In Focus: CORE Kites 2020 Product Overview
Features / Sun 12th Jan, 2020 @ 1:00 pm
CORE Kites and kiteboards are reputed around the World for technical innovation and quality. The team have been working together closely to develop the design, progress, and manufacture of the kites, with input from some of Europes finest riders to make sure these kites tick all the boxes and satisfy every rider – check out their latest line-up right here!
Kites
Universal Series – High-Performance All-rounders with Superpowers.
XR6
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It’s T minus 3, and you’ve lined up the perfect ramp in the distance. It’s still a way off, yet the anticipation of liftoff is intoxicating. The stars line up, your timing is perfect, and you pull hard on your backhand. Where will your XR6 take you? For some, well into the troposphere. And for others, the XR6 will deliver a never-ending rocket ride.
As a member of the Universal+ Series of kites, the XR6 is engineered to perform in all conditions and disciplines. Especially the tricky winds typically found on big inland lakes and near complicated shorelines. Like all Universal+ Series kites, the XR6 is designed to excel in one area, and for the XR6, that’s interstellar travel. Don’t believe us? Ask Maarten Haeger and Ross-Dillon Player who recently went interstellar sending their XRs. Maarten’s vacation turned surreal when he smashed the 30m barrier with an amazing ten storey high jump on January 2nd, 2019. Now, it’s your turn to break some personal bests with the new XR6.
The XR’s legendary linear response delivers effortless cruising, record-breaking hangtime, and super smooth landings. But don’t take our word. Visit a CORE demo site and experience the XR6’s chameleon-like ability to transform difficult conditions into a sublime riding session!
For more information on CORE’s starship XR6, please click here.
Nexus
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Meet the multi-talented Universal+ Series Nexus with fully customisable handling. An athletic kite that is never too cool to learn a new trick. Whether it’s on your favourite surfboard or twintip, the Nexus brings exceptional versatility to wave and freestyle riding.
Our latest design is a product of the phenomenal Section 2, the indomitable GTS and fourteen years of intensive kite development. An allrounder that instantly endeared itself to our wave+ prodigy, Willow and megaloop rockstar, Akkie.
Amazing things happened when we spliced the genes of the GTS4 and Section 2 into the Nexus. Take, for example, the Nexus’ CIT, the fancy acronym behind the kite’s adjustable handling modes. It lets you finetune the kite’s power and turn radius. Akkie likes his megaloops big and powerful, so he selects the CIT’s freestyle setting whereas Willow prefers the wave mode for tighter loops (on his bottom turns). The wave mode also makes the kite turn faster, increases depower and doesn’t pull you off your strapless board. We can’t forget to mention the CIT’s standard-setting. In all-round mode, the Nexus pulls a little more, increases hangtime (woohoo!), and turns a little slower. Perfect behaviours for newer kiters, and anyone who prefers a more relaxed riding style.
For more information on CORE’s Nexus, please click here.
CORE GTS5 – Freestyle Ninja, Megaloop Machine, and more…
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You’re addicted to life in the fast lane but in a good way. And when you go, you go big! We feel the same, riding our newest GTS. Our 5th gen Universal+ Series allrounder delivers the superpowers unhooked riders demand without messin’ up the original formula. We know how badass the GTS4 is. Its signature Future-C powered kiteloops, and unhooked confidence is something we’re proud of. Now, experience a decade of iterative magic with our new and improved GTS5.
Our freestyle ninja won’t let you down until you’re ready to land a perfect kiteloop transition. The GTS5’s power-on-demand looping puts you in total control of the kite’s speed, turn radius, and horizontal drift. Go ahead, test the new GTS5, and find out why our megaloop champs Josh and Steven ride them!
The GTS5 carries over its proven ExoTex 3 Strut Frame, Radical Reaction Tips, and Short Bridles. We optimised the leading edge diameters and tip geometry to improve flight stability, especially when looping. We can’t forget to mention our new CIT Modes which customise the GTS5’s handling characteristics. In Wave mode, riders dial in compact turns and more depower whereas Freestyle mode adds more grunt and bigger turns. The GTS comes out of the bag in All-round mode, which provides excellent depower, grunt, and hangtime. Wakestylers may even notice more pop from our larger sizes.
For more information on CORE’s GTS5, please click here.
Specialised Series – No-compromise Performance
XLITE
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Foiling is your thing. This obsession may have started as an innocent light wind activity, but it’s grown much bigger. You now challenge the norms and push the foiling envelope. How far will you take foiling? Perhaps a lot further than you’d imagine. And we’ll be cheering for you.
