Kiteboarding.com

Kites and Boards, By Riding Style:

Freeride / All Around Performance Kites:

S25 Naish Pivot - What we have to say about the Naish Pivot: An amazing choice for the kiter that wants to do a little bit of everything. This kite will do it all! The new inflation system works great and will make repairing the kites much easier than the older octopus system. Basically, The S25 or 2021 is you prefer, Pivot is the greatest and most versatile kite that Naish has ever made. This is their flagship kite and Naish should be very proud of their accomplishment that has led to such an amazing kite. This kite works for the most extreme riders and conditions to straight up first time kiters. We teach on the Naish Pivot and Kevin Langree goes out and wins the King Of The Air on it two years in a row!
2020 North Reach - What we have say about the Reach by North: This is North Kites all around/free ride 3 strut kite. The Reach is the kite that you Reach for when you have multiple options and want to do it all. The Reach is a quick turning kite that wants to move, the power delivery is smooth and when you pull the bar all the way in, you have more power available than you expect given the light bar pressure. While the turning speed is quick, the kite is also very responsive, meaning that as soon as you want it to turn, it is moving, quickly. When boosting, the kite has good hang time and with the quick responsiveness you can land soft, fast or has hard as you want. In summary,; It urns fast, boosts big, has light to medium bar pressure, this kite is ready for whatever you can throw at it. This kite is fun!
2020 Duotone Evo - What we have to say about the Duotone Evo: The Duotone Evo is a highly versatile kite with 3 pigtail connection points, positioned at the tip, which influence the steering and general in-flight characteristics. We suggest you try them all. From less bar pressure to a more firm bar pressure setting. You can also tune the kite for more drift or less so you can really set it for your personal preference. A fast turning yet stable kite that has only gotten better this year. The small changes Duotone implemented for 2020 have a big impact, this kite has a lively design is the greatest all-round and free ride kite that Duotone has made. With 3-Struts, a huge wind range, superior stability, precise power delivery and responsive handling, the Evo is fun and versatile across Freeride, Freestyle and wave riding spectrum.
Ozone Enduro v3 - What we have to say about the Ozone Enduro: The Ozone Enduro V3 is a fast turnng kite that goes where you want it when you want it there. With new one pump valves, the Enduro V3 pumps up faster and and the end of the session, deflates much better. The Enduro is very stable and responsive kite that does anything you want it to do. This kite excells at freeride but is a very capable kite in the surf or going for big air. A great choice for any kiter looking for an all around do whatever you want kind of kite.
2020 Crazyfly Sculp - What we have to say about the Crazyfly Sculp: This is a very stable, fun, and responsive kite. It does exactly what you want it to do. It is a slightly slower turning kite compared to kites like the Pivot or Evo and that makes it much more predictable when flying it. The Sculp has great pull and go power delivery that is very consistant throughout the entire sheeting systems travel. With a 3 year warranty, the Sculp by Crazyfly is leading the way in a manufactureres confidence in their product.
2019 Cabrinha Switchblade - What we have to say about the Cabrinha Switchblade: The Switchblade has a very wide wind range making it a very good choice for kiters looking to minimize the amount of kites in their quiver, It also handles gust very, very well. The switchblade is a smooth flying kite that provides very consistant power delivery and has a very linear power feel when sheeting the kite in or out. The Switchblade is a 5 strut design, while this does increase the stability and load bearing ability of the kite, it also increases the overall weight of the kite. Which makes this on the heavier side compared to other 3 strut kites. The switchblade is a great choice for larger riders looking for a kite that will stand up to bigger loads as well as anyone looking for a very smooth and very stable kite.
CORE Nexus 2 - What we have to say about the CORE NEXUS 2: The Core Nexus 2 is a Jack Of All Trades Kite. It is a great option for anyone looking for a single kite that will be good in multiple disciplins. The Nexus is a very stable kite that can be parked overhead and ignored without worrying about it drifting into the powerzone. It's stability does not come at the expense of responsiveness or turning speed though as this kite does what you want it to do right when you want it to do it. A great choice for the kiter that wants to do everything from Hydrofoiling, Freeride, or Big Aire, This kites does it all and it does it good.
Eleveight RS v3 - What we have to say about the Eleveight RS: The Eleveight RS is the most versatile kite in Eleveight's kite line up. It is a responsive, stable and enjoyable kiting experiance in a varaity of conditions. This kite excells at freeride and works well for surf, hydrofoiling, and big air. It has an excellent range of usability without feeling overpowered and is very forgiving if you over fly it in a jump or down loop. An excellent jumping kite that will boost experienced and beginner kiters to new heights with ease.
Slingshot RPM v12 What we have to say about the Slingshot RPM: This kite has great low end and an amazing range. It is stable in the air and has a very linear and consistant power delivered through the entire trim range and excellent feedback so you can feel exactly where the kite is and what it is doing. The RPM is an easy kite to jump for beginners and experienced kiters will find it is great for big boosting jumps with great hang times.The new fly line bridle lightens up the feel of the kite in the air and makes the kite feel more nimble overall.

