Tech Focus - Airush Ultra Bar

The Airush Ultra Bar is designed with minimalism in mind. Click here to learn why a bar with no 'extra features' might be the bar for you!

Q&A with Dave Kay (Product Design Engineer)

Airush has 5 control bars in the lineup. Where does the Ultra Bar fit in and what features are you most excited to tell us about?

The Ultra Bar is our Minimalist control system solution for the advanced rider looking for functional simplicity. The Ultra Bar is simple, clean, and lightweight. It has an extended throw of 60cm, so the rider has the full range of the kite available to them instantly, without the need for adjusting a trim system. This bar uses the set-and-forget off the water trim system. The main features of the bar are that there are no “extra features.” The bar is designed to have just what you need, and nothing more.

What is the ‘set-and-forget off the water trim system’? How does it work?

To account for line shrinkage and different wind conditions, the Ultra Bar has a set of three knots on a short pigtail just below the front line V point. This can be adjusted before launching the kite if required.

Cabrinha | View in Mag

Core Kiteboarding | View in Mag

Most kiteboarders are familiar with some sort of trim system with a cleat or strap where we can control power on demand. How does a longer than the industry standard bar throw replace the need for a depower strap?

If we compare it to our current Cleat Bar control system with 50cm of depower throw and 10cm of cleat based trim, the Ultra Bar with its 60cm of throw has the same overall range, just with all of it available instantly by simply pulling in on the bar or pushing it away.

What sort of kiters would want a minimalist bar such as this one?

The Ultra Bar is notably suited for both foil and wave riding because both groups tend to push the usable range of their kites at both the low and top end. Having lots of instant range available can be a big advantage to these riders over more traditional control systems. Shipped with a wave slider loop as well as a small harness loop, the Ultra bar is ideal for pairing with your sliding spreader bar, optimal for wave riding purists.

Riders with a shorter reach often have concerns about bar throw and being able to reach the bar. Can riders with a small wingspan manage the longer throw on the Ultra Bar?

The Ultra Bar wouldn’t be the first choice of a short-armed rider in a high hook position or waist harness. We have the short (40cm) throw Access Bar which is ideal for these riders. However, a seat or shorts’ harness with its lower hook position can be a good match for smaller riders looking to enjoy the wide range of depower available from the Ultra Bar.

The Ultra Bar uses the IQR (Intelligent Quick Release) which is the new standard on all Airush Bars. How does the IQR work and what makes it such a user-friendly system?

The IQR is an ISO21853 compliant quick release 100% developed in house here at Airush. It features a very simple click in style reset system while still being compact and easy to service. The Airush IQR safety leash release system features an ergonomically designed red handle for added grip, making it easier to push the handle away from you when you need to be completely disconnected from your kite.

How does the Ultra Bar pair with the new foil range that you’ve just launched?

Foil kiters are the lead group of riders the Ultra Bar appeals to, as the bar is lighter in physical weight, and the larger depower amount is perfect for varying speeds while riding. So yes, both of the product ranges are closely matched.

Naish Kiteboarding | View in Mag

FacePlant | View in Mag

What was the inspiration behind this design? Who is the innovative mind behind this product?

I built my first Ultra Bar many years ago as an experiment while working on some other bar concepts. I then had an issue - every time I got a test rider to try it, they wouldn’t give it back! This told me I was onto something special. I continued to ride this type of bar full-time for all styles of riding over the next few years. It took until I started to work on the Airush bar range that an opportunity came to release it as a commercial product.