A couple of large manufacturers have removed most or all pulleys from certain models of 2014 kites, claiming things like "more direct feel", "improved flying and acceleration" and other good things.
Of course, none of the manufacturers say anything negative about removing the pulleys. I was not in tune back in the mid 2000's when pulleys were added to bridles, so what was the point of adding the pulleys? And why has it taken until 2014 models to remove them?
Pulleys have been a point of failure, and obviously cost. Some say they add a "mushy feeling" to kites, so why did they even add them in the first place? Surely manufacturers weren't anxious to add cost to bridles for no reason.
If I buy a new model that now comes with no pulleys, what can I expect to lose in terms of performance? The manufacturers tell me what I gain with no pulleys, but not what I will lose.