Tech Focus: Airush Twintip Collection

With an expanding range of twin tips, including several models with both an Original and Team Series construction, the team at Airush gives us the low down on the difference between their two construction levels and compares several boards in their range!

What is the thinking behind offering the two constructions with the Originals and Team Series? 

We have focused on developing the sport in two key areas. One is reducing the barriers to entry, making products more affordable and easier to use whilst retaining their high-performance capabilities for all riders. The second is capitalising on the latest technologies and developments to push the innovation window to build products for riders who want to be at the pinnacle of the sport.

For the Originals board construction, we focused on using proven and reliable materials from the leading suppliers in the market, with ongoing refinement in designs and manufacturing techniques.

Naish Kiteboarding | View in Mag

Duotone | View in Mag

For the Team Series, we really want to build a collection that showcases the ultimate blend of performance and durability, which sits at the pinnacle of all products. A very important criteria for us was that even though we were chasing reduced weight and increased performance, we wanted to truly increase the durability. 

Do all the board models come in two constructions?

Yes, with the exception of the new Livewire Air and the Diamond. The Switch, Apex, and Livewire all offer a glass-based construction. From there, we offer a performance upgrade in each model, increasing response, improving ride quality and reducing weight wherever possible. 

Is there a difference in the weight between the Originals and Team Series boards, and what is the difference when riding?

Yes, there are weight differences between the Originals and Team Series, which varies from model to model. Generally, lower weight translates into increased manoeuvrability and ease of use. 

Is there a difference in the flex between the Originals and Team Series boards? What is the difference when riding?

Yes. The Team Series boards tend to have a stiffer flex pattern, which allows them to remain predictable and responsive at the highest performance levels.

Is the Team Series construction stronger than the Original?

The high-performance materials used in the Team Series are at the cutting edge of material technology. These materials allow the boards to perform at a higher level with reduced weight and increased responsiveness, without sacrificing on durability through aggressive riding. It's important to understand that while materials like carbon fibre are lighter, extremely stiff, and responsive, you should avoid impact on the material. For this reason, products such as the Livewire, utilise a glass construction for park and wakestyle, and the Carbon Team Series model is more suitable for pure freestyle.

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Duotone | View in Mag

Why did you create the Livewire Air, and where does it fit in the range?

Big Air has taken the world of competitive kitesurfing by storm over the past few years. We wanted to make a big air specific board that could enable our team riders, such as Jason Van der Spuy and Alessa Mensch, to push the limits of big air. With eight versions of innovation on the Livewire series, we decided to tailor our refined freestyle machine into the Big Air monster that is the Livewire Air.

Performance-wise, how is the Livewire Air compared to the other models; where does it perform better?

The Livewire Air is a big air dedicated machine. It shines when the wind is nuking and the conditions are rough. With a stiffer profile than the Apex series, the LWA allows you to hold your edge longer and take off explosively. The rocker is shallower than the Livewire and Livewire Team, allowing you to travel upwind more easily and generate maximum speed and power through your edge.

Switch vs Switch Team

The Switch Team has a stiffer and more lively construction than the Switch. The Switch is more flexible due to its glass construction and performs better in choppy conditions. In comparison, the Switch Team is more suited to an advanced level rider or a heavier rider who likes a smaller size board because of its stiffer construction.

Apex vs Apex Team vs Livewire Air

The Apex is suited to big air and freeride. The Team Series has a stiffer and lighter construction, more suited to advanced riding. While the Apex Team is a top-level big air board, it is outshone in nuking rough conditions by the Livewire Air. The Livewire Air is a more high wind specific board, whereas the Apex Team is a more all-around air-style big air board. 

Livewire vs Livewire Team

The Livewire is our dedicated park and freestyle board. It features a bombproof Triax glass construction and Sintered Grindbase. The Livewire can do it all and can take a beating while doing it.

Cabrinha | View in Mag

Flysurfer | View in Mag

The Livewire Team is purely competition-orientated. It has a bombproof Triax Carbon construction, which can handle any hard landings you can throw at it.

Diamond

The Diamond is our dedicated female board, which features a lightened construction for slightly more flex and a tailored narrower stance. The Diamond is the perfect for lighter riders.