it will naturally hold its position in the air. So, you'll avoid quite a few hassles. It's a kite that can be piloted very precisely. Fans of 4-line kites will love it because the rotation and drift capabilities of a Strutless kite feel very similar.
What's the benefit of fiberglass the batten?
The Strutless kite behaves exactly like astrutted inflatable kite when equipped with the fiberglass batten. Same high wind performance, same depower, same speed, everything's identical.
But this volume-less batten reduce the kite's drag by 30%! This results in extraordinary glide and better overall performance.
Another advantage of the fiberglass batten: not using it at all! It's up to you. In very light wind conditions, you can opt for the pure Strutless setup to reduce weight and optimize performance.
It's all customizable: no batten, one batten - your choice. But in any case, you'll gain a 30% reduction in drag.
Is the strutless kite stable in high wind conditions?
Without batten: No, that's not its intended use.
With batten: Yes, exactly like an inflatable kite with the same shape and battens.
Quid du redécollage d’un kite sans latte gonflables ?
It's better!!!
Firstly, because without batten, the kite is much lighter. So, it will flip over and lift off the water better in light wind.
Secondly, because there are no raised battens trapping water and weighing down the kite in a specific area, hindering relaunch. This water retention is a common cause of inflatable kite relaunch failures.
In reality, Strutless kites sometimes have a reputation for difficult relaunch because users push them into such low wind conditions that nothing relaunches. They're not magic. But they always relaunch better than inflatable kites when you have the technique.
Which light wind kite to choose?
In our comprehensive range, we offer various "light" kites. Depending on your conditions and skill level, you should lean towards one model over another.
- If you want to cruise, go upwind with ease, ride in minimal wind without switching to a foil kite: the Strutless is perfect.
- If you enjoy using a small kite in light winds, maximizing maneuverability and minimizing bulk, love playing with your kite to make it turn and drift, and enjoy maneuvers: the Strutless Revo is perfect.
- If you want fewer drawbacks in light winds but still want to stick with the family of 100% inflatable, battened kites: the Unik is perfect.
What inflation pressure?
You should consider some factors:
- An under-inflated kite will be unstable and difficult to control in gusty winds. Redeployment will also be more complicated with a kite that does not maintain its shape.
- An over-inflated kite increases the risk of explosion during a crash and will fatigue the seams and materials of your kite more quickly.
- If you leave your kite inflated in the sun for a long period, we recommend slightly deflating it to reduce the risk of seam fatigue.
Compatibility of bars?
The Strutless has been designed to work with the FeelX bar. Our bar has 4 lines of equal lengths and a low V at the front. The attachments for the lines at the bridle level are: Kite-side loops for the front lines. Kite-side knots for the rear lines.
How to maintain my kite equipment?
To increase the longevity of your gear, both how you use it and its regular maintenance are crucial.
A key point during usage is not to leave your kite inflated for long periods without use! Flapping in the wind can cause premature wear of the materials, as can prolonged exposure to UV rays.
Frequent rinsing of your kite with running water is also not recommended. The chlorine in tap water can damage the surface treatments of your kite. However, you should favor storing your kite dry and remove any excess sand.
Always rinse your bar with fresh water to remove sand and salt. Also, remember to open the safety release to rinse the inside. Let it dry before reassembling.
In case of a torn strut or leading edge, use your repair kit, or check our spare parts section to order a replacement piece.
Systematically inspect the condition of your kite. Identify any holes or cuts and repair them before they worsen.
If you have damaged your kite due to improper use, you can have it repaired directly at the GONG workshop by contacting our sailmaker.
More information on how to maintain your kite can be found on the Forum.