QuadX F-One: The Complete Guide to the New Fabric Technology
You may have seen the name QuadX, or read that F-One is "skipping" Aluula to move directly to something else. In reality, this story began 4-5 years ago in the mind of Raphaël Salles, the president of F-One, and culminates in a fabric designed specifically for kites and wings. This guide brings together everything we know about QuadX: its construction, its comparison with Aluula, Dacron, and 3-layer fabrics, and field feedback.
Main source: the excellent interview with Raphaël Salles conducted by Erwan Jauffroy on the Water Sport Zone channel. Thanks to him for this content.
QuadX is a 4-layer laminated fabric (~120 g/m²) developed by F-One for the inflatable structures of wings and kites.
Its construction reverses that of Aluula: the PET film is hidden inside, between a Dyneema (Ultra PE) fabric and a protective polyester, with X-reinforcements for bias. The result: elongation performance comparable to Aluula, better durability, a price ~30% lower, and a finished product that is just as light thanks to the absence of seam reinforcements. F-One uses it on the Strike QuadX 2026 (from €1.329) and the Banger (kite).
The Leading Edge: The Key Component
Before talking about fabric, it's important to understand why the industry invests so much R&D in inflatable structures rather than the canopy. Raphaël Salles explains it simply: a wing's leading edge is the equivalent of a sailboat mast, it maintains the profile, provides stiffness, and determines performance. If it deforms, the entire profile changes, and with it, power, stability, and wind range. On a kite, the logic is the same: the leading edge absorbs all aerodynamic stresses, and a fabric that stretches means a kite that deforms in gusts and makes piloting tiring.
Dacron and Aluula: The Limits
Dacron: 30 Years of Reign
Dacron is the historical material for inflatable structures: reliable, affordable, and easy to work with, it did the job for nearly 30 years. But it has reached its limits: its aspect ratio is too significant for current demands. It deforms under load, which requires over-inflation to compensate, and the profile evolves over time.
Aluula: Raphaël Salles' Perspective
F-One might be the only brand that has never sold an Aluula kite. Their criticism: Aluula places the Ultra PE film on the outside of the fabric, making it fragile to UV, friction, and especially seams. Sewing film tears it, which requires adding reinforcements to ~15% of the Leading Edge surface, reinforcements that add weight and partially negate the raw fabric's gain. Aluula weighs ~80 g/m² on the scale, but in the finished product, the actual gain is much lower than the raw figure suggests. Added to this is durability: some feedback reported film delamination after 1-2 intensive seasons.
QuadX: The 4-Layer Recipe
Raphaël Salles compares laminate manufacturing to making a burger: choosing your bun, meat, tomatoes, and bacon, then stacking the layers differently with different weights. QuadX gets its name from its four layers, and its difference is fundamental: the PET film is not on the surface (like Aluula or 3-layer constructions), it is hidden inside the sandwich. From inside to outside: Dyneema (Ultra PE) fabric, PET film, Dyneema X-reinforcements, protective polyester fabric.
The Hidden Film: The Key Innovation
The film inside is the heart of the technology. You can sew the fabric directly without damaging the film: no need for seam reinforcements, saving 15% of surface area and weight, and simplifying manufacturing. The outer polyester protects the film from UV and abrasion, where Aluula and 3-layer constructions expose it (hence delamination after 1-2 seasons). The raw fabric weighs ~120-125 g/m², but the weight of the complete wing is comparable, or even lower, than an Aluula construction thanks to the absence of reinforcements.
A Discovery, Then 4-5 Years of Development
The story of QuadX is one of a discovery on a shelf: while searching at a supplier, Raphaël Salles stumbled upon a 4-layer laminate that intrigued him. He then spent 4-5 years adjusting the weights of each layer and testing dozens of combinations. QuadX is not a fabric bought from a catalog: it is a custom development between F-One and its supplier.
The Fabric's "Breathing"
Another key point: QuadX "breathes." Where exposed-film constructions offer more rigid stiffness, QuadX can slightly deform under load and then return to its shape. When a gust arrives, the wing absorbs the overload instead of transmitting 100% of the shock to the rider; in pumping, the fabric's return aids the movement. Raphaël Salles uses the image of a shock absorber: the fabric works with you, not against you.
QuadX vs 3 Layers: Two Ultra-PE Philosophies
Several brands use 2 or 3-layer Ultra-PE (~85 g/m²), with one goal: to reduce weight as much as possible. QuadX takes the opposite approach by adding a layer to protect the film and reinforce the bias, at the cost of a higher fabric weight (~120 g/m²). Raphaël Salles' idea: the fabric's weight alone is not the right indicator; what matters is the weight of the complete wing, and there, the absence of reinforcements compensates for the additional ~35 g/m². All fabrics are strong in warp and weft but perform poorly on the bias: the X-reinforcements correct this weakness. It was when moving to 4 layers that the gain on the water became truly significant.
Comparison: Dacron, Aluula, 3 layers, QuadX
| Criterion | Dacron | Aluula (3 l.) | 3 layers | QuadX (4 l.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Polyester weave | Film - UPE - Film | ~3 layers, exposed film | Polyester - PET Film - Dyneema + X |
| Fabric weight | ~170-180 g/m² | ~80 g/m² | ~85 g/m² | ~120 g/m² |
| Film Position | No Film | Exterior (exposed) | Exterior (exposed) | Interior (protected) |
| Aspect ratio vs Dacron | Reference (1x) | 5-6x less | Variable | 5-6x less |
| Bias Resistance | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Reinforced (X) |
| Seam reinforcements | No | Mandatory (~15%) | Variable | No |
| Complete wing weight | Reference | Comparable (reinforcements) | Lighter balance | Comparable Aluula |
| UV / abrasion resistance | Good | Sensitive (exposed film) | Sensitive (exposed film) | Good (external polyester) |
| The fabric "breathes" | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes |
| Durability | Good | Careful care | Progressive stretch | Optimized (protected film) |
| Price level | Affordable | Very high | High | ~30% below Aluula |
QuadX Advantages
- Film protected by the 4th polyester layer (UV, abrasion, seams), no delamination like with exposed film.
