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Airush have released an updated version of their high-octane Lift Team which incorporates new H2 Ultra PE material and welded seams. We gave the team a shout to find out more.
Photos Nomadic Sea
We featured the new H2 Ultra PE in our previous issue. For those who missed the article please sum up how this material differs from what was used in the previous Lift Team and why you decided to use it?
The previous Lift Team (v3) used Aluula Aeris, which featured a lightweight UPE reinforced composite laminate. H2 takes this further with a 100D woven Ultra PE that comes in under 85gsm. This material truly blends the benefits of the initial steering speed of woven kites with the rigidity and responsiveness of composite airframes. On the water, it holds its shape better, reacts instantly, and remains precise under extreme load. It was the next natural step for us in pushing the high-end performance of the kite.
The Lift Team also incorporates a new technology with seam welding. What is this all about?
UltraBond Welded Seams fuse the leading edge material for a stronger and more consistent bond than stitching alone. We still stitch the seam for precision and as a backup, but the welded layer adds significant stability and structural accuracy. It’s a big step in airframe rigidity, and the first welded UPE leading edge on the market.
We can’t help but compare the tech to another manufacturer who is also using a welding method! What do you think are the differences or similarities between your technique and theirs?
Both approaches aim to create a stronger, more rigid frame than stitching alone, but the construction method and base materials differ. Our base material is UPE, chosen for its performance and weight savings, whereas other brands typically use polyester (Dacron).
Currently, welding in our production kites is supported by stitching to ensure precision during assembly, provide redundancy, and help prevent peeling. Welding excels in shear load, which is the primary load under normal use, but peel strength remains a challenge and may occur during crashing, launching, landing or packing.
Our system uses a single stitch layer to position the panels correctly, after which the two panels are welded together with a secondary H2 layer. This layer transfers the load directly between the panels without loading the stitching during normal use. Should the weld ever fail, the stitching acts as a redundant safeguard to keep the panels together.
Another unique advantage is that we are using Dimension-Polyant Ultrabond and Q-Bond systems, which have a long and proven track record in marine and outdoor environments.
Did you have to make many design and construction changes to incorporate the H2 material and welding tech?
Not a major change, but refined. The role of UPE is generally to enhance the kite’s overall performance through reduced weight, increased responsiveness, structural rigidity, and long-term durability. We’ve worked with Ultra PE for over a decade in various formulations, so integrating H2 was an evolution rather than a rebuild. The main shift involved adapting the leading edge to the welded seam process while retaining stitching for accuracy.
So what performance differences will customers notice compared to the previous Lift Team?
A faster, lighter, more stable Lift Team with sharper steering and better top-end control. The frame holds its shape even in heavy loops or extreme wind. It remains a pure high-performance freeride and Big Air kite.
Who was involved in the redesign and testing of the latest Lift Team?
The design was led by kite design legend Mark Pattison, with Jason van der Spuy serving as head of testing. Material development was overseen by Design Director Clinton Filen, with long-term field testing conducted by Alex Pastor and his team in Tarifa.
What other highlights can you tell us about your 2026 range?
It’s a big year for us! Every Team Series kite, except the Razor, now features the H2 Ultra PE Air Frame. The Lift Team debuts welded seams, while the Lift v4 in the Originals lineup has received the same design updates with a Dacron Airframe.
The Ultra Team now features a Double Surface design for greater efficiency, developed in collaboration with Elias Ouahmid. Meanwhile, Ramiro Gallart and Bruna Kajiya worked with Mark on the new Lithium Team, offering a unique option for high-end freeride.
All control systems have been upgraded, alongside a refined Teal Foilboard for the lightwind enthusiast. ■
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