Česky (CZK)CORE XR8 – our first tests, real impressions
In Sicily, at our kite center, we’ve introduced the CORE brand. Kites from CORE can be tested in our rental center, tried in real conditions, and of course purchased. We’ll be adding our experiences and impressions from each tested piece over time.
We started with the well-known CORE XR8 in sizes 10 m, 12 m, and 13.5 m. After just a few days of testing, we knew – this is a kite that will stay with us. The first pieces went straight to their new owners, and we’re already restocking.
10 m – This size is where the fun really starts :D, especially in stronger winds. The kite is sharp and reacts instantly to every bar movement, giving you a sense of total control. At first, we had to get used to the bar feel to always know where the kite is, but it’s just a matter of how you set up your kite and what riding style you prefer – cruising or aggressive. On takeoff, it shoots you up with clean, powerful lift and keeps you in the air longer than expected. Kiteloops are fast and smooth – even though I’m not a loop specialist, the XR8 forgave my mistakes, and the guys who are good at it pulled off insane tricks. Overall, the kite is very predictable and behaves exactly as you need across all disciplines. For me – superb.
12 m – A solid all-rounder when you’re looking for an additional size. It didn’t have the same spark as the 10 m or 13.5 m, but for those wanting one kite for everything, it’s a good choice.
13.5 m – The biggest surprise in testing. On the water, it feels like a smaller kite – agile, quick, and perfectly fine for kiteloops. Perfect for heavier riders or for low-wind days when others are pulling out 17 m kites. I had a two-hour session on it, and my arms felt great afterward. The feel on the bar depends on the bridle setting – “soft” (outer knot on the kite) is lighter on the arms, “direct” (inner knot) gives better feedback and faster response.
Technical: The XR8 has an incredibly rigid frame and a five-strut construction that keeps its shape even in extreme winds. The CoreTex®2 canopy is light and very durable, keeping the kite stable in the sky. The Intelligent Arc system changes the profile when you work the bar – pull in for instant power, ease out for a calm flight.
Check out the details below – and at the end of the article, you’ll find one in action 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
High Performance Freeride + | Big Air | Freestyle | Wave
Freestyle
unhooked / hooked
Big Air
Hangtime
Freeride
Easy Riding
Wave
Strapless Freestyle
Foil
Wave / Freestyle
| Size (m) | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13.5 | 15 | 17 |
| Windrange (kts) | 22-42 | 20-38 | 17-35 | 15-33 | 13-30 | 12-28 | 11-26 | 10-24 | 9-22 | 8-20 | 7-19 |
| Windrange (bft) | 6 - 8 | 5,5 - 8 | 5 - 7,5 | 4,5 - 7 | 4 - 7 | 4 - 6,5 | 3,5 - 6,5 | 3,5 - 6 | 3 - 5,5 | 3 - 5,5 | 2,5 - 5 |
Features
When your goals don’t
scare you, they aren’t big enough.
Zara Hoogenraad, Vice Kitesurfing World Champion Big Air
NEW! EXOTEX® 2 LEADING EDGE
STRONGER MATERIAL. STIFFER AIR FRAME
The XR8 meets the Exotex 2 leading edge for the first time. This leading edge is stiffer and lighter than previous generations, and it also boasts an impressive 80% increase in tear resistance, making it more durable and reliable. Exotex 2 represents a thoughtful and advanced development in polyester weaving, through both the warp and weft. Through every inch of the XR8's air frame you'll find the use of ultra-strong yarns resulting in a tight woven structure that undergoes a unique heating and shrinking process.
CORETEX® 2 TRIPLE RIPSTOP CANOPY
MAXIMUM STABILITY AND DURABILITY
Combined with our highly refined CoreTex 2 canopy cloth, we've accelerated the development of light weight performance, dynamic handling, and core strength of the XR8. The significantly lighter canopy fabric features massively improved tear resistance, stiffness and durability. A new coating process aids stability in higher winds and jumps. CoreTex 2 sets the standard in breaking strength, tear resistance, longevity, UV protection, and elongation. Experience the tight, crisp, and signature feel that only a CoreTex kite delivers.