Freeride / All Around Performance Boards:

2020 Crazyfly Raptor LTD and LTD Neon - What our review team says about the LTD: The Flagship board in the Crazyfly line up, the 2020 Raptor LTD and LTD Neon are quite possibly the best kiteboards that Crazyfly has ever made. The LTD is a full carbon board that has great strength but is lighter than most other boards on the market. The shape, outline and rails of this board have been refined over the years to create an exquisite ride that is hard to beat. The board is not just a joy to ride, it also has a ton of load and pop due to the carbon lay up and the flex patern built into the board. Whether you are cruising around the bay or boosting big air, the Crazyfly Raptor LTD will meet all your needs and look amazing doing it!
2020 Crazyfly Raptor - What we have to say about the Rapter: The Raptor is still a rocket-ship for the speedsters out there who don’t want something too testing for the knees. It is now easier and more fluid. It’s light also, but is still a relatively firm ride in the freeride spectrum, but that won’t stop advanced riders being happy to shred all day long on it. The fins do a good job of making the Raptor feel quite manoeuvrable and responsive even through they are quite deep, but obviously complement the board’s rockerline and shape. CF boards are always absolutely bang-on for build-quality. We’re continually impressed.
2020 Crazyfly Allround - What we have to say about the allround: The Allround probably has the softest flex pattern of all the Crazyfly boards we tested which makes it incredibly forgiving and playful. With a fairly standard rocker, the Allround is very efficient in the water and felt fast upwind while the bottom concave and 5.0 fins gave it a solid amount of bite when tracking on edge, riding flat, or on rail-to-rail carves. Really locks down an edge while loading giving this board great pop for an all around board. Allround’s construction is designed to fit a wide range of riders from beginner through to intermediate.
Core Fusion 4 - What we have to say about the Core Fusion 4: For a carbon board there’s lots of feeling under your foot and it is very kind to your knees, tracking easily through chop with no slapping or spraying. The grip makes it easy to initiate turns and transitions and there’s enough pop behind your back foot to create freestyle loading. All the while it’s not fatiguing at all. It is very easy with loads of good ingredients for a low stress ride that won’t hold you back for pretty much whatever you want to do. The Fusion could also cross over for boots and the tip flex would work well.
Ozone Code V2 - What we have to say about the Ozone Code V2: The Code V2 is a performance freeride board. With a rapid riding speed from the get-go. The board seems very solid and grips tighter to the water in all aspects. This speed and grip transfers to some effortless upwind riding, and we were pleased to find this in choppy wavy waters as well as the butter waters. Loading up the CodeV2 for some air time you will be surprised at the amount of speed and power it can deliver. It allows for some truly impressive boosts with great control. The board is lightweight enough to throw around for board-off manoeuvres and even features a grab recess to help you keep hold of it. The progressive flex provides a stable platform to power you out of tose sketchy landings. The Code V2 is fast, fun and a fantastic option for those riders who want only the best for their personal riding development.
2020 Duotone Select - What we have to say about the Duotone Select: The Select is Duotone’s progressive freeride all around board. This board has a little softer flex pattern than the Jaime and features slightly pulled in tips that give it a really user-friendly and playful feel. The Select will eat up any chop for breackfest, lunch, and dinner. Super soft on the knees from just carving aroung to landing those big air jumps. If you’re looking to push your limits hard then the Select is a bit too smooth for you. You need more power and stiffness to be able to really load and pop. Not saying this board doesnt do that, just not as well. The Select is a pure, light weight, freeride performance board and in that field is superior in all aspects.
Eleveight Process v3 - What we have to say about the Prosses v3: The Process is Eleveights performance freeride board. The board is easy to handle but also very active and responsive. The rocker line is great for early planning in lighter winds and easy upwind performance. Stiffer flex makes this board grip hard to edge hard to pop hard. The single concave allows for quick planing
2021 North Prime - What we have to say about the North Prime: The Prime is an aggressive freeride board. In all wind and water conditions this board will aid in rapid advancments. It shreds upwind fast, splash-free through the chop. Jump and boost in full control, with forgiving landings thanks to the softer flex.
2020 Naish Motion - What we have to say about the Naish Motion: The Motion is a high performance freeride board that has a fairly lively flex pattern which makes for an easy load and pop and forgiving landings. It is a nice balance between a loose skatey feel and a locked in grippy upwind tracking. We liked how the Motion turned and carved in and around small surf and chop. The Motion hold some impressive pop when you load it up, and it responds well to some aggressive riding. The rocker gives you a locked in controlled feel when you come in fast from a big trick.

