The fusion 10 is a completely new connection between the strut and leading edge. In contrast to normal connections, the forces are no longer supported by a webbing strap but by a flexible line. The line ensures a perfectly clean connection of strut to leading edge even with the smallest struts and offers our strongest strut connection ever. Just a little revolution in strut technology!

The combination of Re-launch Bungees and our new low profile batten pockets and thin strut ends helps prevent any lines from snagging anywhere on the kite during relaunch.
- Batten Pocket Construction
- Thin Rip Ends
- Relaunch Bungee

More powerful kite profiles means that the canopy has to carry higher loads resulting in a distorted profile and loss of efficiency. The Load Distribution Panels spread the load from the lines to a wider area keeping the profile smooth and distinct and allowing the kite to perform with maximum efficiency at all times.

A major concern in this project has been batten durability. We approached this issue by choosing to use thin, soft battens with construction that has been proven durable through use in windsurfi ng wave sails. These are tough Sglass rather than e-glass battens, and the resin matrix is a vinylester rather than polyester. The fiber to resin ratio is slightly lower than usual so that the battens will be tough and so that they have a smooth resin-rich surface. This smooth surface helps keep stray, loose fibers to a minimum.

In order to make the relaunch easier and to avoid any possible line tangling, we've added Relaunch Bungees at the kite tip. The bungees keep the lines lying slick against the inside of the leading edge, preventing any line from going over the top of the kite during the relaunch.

Dacron Leading Edges & Ribs: For all heavily stresses areas, North canopies are manufactured from top-quality 170g or 175g Dacron. This material is equipped with the best possible breaking strength characteristics with usual kite materials and, moreover, it will never delaminate.

These loops attached to the inside of the wingtips make it easier to hold the kite for bodydrag rescue.

At NKB we strive to make the most innovative, durable and user-friendly products on the market. It’s often the smallest details that make a difference and for 2010 we took a close look at all existing production details and began to improve them one by one. The result of our extensive construction overhaul is what we call
PROGRESSION 10: A very detailed catalogue of product features that are simple yet highly effective for quality and performance. By simplifying the production process and standardizing single parts of products throughout our range, the construction process and the number of parts needed has been greatly optimized. For the first time ever computer supported sewing machines have been implemented, guaranteeing a perfect stitch that is durable and of the highest quality. Cloth cutting processes have also been optimized, allowing us to use more expensive and higher quality materials that are lighter and more durable. Even the seam construction diagram has been changed from the classic zigzag stitch to a stronger triple zigzag. All top are now stitched and glued. The list of improvements is long and peppered with completely new innovations like the Fusion 10 and the new pigtails.
Before any product can leave the factory, it must pass all quality inspections and check points. Every production process is defined in the smallest detail and accurately logged, allowing us to achieve the highest level of quality control for every single product. With the sum of innovations, new materials, construction changes and quality control procedures, the standard of our products has risen to an entirely new level.

These connectors prevent the number one cause of kite accidents by ensuring that front lines cannot be attached to the back of the kite and back lines cannot be attached to the front.

Batten Pockets are built of sticky-back Insignia cloth lining the canopy surface where battens are located. This combines with heavy, abrasionresistant nylon fabric on surfaces that come between the batten and sources of abrasion damage, such as hard sand beaches. We’ve allowed a Rhino prototype to tumble in surf and white water for a time to test the construction. There was no damage to batten pockets or canopy.

One valve for inflating, one valve for deflating the whole kite.

The low-drag ribs require a high inflation pressure, thus all valves at the chambers of the Rhino06 are self-closing. Thanks to the worked-in drainage functionality, the air can be let out within a few seconds.

In order to produce a lightweight and durable kite, North uses Technoforce T9 polyester ripstop for the canopy. This material does not absorb any water and is coated with UV-protection on both sides.