Video summary

Parawing Altis Focus & Focus Hybrid : stabilité, sécurité et depower maîtrisé 🪂

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product(s) reviewed

Two new Altis parabolic kites (wings) from the Focus range:

  • Focus (single-skin)
  • Focus Hybrid (double skin / hybrid)

Presented by Kevin (Gliss Evolution) with Vincent (founder of Altis).

Key features / design points mentioned

Altis Focus (single-skin)

Materials & build

  • 30g fabric
  • Durable “jones” (lines/parts referenced as “jonges”)
  • Highly optimized bridles

Depower control via bar

  • Mentions an adjustable “handle of depower”, where depower range is controlled by bar position:
    • Maximum power at one position
    • Less power at another
    • Even less further away
  • Moving the hand back gives more power, and each 1 cm gained equals more power.
  • Rider can remain fully open and operate in full depower without the unsafe stalling behavior described.

Safety / anti-collapse claim

  • The wing is described as not making a frontal collapse under any conditions, even in extreme demonstration (noted as “even on toilet paper”) when fully open.
  • Claim includes “not losing erection” / maintaining correct wing shape and structure under load.

Harness / bar setup

  • Two-point attachment harness element at the bar.
  • Claimed effect: more sail area frees the back/end (“stern”) and allows a sailing posture suitable for more sail area.

Bar design philosophy

  • “Clean, simple, efficient”
  • References: 100% (noted as “100 B” on the bar), a starting handle, and harness piece(s) for feel adjustment.

Overall use / range

  • “Very large range of use” with safety in mind.
  • Focus is described as helping riders stay focused on objectives: go upwind quickly with the best angle, then switch to downwind when desired.

Altis Focus Hybrid

Construction

  • Double skin at the leg level
  • Double skin on ~30% of the leading edge

Compatibility / identity vs classic Focus

  • Same line lengths
  • Same bar
  • Same color codes
  • Everything identical except the hybrid section

What the hybrid changes (vs single-skin Focus)

  • Not positioned as better upwind performance or speed.
  • Instead designed for extra stability and comfort.
  • Specifically targeted at riders wanting very safe, very stable wings in strong winds.

Stated priorities

  • Stability
  • Comfort
  • Flexibility

(These are explicitly listed as the key benefits.)

Sizes mentioned

  • Focus (single skin): 5 sizes, 26 to 54
  • Focus Hybrid: 5 sizes, 28 to 56

Accessories / packaging & user experience

  • Both sails include a bag / shoulder bag:
    • Includes a small chest opening to prevent the sail from moving around
    • Includes a tightening at the waist so it doesn’t shift
    • Opens from the top, like a waterproof bag
    • Described as incredibly easy to put the sail in

Comparisons made (between the two)

Hybrid vs classic Focus

  • Same core setup (bar/lines); only the hybrid section differs.
  • Hybrid is claimed to be more stable and more comfortable, especially in strong winds.
  • Not positioned as improved upwind angle or speed compared to the simple-skin Focus.

Pros (explicitly or strongly implied)

Focus

  • Strong safety claim: no frontal collapse even fully open
  • Wide range of use
  • Clean / simplified bar system
  • Depower control enables predictable power adjustments

Focus Hybrid

  • Increased stability and comfort
  • Better suited for strong-wind riders wanting reassurance
  • Flexible handling (as stated)

Cons / limitations mentioned

  • No explicit negatives stated.
  • The Hybrid is framed as not offering performance gains (upwind speed/angle), which could be considered a limitation depending on rider goals.

Speakers’ unique viewpoints (by contributor)

  • Kevin (Gliss Evolution)

    • Introduces the product lineup
    • Emphasizes safe, efficient depower / bar operation and broad usability

  • Vincent (Altis founder)

    • Provides technical/material details
    • Delivers the most specific safety claims (no frontal collapse, maintained structure)
    • Clarifies Hybrid’s purpose: stability/comfort in strong winds rather than pure performance

Overall verdict / recommendation

  • Choose Altis Focus if you want a single-skin parabolic with strong safety claims, a wide use range, and an efficient, simple bar/depower experience for upwind-to-downwind progression.
  • Choose Altis Focus Hybrid if your priority is maximum stability and comfort in strong winds, accepting that it’s not marketed as faster or better upwind than the classic Focus.

Original video