Inserts vs. No Inserts - What is your take?

[Grant]

Birdz,

We are working on the weight issue...so stand by. We have some good stuff coming. Some boards are meant to be strapless...some strapped. Regarding the screw issue...we will take a look at that and correct the problem....if there is one. I have had no issues if I put on straps (which is rarely). Hellfire does rock!

[effisk]

Although, the plastic material is undesirable. Firewire must work with stainless steel inserts, and be competitive.

There was another conversation about strap inserts in the forum - Can't find it at the moment, but Felix' points for the current system made sense. I'd rather have plastic inserts than stainess steel. Does any kitesurf manufacturer use metal inserts on their surf boards?

The difference between twin tip board and surfboard is that you're always using your straps on the same side with a twin tip - the strap does not rotate and the screw does not move. There is a bigger risk for the screw to come off on a surfboard, hence the force-screwed screws. I however agree about the quality of the screws - I've killed the heads and I've only screwed them 4 or 5 times - you have to be very careful.

[Paolo]

I think having a two (or more) board quiver would be the ideal situation. Having a board without inserts for the added weight reduction would be sweet. But sometimes you just need those straps to keep you locked on for those hairy days in the waves. I haven't had many of them yet myself but I see Dimitri always going out on big days and I know he is happy to know his board is glued to his feet. I myself have only had three days to test out the KHF 5'6". I feel like the board wants to find its way under my feet most of the time but I also don't go out much when its big yet. I can imagine how losing the inserts and cutting some weight would be nice but I think the board performs extremely well as it is. I think it would also be interesting to feel the difference in flex of a board with more or less flex.

[Grant]

All your points are all valid. This is why you can look forward to a few boards in the kite line remaining with inserts and a few without. We will see how the kite population reacts, especially to a lighter and more lively board without strap inserts. Lighter is always better for the most part, but we do understand that those hairy days just feel better knowing that board is locked under your feet. More experienced riders will venture to the strapless models. I myself will never go with straps unless the surf is flat and I just need to get some boosting out of my system. Over time you will see that strapless in big surf can be just as fun as in small. Sometimes a leash as well will keep that board close, sometimes too close :)

Keep a lookout on the future models. We have a proto KP1 out right now that Brian and Felix are testing and it is about 1-2 pounds lighter than the current production insert model. Whether his board withstands the brunt of kiting, only time will tell, but we can assure you we are testing as much as possible to find that magic formula. Keep in mind, Firewire is dedicated to building a board that lasts where the owner can rely on this board for many seasons. We don't want to compromise weight with strength, but at the same time there is a fine line and a realistic point where a board will snap under certain conditions. We are trying to zero in that recipe so that you riders get the best product possible.

[BIRDZ]

Grant, I'm totally in love with my KHF 510, strapless all the time, even on a big stormy days...
I can tell, that board is a war tank bullet proof machine! I've been beating the sh... of it, and so far it's holding on!
Please, 2 LBs less will be all I need to have a dream board!!!
Thanks for the effort!!!

[Grant]

Yes! We are working on the strapless thing...hang in there. We are aware that riders out there desire light weight boards, but some enjoy the heavier. We are trying to find that happy medium and are developing both types. Stoked you like the Hellfire, great board.

[effisk]

Sweet news! http://www.thekiteboarder.com/2012/1...uide-firewire/

[Paolo]

I think I may have changed my stance to lean a little more towards no inserts for a lighter board. I'm trying to grab the board during airs but can't seem to hold my grip, could be the winter cold and gloves doing me in though. So far though, after taking the hell fire out, it's put up with the abuse I can throw at it. I've definitely taken stupid falls and slammed my whole body or knee into the deck and it is resilient.

[-Brian]

Paolo, throw a little wax up by the nose where you would do your grab. Should help..

-Brian

[effisk]

I would not mind a strapless Dominator - I rarely strap that board, and since I use it in lighter conditions, the lighter the better, but I'm not sure about a strapless Taj - I use straps more often in strong wind/big waves, and I would care less about the weight of the board.

Since that message in september, my footstraps have been taking the dust. I have not strapped my KP1 and I have not felt like I need to strap it - not even once. Looking at the 2013 range, I would have loved a 5'6" Hellfire with no inserts.