Eleveight recently unveiled their latest high-performance kite, the XS Pro, after nearly three years of development. Constructed with cutting-edge Aluula material and perfected through extensive testing, this kite is designed to push the boundaries of big air riding. The XS Pro promises an unparalleled riding experience, offering speed, precision, and the ultimate challenge for riders seeking to elevate their big air game.

Congratulations on the launch of the new kite; how long have you been developing the XS Pro?

Thanks. We are very proud of our new Pro range and all the work that went into it. The Pro range project was started nearly three years ago as we knew that Aluula material had great potential. Still, initially, we were sceptical about using it as a raw material until we could find a way to ensure its durability. We had great feedback regarding Aluula's performance, but the construction technique caused some issues.

Now, with the updates and improvements in Aluula material and the related reinforcements, the whole production process has become easier, with increased durability in the long term. The XS-Pro has had many prototype revisions over the years with different material combinations. Still, we finalised the development process at the beginning of 2024 and are more than happy with the performance outcome.

Which team riders have you been working with closely to test it, and who led the kite's design?

Peter Stiewe is the mastermind behind our products and co-founder of Eleveight, and he's been the driving force behind our Pro range. Peter loves being challenged to develop state-of-the-art performance kites, and the XS Pro was a great quest. Our current XS is already an absolute beast regarding hangtime, lift, and general power generation. Still, we wanted the XS Pro to be more dynamic and direct with an increased loop speed while following the same DNA.

Arthur Guillebert was our first rider to get his hands on the new XS-Pro. Together with Peter, they refined some general parameters and tested the kite in different conditions, from warm winds in Brazil to nuking conditions in South Africa. Later, a near-final version was also tested by our French and Estonian team riders with a crew consisting of Jojo Heurto, Kaimar Halliste, Martin Rahnel, Madis Põdra and Thibault Mounier. We could see and feel that we were on the right path as the team were so excited; they pushed the limits, and it was hard to get our prototypes back into our hands. If riders start to fight for a kite, then you know that the R+D team did a fantastic job!

Aluula is the de rigueur material of the moment. What does it offer the XS Pro, and is it worth the extra investment for the average rider?

Aluula has a lot of advantages for high-performance products like the XS Pro. It is not only lighter in weight but also much stiffer, more reactive, and more dynamic in flying performance. Particularly for the very popular big air discipline, high-performance products make absolute sense to be able to push for the extra meter in height or the radical loop.

The XS Pro is like our high-performance racing car. It offers much more direct flight characteristics, the loop speed is incredibly fast, and it has an extremely dynamic lift that will push you to the next level in height. The stiffer frame structure has less deformation in extreme winds and much better recovery than traditional materials, which makes the kite very well-performing in the high-wind conditions used by the big air riders.

Considering the high price level, the question of the extra investment is more than relevant for an average rider. We have to be careful what we communicate to the end consumer. Only some people can drive a racing car, and you need skills to utilise the extra performance level. Our Pro range is more targeted towards the ambitious rider who can use higher-level products.

We sometimes need to remember that traditional construction is much more suitable for many riders. A bit more flex in the inflatable structure also helps with progression and has a much more intuitive and balanced flight performance. The price point is also better, making the sport more affordable for a broad range of people.

How does the XS-Pro’s construction support its performance in different wind conditions?

The good thing about Aluula products is that their performance advantages go both ways. Firstly, Aluula is much lighter than normal Dacron, and the overall kite weight is up to 25% lighter. Secondly, we can construct the kite with a smaller diameter leading edge, which impacts aerodynamics and flying speed and reduces weight. Both factors greatly impact lower winds, and the XS Pro starts and performs much better in the lower wind ranges.

The other advantage it has is performing in a high wind range, as the stiffer frame structure leads to more form stability and less deformation, which is very noticeable in stronger winds. The kite also has more flying speed and is more reactive on very windy days, and of course, durability plays a big role in these conditions as well.

You stuck with a five-strut design. What advantages does this bring over a three-strut big air kite?

Both kite DNAs have some advantages and will favour different riding styles. A 5-strut design like the XS has a higher aspect ratio and generates constant power, which is noticeable in the upwind performance, especially when jumping. The XS also has a massive vertical lift and super long hang time as the kite is made for height and is the go-to kite if you want to chase some records. Furthermore, the loops are fast and powerful, with much horizontal forward momentum. In short, the XS offers a lot of raw power for the big air riders who want to go high. A 3-strut design like our RS or the upcoming RS Pro may be used more by technical big air riders seeking a less powerful kite that is faster at looping, perfect for the double loopers.

What other design features should we be aware of in this new kite?

Apart from using Aluula as a high-end material for the leading edge, we also used XT light material for the struts, as we found that this helps the XS Pro perform better, offering more twists in the struts and an increase in loop speed.

We also focused on developing the canopy tension for a cleaner profile for the XS and the XS Pro. The panel cuts in the kite are made to distribute the force more efficiently so the kite can withstand the strong force when jumping and looping. 

The XS Pro also features our new 3D bridle deflector to reduce bridle catch, protecting the kite from inverting.

How fast is it through the loops, and can weekend warriors expect to be able to pull doubles with it if they have the guts to pull the trigger?

Absolutely yes! Of course, you need many skills and guts for doubles, but as I said in the beginning, the XS has very powerful speeds, and you will get a more horizontal force that feels like you are rocketed into old-school loops. Doubles are possible but with fewer board-offs and more extra power!!!

It’s billed as an extremely big air kite. Does it have other tricks, like foiling and freeride, or is this a pure thoroughbred?

The XS DNA is made as an extreme freeride kite focusing on jumping. The XS Pro is the racing version with extra performance. Nevertheless, the kite is still an excellent freeride with a lot of grunt and fast turning, which is great for any freeride session in all conditions. It is a fun kite with extra power that quickly unlocks some doors, regardless of your style.

What sort of rider should think about buying the XS-Pro?

We market the XS to radical riders favouring big air as their discipline—the XS Pro targets even more ambitious riders looking for the absolute top in big air performance.

How easy is it to unlock the performance of the kite, and is it easy to fly for the amateur big air junkies?

You can compare the XS Pro with a racing car. You will feel the performance instantly, and it is a lot of fun. However, to unlock the performance, you also need a certain level of skills. One thing is to access the power and feel it, to experience the massive lift and forward momentum. The other thing is to control it and land smoothly and safely.

If you are already into big air, the XS Pro will help you progress further and push you to the next level. If you are beginning your big air adventure, our normal XS or RS is most likely a better companion.

Videos

Eleveight Product Video - XS PRO
By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.

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