A harness that looks like nothing else on the market, the new AK Method RS FlaxFusion is more than meets the eye! We catch up with designer Craig Tompkins to find out all about this innovative accessory!

Hi Craig! Thanks for taking the time to give us an in-depth look at the new AK Method RS FlaxFusion! First, can you give us an introduction to the Method hardshell harness? What type of riding or rider is the Method designed for?

AK's Method harness is designed for a rider looking for the extra support that a hardshell harness offers. If you are an experienced kiteboarder who regularly uses an overpowered kite, the Method harness would be your weapon of choice. A hardshell harness is also beneficial if you have back problems because it distributes the kites' power over a larger area.

The Method comes in a Carbon construction and a FlaxFusion construction, which we're taking a closer look at today. What is the FlaxFusion hardshell made from?

We worked in collaboration with composite technology leaders, Bcomp; the FlaxFusion shell construction features ampliTex™, a high-performance natural fibre reinforcement that provides a long-lasting rigid structure, giving you the same high-level support for an extended period of time. 

Can you tell us a bit about the process of sourcing and testing a material like this?

 Bcomp have been developing and implementing their natural fibre reinforcement materials across various industries. Having an interest in new technologies and materials while being conscious of their environmental impact, we decided Bcomp was the ideal collaborative partner. 

Having already reviewed various materials and made some test prototypes in-house, it became clear that this natural material was worth exploring further. With the help of the experts at Bcomp, we decided on the ampliTex™ Twill for its excellent mechanical properties, versatility, and low environmental impact optimised for lightweight reinforcement. Once we had some sample material sent to our harness shell supplier, we were able to work on the construction and develop the first test samples.  

How do you adapt a material that is used in the automotive, motorsports, and marine industries to a kitesurfing harness?

The ampliTex™ range includes different weaves (bi-axial, twills, and UDs) with low and no crimp and twist options, optimised for lightweight reinforcement. Thanks to its excellent mechanical properties, ampliTex™ is extremely versatile and perfect for applications across industries.

Is the FlaxFusion material used anywhere else in the AK product range? What are the advantages of this material? What about the limitations?

We're currently only using it in our Method hardshell harness. The material shares the same performance characteristics as carbon with the added benefits of improved safety with non-catastrophic crash behaviour, fatigue resistance and low environmental impact, which gives us confidence in life cycles for long-lasting products. Limitations of the material have less to do with performance and more to do with quality and control of raw materials since it is a natural product. With a supplier like Bcomp, we can be sure we are getting the highest quality fibres.

Compared to the Method Carbon, how does the Method FlaxFusion feel? Is it more or less flexible? 

The flex characteristics between the Carbon and FlaxFusion harnesses are almost indistinguishable. Since the Method Carbon was our benchmark, we have tuned the FlaxFusion harness to match this as closely as possible. The internal structure, foam support and outside neoprene are identical between the Carbon and Flax versions. The only notable difference would be that the Flax version is currently only available in the RS (Ratchet System) version.

How does the RS ratchet system work?

The innovative and intuitive Ratchet System (RS) will keep you locked in and allows for on-the-go single handed adjustments while riding. The durable reinforced nylon body and stainless steel hardware provide direct feedback, with built-in comfort thanks to the EVA moulded bar pad. 

While providing a bulk free connection between the bands and the harness, reducing the complexity of multiple buckles and excess webbing, the connection offers repeatable and micro-adjustment for the perfect fit. Putting the harness on and clipping it in is as simple as sliding one band into the spring-loaded mechanism until you hear a few clicks. The spreader bar can then be tightened further with a few more clicks by using the ratchet adjustment lever. 

Throughout your ride, you can make further single handed adjustments should you need to.

The RS, also available on the Synth harness, was just released this year. How much development went into creating and testing the ratchet system?

The RS system has been in development for many years. With early concepts and design exploration beginning in 2017, the spreader bar really started to develop and take form early in 2019. Constant R&D, load testing of plastic components, static and dynamic stress tests, and long-term user testing were pivotal to ensuring the optimal material types and correct design choices underpin this product. We used various prototyping methods and strategic part selection for injection moulding to give us the ability to test durability, user interaction and functionality while we worked on the part ergonomics and integration. Many iterations of the spreader bar system led to the final design you see today, which has been received really positively in the market.

This harness is packed with innovation. What are the risks in creating a product that is so unique in the market?

There are always risks when introducing something new and innovative; that is the nature of innovation. It was important for us to recognize these risks and make sure that adequate testing, short-term and long-term, was at the forefront of the development process - as it always should be. We have to be aware of all the applications of the product and design for all of these scenarios, who will use them and how they will be used. 

How has the reception from team riders and customers been? What are you most excited to share about the new AK Method RS FlaxFusion?

The AK crew are stoked with the positive feedback we've received about the new Method RS FlaxFusion from our team riders and customers. 

"The Method FlaxFusion RS provides me with endless back support while still allowing me to move freely in the directions I need for grabs unhooked. The RS system allows me to fine-tune how tight I wear my harness, depending on the discipline and conditions. If I want it more snug, I can tighten it up while riding in for my next trick." - Jack Reider

Being a brand that focuses on sustainability, we are super excited to introduce the Method RS FlaxFusion to our offering. We believe that using sustainable alternatives is the way forward, and we are thrilled to be creating innovative products in a sustainable way.

 

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By Crystal Veness
Editor at IKSURFMAG, Crystal Veness hails from Canada but is based in South Africa. When she isn't busy kitesurfing or reporting on the latest industry news for the mag, she is kicking back somewhere at a windy kite beach or working on creative media projects.

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