Big Air Kites:

North Orbit - Kiteboarding.com review of the North Orbit: Winner of the 2020 King Of The Air, the North Orbit has proven what we already knew, it goes BIG! The Orbit is a purpose built Big Air kite that excells at big airs with great hang time. It's stability and ease of use make it a no brainer for anyone looking to go big. Also a good kite for all around riding, the orbit has medium to light bar pressure and it turns rather quick for a 5 strut big air kite. A favorite among the shop riders here, the orbit is a great kite no matter what you want to do with it.
Ozone Edge v10 - Kiteboarding.com review on the Ozone Edge for Big Air: The Ozone Edge is practicaly the gold standard that we measure other kites against for Big Air. The edge flies forward in the window building apparent wind as you go and when you send it, it hauls you up into the sky like an elevator. The Edge is stable and easy to fly and has more upwind drive than most other kites out there.. The new v10 is a definate inprovement over previous models with slightly less bar pressure and a quicker turning speed which allows you to put the kite where you want it with less effort than ever before. If you are looking for a kite to use for big air session, the Edge v10 is a winner.
S25 Naish Pivot - Kiteboarding.com's review on the Naish Pivot for Big Air: While not an obvious choice for a big air kite, the Naish Pivot is the back to back winner of the Red Bull King Of The Air contest so it must be included in any discussion about big air. This kite, while it excells at all around performance, also goes big. It turns fast letting you really load up and pop into a big jump and is stable enough to feel comfortable over 40 feet in the air. This kite really does do it all.
2021 Duotone Rebel - Kiteboarding.com review on the Duotone Rebel for Big Air: The most versatile kite in the Big air catagory, the Rebel is a great choice for anyone looking for a kite that excells at Big Air but is still a great kite for all around riding. With it's 5 strut design, The Rebel is stable, quick, and will take the load of even the largest riders. With a great throw and linear power delivery, the Rebel makes going from freeride to big air in the same session effortless. With the changes for the 2020 version, the Rebel is lighter in the air and has a more direct feel making it easy to control on a myriad of different conditions. While it is now a 4 line kite, it is still of being converted to 5 line operation for anyone looking for the 5th line style.
2021 Crazyfly Hyper - Kiteboarding.com review of the Crazyfly Hyper Big Air Kite: As the winner of Boosting / Big Air Kite catagory of The Kite Mag's Ultimate Test, the Crazyfly Hyper is an obvious choice for anyone looking for a big air or huge boosting kite. With a 3 year warranty, the Hyper also boosts above and beyond any other manufacturers warranty length and only makes us feel better about chooseing the Hyper. The Hyper flies as you would expect for a big air kite, it flies forward in the wind window allowing you to build great speed and upwind distance, and when you send the kite for a jump, it sends you up like you are on an escelator, and lets you down gently.
Cabrinha AV8 - Kiteboarding.com review of the Cabrinha AV8: A 5 strut kite designed specifically for for Big and and Hydrofoil racing, the AV8 is the good choice for the kiter that want a multi purpose kite that will go big with the best of them and also be competitive in a race where speed and upwind ability are crucial. The AV8 flies similar to other kites in this catagory and with the kites great range of usability, the Av8 was able to minimize the line up with just 3 sizes making it easy to choose the right size kite for you.
CORE XR6 - Kiteboarding.com Review of the Core XR6: The Core XR6 is a fantastic Big Air kite. 2 shop riders went out on it for the first time and both set personal records on the Woo for their highest jump. A step up from the previouse version, the XR5, the XR6 has slightly less bar pressure and turns a bit quicker. This kite is not our first choice for freeride, but it does it well and if you want a dedicated Big Air kite that will allow you to have a great time when it is not Big Air windy, the XR6 is a great choice.
Slingshot Raptor - Kiteboarding.com review of the Slingshot Raptor Big Air Kite: The Raptor is Slingshot's dedicated Big Air monster. This kite goes big and does it effortlessly. It has medium to high bar pressure for great feedback and it pulls like a Mac Truck. It sits a little further back in the window than a few of the other kites in this catagory giving it more pull and go power, The Raptor is perfect for the kiter just getting into big air, it is stable, and the on demand power delivery makes it great for anyone that is looking to break into the big air game.

