Unique to the Sano is the ShapeShifter™ (SS) sail profiling system.  The SS features two pairs of integrated standoff rods which produces several advantages.  To start, the triangular configuration adds rigidity.  Plus, the canted  orientation of the inner standoffs lets the mounting flanges seat flat against the keel.  This reduces wear on the sail while also providing a more secure attachment.

Besides these advantages, the primary function of the SS is in how the kite can be tuned.  Since the standoffs work together in harmony and are infinitely adjustable, the trailing edge shape and sail depth can be drastically altered.  As a result, the flyer can tune the kite to excel over a wide range of performance parameters and wind conditions.  

The animation shown above effectively demonstrates the sail metamorphous that occurs when adjusting the ShapeShifter™.  The sequence starts full outboard and then transitions to 75% out, Mid-way, 25% out and Full inboard.  The cycle then repeats in the opposite direction.

With each new inward setting, the effective length of the inner standoff increases while the outer standoff decreases.  This geometry was carefully refined to automatically maintain a constant pressure on the lower spreaders throughout the entire adjustment range.  More importantly, three critical sail changes occur simultaneously:

Tuning the ShapeShifter™ couldn't be easier or any less intimidating! There are no spacers to lose, lines to adjust or battens to install.  Sliding the pair of standoff fittings along the lower spreaders is all that is required.  An adjustment from one extreme to the other can literally be done in seconds!
   
Adjusting the SS outwards (connectors slid towards leading edges) will broaden the keel and increase the sail depth.  In flight, this will add drag to slow the kite for higher winds while increasing both pull on the flying lines and the precision capabilities.  Also, the Stall and Side Slide performance will be enhanced.   When full outboard, Backflips tend to auto-recover after a few seconds, which helps when learning this trick.

Conversely, moving the SS inwards (connectors slid towards spine) will sharpen the keel and make the outer wings more shallow.  This is the very low drag setting and gives the kite more lift and drive in light winds.  In fact, the Sano will embarrass many UL kites! 

SAIL
Premium PC-31 Ripstop Polyester (10 Panel Design).
Dacron, Mylar and Kevlar reinforcements.
Durable Nylon trailing edge binding.
VHB bonded seams.
100% Polyester sail maker's thread.  
"Slotted" upper leading edge cutouts.
Flush fit/edge hemmed nose.
YoYo stoppers.
These stoppers use a "non-captive" mounting system - easy to remove or replace without dismantling the kite.

AIRFRAME
Sky Shark P200 Leading Edges. 
Sky Shark P300 & Solid Carbon Spine.
Sky Shark 5PT Lower Spreaders.
Easton Pro-Comp 14 Upper Spreader.
Solid Carbon Ferrules.
APA, TAPA, FSD, Jaco and R-Sky Connectors.
Low profile frame stoppers at all connection points.
2.5 mm and 3.0 mm Carbon Standoffs.
Machined Brass Tail Ballast (14 grams).
This weight is placed below the spine tip for maximum inertia.  The shape and orientation of this ballast also effectively distributes pressure on the sail's Velcro closure.  

BRIDLE
Dynamic 'Turbo' Bridle made from es/55 Spectra line.
Infinitely adjustable with locking Prusik knots.
Color coded tuning and alignment marks.
Extended 'T' Yoke.
This yoke supports the lower spreaders in straight flight yet can shift dynamically to enhance technical tricks.

LEECH LINES
Full length leech lines made from braided Spectra.
Floating Dacron tension line balances forces between wings.
Infinitely adjustable elastic shock cord can be quickly set to fine tune leech tension or slacken lines completely.
This "No Knot" leech adjustment design is exclusive to the Sano SS!

Throughout the development of the Sano SS, about 30 flyers tested the various prototypes.  The final production version seems to have universal appeal!  The general flyability is very good for casual flyers yet the kite is still adept at the latest technical tricks for elite pilots or those looking to enhance their skills.

To be honest, I wasn't sure if a design like the Sano would be possible!  Generally, some serious compromises have to be made to enable a kite to perform easy Backspins, Multiple Lazy Susans, etc.  But, this kite still tracks very well, has a wide wind window and only requires minimal control inputs.  For sure, all the basic moves like Snap Stalls, Side Slides, Axels and 540 Flat Spins are exceptional as well.  

Of course, the SS system adds tremendously to the Sano's versatility.  From the feedback received, beginners tend to prefer the SS biased more outboard.  Here, the kite gives better feedback on the lines, is more precise and the stalls are more stable.  Conversely, the experienced flyers generally prefer the inboard settings.  In fact, it practically gives tricks away when set far inboard!  

To see the Sano SS in action, there are currently four videos available for download. These can all be found on the Video Clips page.  A gallery featuring some of the completed kites can be viewed on the Sano Photos page.  Finally, the Sano Colorizer can be used to simulate various color combinations.