- Anti-stretch: X-pattern weave maintains bias stiffness.
- No reinforcements: 15% surface area and weight saved vs. Aluula.
- The fabric "breathes": dampens gusts and returns to its shape.
- Top elongation: 5-6x better than Dacron, comparable to Aluula, ~30% lower price.
Good to know
- Higher raw fabric weight (~120 vs ~80-85 g/m²), but the complete wing weight is comparable.
- Currently an F-One exclusive and a recent technology: long-term feedback over several seasons is still pending.
What it changes on the water
The QuadX feeling
Raphaël Salles describes an immediate change in feel with the Strike QuadX: it's rigid enough not to deform, yet capable of breathing, dampening gusts, and assisting pumping. Specifically: pumping is healthier and more intuitive (the fabric returns energy), the wind range is extended (the profile holds longer in underpowered conditions), arm fatigue is reduced (dampening instead of direct transmission), and performance is preserved over time (no progressive stretch like Dacron).
Inflation: a revealing indicator
A telling detail: the Strike QuadX inflates to almost 11 PSI, compared to ~9 PSI for a Dacron version. The fabric withstands more pressure without deforming, resulting in a stiffer Leading Edge, a more stable profile, and more consistent performance when the wind picks up. The high inflation doesn't compromise comfort, as the fabric naturally dampens variations.
QuadX on Kites: Charles Brodel's Banger
QuadX isn't limited to wings. Raphaël Salles discusses the development of the Banger with Charles Brodel, a big air foil specialist and the only foil rider entered in the King of the Air. Charles had developed his Banger in Dacron and was looking to push it further. His feedback on QuadX: increased softness and control, making it easier to transition from single to double loops with his 8m in 40 knots. QuadX offers the balance between deformation (handling) and rebound (stability), critical in big air foil. Note: Brainchild technology (segment welding) works on kites but is not yet part of the wing use.
The F-One Strategy
For 4-5 years, F-One chose not to follow the Aluula trend, convinced that a better solution existed. With QuadX, the brand finally offers an alternative true to its vision: high-performance, durable, at a controlled price, industrially produced without compromise. The 2026 Strike QuadX is the same price as the old Aluula version, but with 100% QuadX structure instead of 20-30% Aluula. Raphaël Salles also reminds us that fabric isn't everything: the profile, panel cut, and seams placement are just as important. QuadX is a tool, not a magic wand, its combination with F-One's design expertise produces the result.
Who is it for? Our GlissEvolution Opinion
If you ride often, keep your gear, and want a wing that stays stiff and precise over time, QuadX clearly targets this need: the 2026 Strike QuadX is designed from the ground up around this material (100% QuadX structure). If your #1 criterion is the entry price, the Dacron Strike V6 (starting at €999) remains an excellent choice, with all the shape improvements of this generation. And if you're in the Duotone, Reedin, or Eleveight ecosystem, their 3-layer constructions also have their qualities: we're here to compare with you according to your use and budget.
FAQ: F-One QuadX
What is F-One QuadX?
A 4-layer laminated fabric (~120-125 g/m²) developed by F-One for inflatable wing and kite structures: Dyneema fabric (Ultra PE), a hidden PET film inside, X-shaped Dyneema reinforcements for bias, and a protective outer polyester. Its unique feature: the film is protected internally, unlike Aluula and 3-layer fabrics where it's exposed.
What's the difference between QuadX and Aluula?
The construction is reversed. Aluula places the Ultra-PE film on the outside (fragile at the seams, ~15% reinforcements), while QuadX hides it inside between two fabrics. Elongation is comparable, but QuadX requires no reinforcements, resists UV better, and costs about 30% less.
What's the difference between QuadX and 3-layer fabrics?
QuadX adds a 4th polyester layer that protects the PET film, and an X-pattern weave that reinforces the bias. 3-layer fabrics (~85 g/m²) are lighter in raw fabric, but the exposed film ages faster; the weight difference narrows on the complete wing.
What is the price of the Strike QuadX 2026?
Starting from 1.€329 at GlissEvolution, with 100% of the inflatable structure in QuadX. This is at the same price level as the previous Aluula version, which contained only 20-30% Aluula.
What are the concrete advantages on the water?
Healthier and more intuitive pumping, extended wind range, less arm fatigue, better gust dampening. The Strike QuadX inflates to almost 11 PSI (vs 9 PSI in Dacron), for a stiffer and more performant Leading Edge.
Is QuadX also available for kites?
Yes. Charles Brodel developed the Banger in QuadX: increased softness and control, easier transition from single to double loops with his 8m in 40 knots. The material combines deformation for handling and rebound for stability.
Is QuadX as good as Aluula?
In terms of elongation, both are very similar (5-6x better than Dacron), with QuadX even being 10-15% superior in one direction. Its advantage: the fabric breathes and dampens wind variations better, whereas exposed film constructions offer less flexibility.
We'll help you choose your wing
Our team rides every model and knows the construction differences inside out. Call us or make an appointment: we'll help you find the wing that matches your use and budget, whether QuadX, Dacron, or other.
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Sources: interview with Raphaël Salles (F-One president) by Erwan Jauffroy, Water Sport Zonechannel, and F-One technical data. Quoted statements are faithful to the original video. Compiled and formatted by GlissEvolution.
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