Wave/Surf Kites:

Ozone Reo - Kiteboarding.com review of the Ozone Reo: The standard by which all Surf / Wave kites are measured. The Ozone Reo is the kite of choice for surf / wave conditions. With a fixed bridle the Reo has a very direct feel. When you push the bar away the Reo drifts exceptionaly and does it immediately. When you pull the bar in, the power is there ready for use. The kite turns lightning fast so when you are transitioning out surfing a section, you can pull the bar in and downloop the kite with little to no effort setting yourself up for the next section perfectly. With this kites exceptional drifting ability and power availability, it is also a good option for hydrofoiling.
2021 North Carve - What we have to say about the North Carve: The drift of the Carve is impressive. The short depower throw allows you to dump power quickly, but be sure to maintain some backline tension to ensure the kite stays stable and does not back stall. Quick and responsive turning speed that delivers a consistant pull. Trimmed correctly the Carve can hold equal power in every position throughout the wind window–above and out in front of you. It’s got all of the qualities of a great wave kite, but it goes beyond with its user-friendly all kiter features.
Naish Slash - What we have to say about the Naish Slash: The leading edge bladder is tapered through the wingtip, creating a small diameter for fast turning speed and crisp response. Making this kite very active flying across the window in side-on conditions. Providing incredible low-end power and the best down-the-line drift in the Naish line. The bar pressure is light to help fight fatigue and keep kiters on the water even longer. The Slash tends to build more power as it moves across the window. The Slash has a ton of usable range and a really comfortable bar control with light bar pressure over a longer length of throw.
Eleveight WS - What we have to say about the Eleveight WS: This kite has some of the tightest looping of any wave kite without ripping you off the board. The bar pressure is light while the steering is precise and direct. That allows you to concentrate on the wave fully, and not have to worry about it falling out of the sky. It covers a huge wind range and smoothly rides upwind. The medium aspect ratio of this design is the key ingredient for the stable downwind drift. Even in gusty conditions the kite will follow you down the line.
Duotone Neo SLS - What we have to say about the Neo SLS: In every stage of the wind range, the kite is extreamly well behaved, reacting to steering input instantly even when fully depowered. The legendary Neo; the world's most decorated wave kite, now has the Strong Light Superior treatment! SLS incorporates new materials and technologies across the Duotone range to create an even better performing product. . Bar pressure is about medium on the Neo wich allows you know where the kite is at all times, and the turning response is instant. The kite goes where you want it to every time, and there are no nasty surprises of the kite drifting off course. The Neo is happy to float down the line in offshore conditions too.

Freestyle/Freeride Kites:

Duotone Dice - What we have to say about the Dise: The 2021 Duotone Dice is a machine! Designed for big air, powerful lift, extreme kite loops and with impressive freestyle performance, the all-new Dice is the perfect kite for the Extreme Big Air. But, it also still has the overall feel and smooth handling the Dice has become famous for. Because of the pullyless bridle this year the kite has a much more direct response, a super crisp feel and is way faster, which means a lot more fun and longer jumps. The Dice generates a lot of flying speed, but at the same time gives you a huge feeling of control. There’s so much flight control in the sheeting range that even in more moderate conditions you feel like a highly trained pilot.
Naish Dash - What we have to say about the Naish Dash: The Dash is fantastic as a highly tuned machine that still packs plenty of freeride comfort than anyone could get on and do the basics on. Offering such a speedy loop, fast but controlled high wind performance and is a capable unhooked machine in lower winds. The Dash offers pop and slack for unhooked riding while also putting the kiter in their comfort zone for outstanding strong wind and kite loop performance. Overall the Dash is a C kite for the masses but with high performance freeride qualities.
North Pulse - What we have to say about the North Pulse: We were unable to get a ton of time on this kite in good winds, but from what we winds we did get I can tell you that the pulse will deffinetly have you pulse pumping. Very fast kite in both low and high winds. The power delevery is extremely comfortable and consistant. The kite has a tramendous amount of pop with adequate line slack to give anyone the confidence to excel in there unhooked hights and handle passing. The Pulse is the ultimate in performance freestyle, that will also boost and mega loop with ease.
Ozone Amp - What we have to say about the Ozone Amp: The Amp is a progressive yet user-friendly Freestyle and Park-style kite, offering amateurs to pros the response, feedback and control needed to take their riding to the next level. This kite flies a little bit farther forward in the window and has the load, explosive pop and release feel that gives you slack when needed. Definitely a C-kite style feel with a little slower steering and a larger steering arc which is wonderful for those extreme unhooked riders. We love the accessible high performing nature of the kite, which will inspire you to engage in more tricks from the get-go while knowing the kite will still be stable in the sky at the same point.
Eleveight FS - What we have to say about the Eleveight FS: The FS is an amazing kite. Great crosover kite from freestyle to wakestyle. FS is surprisingly comfortable to ride as it effortlessly travels upwind, cushions gusts and also covers a huge wind range. With a tramendous amount of lift, power and grunt. I have to say that this kite excels in boosting. Medium bar pressure will allow you to stay out on the water even longer. This kite is exceptionally accessible for all riders but has that high end performance hidden away for the more advanced riders out there.
CORE GTS - What we have to say about the Core GTS: The Core GTS is an intermediate - advanced and above freeride kite. The GTS is pretty much the ultimate all-terrain performance twin-tip machine. The wider wingtips make kite looping a tad slower but super smooth. Making this kite very consistant in the delivery of power all across the window. Bar pressure seems to be on the lighter side so you can do kite loops for days without coming off the water. The kite is extremely solid in the sky, feeling very supportive at all times and in all conditions. In all discipines of freestyle riding the GTS shines when flown very activly.

Single Strut / Hydrofoiling Kites:

Slingshot UFO - What we have to say about the UFO: The UFO is a shop favorite for hydrofoiling. It is one of the lightest kites available and it performs very well in very light winds. The UFO has good power delivery and surprisingly good relaunch. The UFO is not a beginner kite and is a good choice for the experianced Hydrofoiler looking for the lightest kite they can find. With the no strut design, the UFO also packs up smaller than anything else on the list and would make a great travel hydrofoiling kite.
Naish S25 Boxer - What we have to say about the S25 Naish Boxer: The Boxer is more focused on its low end efficiency than top end comfort. The light weight makes the Boxer relaunch in very little wind with ease. That sheeting power is especially nice overhead around your tacks for example when you’re looking for that float moment and for the kite to carry you, giving you time to switch your feet. This kite is quick, easy to control and generates power quickly. It’s light and lively feel at the fingertips. The Boxer is the ultimate kite for underpowered riding and foiling.
Ozone Alpha - What we have to say about the Ozone Alpha: It’s simple, incredibly lightweight and very effective. Great upwind performance do to the flat arc design and an efficient high lift airfoil section. The lightweight design translates to incredible low-end performance. The power to de-power stroke is progressive and dynamic enough to provide smooth lift for transitions and jibes with a foil or surf board. The handling is direct and responsive which allows you to put the kite where you need it and will have you floating in your drift style wave riding.
Slingshot Ghost - What we have to say about the Ghost: The Ghost is quickly becoming a shop favorite for hydrofoiling. It is one of the lightest single struts available and it performs very well. The Gghost has more pull and go power than any othe single strut kite we have flown. The ghosat has a bit more bar pressure but not enough to call it high bar pressure. The feedback from the kitelets you know exactly where the kite is at any time. With very good relaunch, the Ghost will not leave you swimming.
Duotone Mono - Our review of the Duoptone Mono: The Duotone Mono is a light, nimble single strut kite that excells at drifting and staying in the air in light winds. A great kite choice for hydrofoiling or with the larger sizes, light wing riding. The mono is built exceptionaly well and has the standard Duotone Airport inflation valve and one pump system.
Eleveight OS - What we say about the Eleveight OS: The Eleveight OS is a quick turning, good drifting single strut kite that has a little more power available than expected. It loops fast and recovers quickly when intentianly backstalling it for a down wind run on the foil. The OS is a very common choice of all of our shop riders when we head out to hydrofoil.
CORE XLITE - What we say: Core has delivered a foil kite that meets any Coreriders expectations. With lightweight materials, supreme build quality, core had realy come through with a Foil specific kite that is fun to fly, delivers the power exceptionaly well and feel light in the air.