In this Tech Focus, we shine the spotlight on Eleveights RS: the latest in the RS lineup. Featuring advanced materials for optimal flight performance and durability. With refined tweaks and improvements, it's a versatile choice highly praised by freeriders, delivering fun and versatility across disciplines and conditions. Find out more here!

The RS has been in your lineup for a long time now; how do you start thinking about the new version, and what are the design goals for it?

Indeed, we're already in our 8th cycle this year, and our evolution continues. The production cycle for the next season's products already starts once we have approval for the current product. In this case, the new RS V8 started its production process in November 2022! It is a bit strange as it means that we are already working on the next version before we release the new product.

The initial thought at the first stage is very analytical. It reflects the findings of the previous production, some new developments in construction and material selection, and, of course, new ideas too. The second stage comes much later and reflects the feedback from the market and our team. Here, we focus on performance outcomes and related requirements for the next production.

The design goal for a product like the RS is fairly simple: we want to improve the kite as much as possible without touching its core DNA or main characteristics. More incremental changes refine the performance to make it the perfect all-rounder.

Materials have seen a huge change in recent years, whats new on the RS V8 and how did that affect the design process?

In recent years, we've tried to build different market segments into our lineup to reflect the different materials and their related performance. For the RS V8, we want to offer the right balance between intuitive flight performance and very durable construction, but the consumer price plays an important role in consideration. Some materials are very expensive and not necessarily the best material for the target market.

The RS V8 features our X4 ripstop and XT fabric which has a great balance. For the bigger sizes, we use XT Light for the inflatable structure which is lighter and stiffer to increase performance in larger kites.

Our high-end plus range features the RS DNA but uses top-of-the-line material such us Dynea Tex. As a result, the RS+ is more dynamic in flight performance but also comes with a different price tag.

What changes were made for this years model?

For the RS V8, we made new panel cuts in the canopy to give more efficient lift and loops. The wingtip curvature has also been adjusted for dynamic turning performance, and the angle of attack has been altered to enhance loop recovery and improve double-loop capabilities. The new XT Light fabric in the 14m and 17m sizes increases performance in lower winds as well as their turning speeds too. Finally, the bridle attachment points have moved further towards the tips for faster turns and reduced bar pressure, and a new 3D bridle deflector protects the kite from inversion. 

The larger sizes are geared towards improved low-end and early power delivery; how did you achieve that?

This year, we paid special attention to the bigger sizes and their performance. By using XT Light for the inflatable structure, we decreased the overall weight and related low-end capability, which also allowed us to fine-tune the sizes.

XT Light is stiffer than XT material and it gives the bigger sizes a more reactive feeling. The 14m feels like a 12m with very playful behaviour for a kite of its size.

It’s billed as a versatile free ride kite, a category that is rather busy with offerings, what sets the RS V8 apart from the rest for he pack for 2024?

In the versatile freeride segment, we have a lot of competition, but we stand by our important vision: for Eleveight to be known for performance products.

We wanted a performance freerider with exceptional crossover potential. Over 8 years of development has gone into the RS and it's why it's by far our best-received kite in the lineup. The RS is loved by freeriders, and those who like to go big and throw some loops.

Our team love its fast turning speed for double loops, and it makes it also very playful in waves. We also include a turning trim set-up to allow you to fine-tune your kite.

How much of a performance differential is there between the RS and the RS+?

The main DNA of the RS and RS+ is the same with a fairly similar 3-strut delta hybrid design. However, the difference is in the used inflatable material and the related performance outcome.

The RS uses our X4 ripstop with XT fabric for the inflatable parts and offers intuitive and balanced flight performance. The RS+ uses our Dynea Tex which is a cutting-edge material for supercharged performance. In comparison with the RS, the inflatable frame of the Plus version is 30% lighter, the material is much stronger and stiffer, and we have 50% less elongation. The result is not only a lighter kite that's very dynamic, but it offers an ultra-direct feel.

For the RS+, having maximum structural stiffness with less deformation is a key advantage as it improves the turning speed, making it much loved by our looping big air guys - the RS+ is super responsive !!! Furthermore, the strong Dynea fibres maximise durability with more form stability under load.

What sort of rider should have the RS V8 on their shopping list?

The RS is the right choice for any kind of freerider. Most of us like to be versatile, and we face different conditions at our home spots or while on kite trips where we need one kite in our quiver for the job. The RS is the right companion and a classic all-rounder. It might be the perfect flat water session with some nice tricks, or the time to go big when the wind picks up, and you want to break some records, or even if the waves are pumping and you want to show off some strapless tricks and big turns with your directional. The RS will help you to progress in all disciplines and offers you a tonne of fun!

 

Videos

Eleveight Product Video - RS V8
By IKSURFMAG

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