EXOTEX® LIGHT STRUTS
LIGHTER YET MORE ROBUST
The ExoTex Light dacron incorporates a radial thread pattern and emulsion (protective coating) process that reduces mass by approximately 10%. While the new ultra resistant ExoTex 2 is used for the leading edge, the ExoTex Light struts improve the XR8’s drifting and turning speed – making it perfect for freestylers and wave riders who value these key features.
HIGH TURNING SPEED
LOOPS BETTER. CATCHES EARLIER
By reducing the diameter of both the leading edge and strut, we were able to achieve an optimal stiffness and twist ratio when controlling the kite. As a result, the XR8 kite has become much more agile and responsive, providing riders with a pronounced turning pleasure..
CORE INTELLIGENT TRIM SYSTEM
YOUR XR8 - YOUR PREFERENCES
The CORE INTELLIGENT TRIM SYSTEM (CIT) offers you three setting options to adjust your XR8 to your personal preferences and external conditions. Dare to experiment with it - it's worth it.
1. Flight characteristics at the leading edge: In wave mode tight turning and more depower, in freestyle mode more constant pull and wider loops. Delivered in Allround mode, the XR combines the best of both worlds with its balanced trim.
2. Turning characteristics at the tips: You can vary the steering forces and turning speed between "super easy - easy - medium" at the three loops on the tips.
3. Backline Tension and kite feedback at the connection points: choose from three different knots to adjust the directness of your control impulses.
INTELLIGENT ARC
AGILE PRECISION INSTRUMENT
The Intelligent Arc is a bridle configuration that modifies the airfoil on demand in a linear and direct way. Like a bird spreading its wings to generate more lift, the XR8 increases its wingspan with a pull on the bar. Likewise, sheeting out makes the kite fold in its wings and depower. The Intelligent Arc will help you rip upwind, extend your float time, and cushion landings seamlessly.
SHORT BRIDLE SYSTEM
SHORT AND SWEET
The super-short bridle system enhances feedback, providing better insight into your kite's position. This effect becomes even more pronounced in larger kite sizes. Imagine having a kite that seems to anticipate your every move, almost as if it's hot-wired to your brain.
INSTANT RELAUNCH
WON'T LET YOU DOWN
Instant relaunch that’s really instant! The XR8 is designed to immediately drift into a perfect relaunch position when it hits the water. One quick tug on the bar and the XR8 launches itself effortlessly. Riders will appreciate how easily the kite releases from the water when time is of the essence and beginners will gain confidence knowing their kite will be flying in no time. Feel free to try some new moves, the XR8 has your back.
SPEED PUMP SYSTEM + SPEED VALVE 2
AIR MANAGER WITH MAXIMUM AIR FLOW
Goodbye special hose adapters. The Speed Valve 2 easily connects to any standard twist lock pump hose, maximizing airflow, minimizing inflation times, and reducing pump effort. With optimal access points to the struts, the air distribution system works effectively and efficiently. This inflation/deflation system is so exceptional that you might not even need your electric pump anymore.
GRINTEX® PATCHES
CORE TOUGH LEADING EDGE
Anti-wear patches where you need them most. The extreme abrasion-resistant patches located on the leading edge segment seams and strut tips offer another layer of security against any potential beach hazards.
SENSOR BAR READY
GENIUS DUO
The XR8 is optimized for CORE's ultralight Sensor bar system. Together, they feature precise kite control, unbeatable safety features, and straightforward simplicity. Choose the new Sensor 3S Pro bar to unlock ultimate performance - trust us on this one.
Moments
Stylefinder + Skill Level
XR8
| XR8 | PACE | Nexus 4 | GTS6 | Section 5 | XLITE 2 | Impact 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freeride | Easy Riding |
120percent
|
||||||
| Freestyle (hooked) |
120percent
|
||||||
| Big Air |
120percent
|
||||||
| Hangtime |
120percent
|
||||||
| Power Development | explosive | ||||||
| Wave | Drift |
80percent
|
||||||
| Kiteloops |
80percent
|
||||||
| Wakestyle |
60percent
|
||||||
| Bar Feedback | variable | ||||||
| Water Relaunch |
120percent
|
||||||
| Race |
120percent
|
||||||
| Foil |
80percent
|
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