They're been sent out today and will be in stores early next week. We had our air freight "disappearing" last week, delaying the bars arrival of another week: we apologize for the delay. They just got in now and all North riders should have their bars next week.
Thanks for your patience.
Em

so the new bars will be in wa stores this time next week yeah?

I had a good look at one yesterday. Ironheart has been replaced with a much safer looking unit. Its a bit longer than the Ironheart, maybe a bit heavier too?
Does not appear to have an swivel in the front lines?
New cleat design. Bar is small diameter, grip is fairly smooth, bar ends are still the design that allows for the length of the bar to be changed.
Much thinner floats, better bar ends. Sliding stopper looks like it will lock firmly, and can be released by pulling the black ball above it away.
The actual stopper is very similar looking in design to the Naish, but the Naish does not have the releasing ball above it.
The mini loop is a big improvement, no longer wire, its now spectra or amsteel inside stiff polyurethane tube.
Lines are same as last years stuff.
Never used the kite and did not get to speak to anyone who had anything to say about the bar.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

Kitepower Australia said...

Ironheart has been replaced with a much safer looking unit.

Steve can you elaborate on this. I've always been very happy with my Ironheart releases.

As for a front line swivel (you can correct me if I'm wrong) I'm not sure why this would be such a big deal as the front lines split off the one main line 18m up and shouldn't be able to wrap. I could see this being an issue if like a bow kite the front lines attached directly to top of the depower strap

Hopefully you've all called you local dealers to see if there 2008 Iron hearts have arrived yet. They were all sent out on Friday from SYDNEY, so most major cities will have them today, the rest of the east coast tomorrow, and W.A by Friday (some were sent express, so worth checking around today, I know that some have arrived already).

Now the difference between the 2007 and 2008 Iron Heart, North have used an elastic system instead of the metal spring for the 2008 IH. It releases with less force than ever, and is approximately 5% lighter than the 2007 IH. It is however approx. 10mm longer. A great Improvement, and I believe one of the only release systems that actually 100% conforms to the New standard set by the French regulation which is not actually in force yet but is coming soon (they have taken the release weights to a new figure, making nearly every brand's release system fail, I don't have the actual release weight criteria, but it involves sand and water i think.).

Please read the following from the NKB dealer manuel...

The Iron Heart II is an evolution from NKB's Iron Heart safety system. A lighter but solid V2A stainless steel construction reduces release forces to less than 4kg at a load of 200kg in a dry and sand free environment.

Excellent function is ensured even in wet sandy conditions with under 7kg release force at 200kg.

The New centrally located Iron Heart II release grip is larger and more ergonomic for faster and better function. It is very easy to find and can be operated either with the right or left hand. The new, more open design prevents the system from jamming and greatly facilitates reassembling

The System can be used with chicken loops of various lengths depending on the rider's height.

So there you have it! 2008 IRON HEAT II.

Regards,

JB

All customers that received 2008 5th Element bar LTD. will receive your free IRON HEART II upgrade very soon, they are scheduled to leave the factory on Friday. They are coming to us express Air, and will possibly be in our warehouse on Friday at best (don't hold me to it, you know what can happen).

Thanks for your patience, we are trying to get them here as quickly as possible.

Regards,

JB

Could be worse X-trail, you could be waiting 5 weeks for the kite and only have the bar! At least you can go kiting on your new 2008 model kite as early as September 2007.

Bars should be in most stores by today. Upgrade IronHeart II should be here next week.

Thanks again for your patients.

Regards,

JB