Say hello to the foiler’s foil kite. Not that kind of foil, but a serious LEI (Leading Edge Inflatable) foil kite that won’t hold you back. The all-new XLITE from our Specialized division is a one strut foil kite that performs exceptionally well with your favourite hydrofoil. Why? Because our development team fused the power of our fantastic Nexus allrounder and the drifting of our unbeatable Section wave kite into a package that’s an honest 20% lighter.
How do we do it?
Mass reduction isn’t easy. So, we experimented with new leading-edge materials, bridles, and one strut designs. After exhaustive R&D, our designers zeroed in on CoreTex for the canopy and new ExoTex Light for the leading edge. CoreTex adds support and power to the one strut canopy. ExoTex Light brings similar strength as our current ExoTex leading-edge dacron yet is more than 10% lighter. We developed thinner, anti-snag bridles that further reduce weight and improve water relaunching. No detail was too small to lightweight. In the end, we hit our 20% mass reduction target.
For more information on CORE’s XLITE foiler, please click here.
Section 3 – 100% PURE WAVE
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This is the day you’ve been waiting for. Although the reef is firing on all cylinders, the wind could be better. Excitement builds as you rig up. A glance over the shoulder and you catch a monster set coming in. It’s time. Let’s #gokiting.
Hitting the best waves is challenging. Especially with variable wind or swell direction. But, it also makes us better wave warriors when we trust our gear. Improve your odds of catching and smashing the cleanest waves on the Section 3, a thoroughbred wave machine with CIT Modes. Select your preferred CIT mode (onshore, offshore or all-round) and ride the pocket like Willow. Section 3. Surf with confidence.
What makes a great wave kite?
A great surf kite is one that gets you to the best waves and keeps you on them without a fuss. It needs excellent drift and quick loops to stay afloat in onshore wind conditions with big, fast waves. Offshore conditions require a fast kite with huge depower to stay in front of the window. The Section 3 ticks all the boxes with its new and expanded wind and steering settings. Wedges. Monsters. And mush.
If you’re looking for effortless surfing and the right amount of pull, the new Section 3 will get you upwind and onto the cleanest waves.
For more information on CORE’s Section 3, please click here.
Impact 2
Experience the ultimate unhooked machine. A legit wakestyle beast. A pure C with five lines. Its skinny ExoTex airframe, deep C canopy, increased trim options, and extra sizes fuel its explosive power. Yup, we’ve gone all out with this stunner by amping its speed and aspect ratios. Try one if you dare, and let us know the impact it makes on your riding.
For more information on CORE’s Impact 2, please click here.
Lightwind Series – Low wind therapy
XR6 LW
CORE knows a little about lightwind days. We get our fair share of them in summer. And when it happens, we get excited. Yes, excited! Because we’ve got our new lightwind rocketship, the XR6 LW, to play with.
It inherits all the power and ridiculous wind range of the legendary XR6 while receiving noticeable weight-saving upgrades. Proud owners will enjoy cruising in cleaner air upwind from the pack.
For more information on CORE’s XR6 LW, please click here.
Nexus LW
Generating power and excitement on sunny, less-than-windy days with CORE’s state-of-the-art engineering.
Treasure your local spot’s mid-afternoon summer breeze with our newest and most advanced lightwind fun machine. Its super light, three strut construction, and fully customisable handling will have you grinning in marginal conditions. Yes, it’s possible to make lines on your favourite break when others can’t. And yes, you can practice new tricks on the Nexus LW in less than perfect conditions.
Nexus LW. Go for a rip because you can.
For more information on CORE’s Nexus LW, please click here.
GT5 LW
Triple your freestyle sessions with our improved GTS5 LW lightwind edition! Yes, master your favourite unhooked tricks in less than perfect wind conditions or relax and cruise down to the next beach with your buddies. With virtually the same control and agility as your smaller GTS’s, you may even pine for the occasional low wind day. Really!
The GTS5 LW carries over much of the three struts, ExoTex design from its smaller siblings to retain its agile, freestyle character. The 5th generation features refinements to its shape and LE diameters. Improvements that make the GTS5 even more stable when looping the kite while still delivering that special ‘C-kite’ feel.
GTS5 LW. A perfect partner for those not so perfect days. Delivering enough pop for you to lay down some impressive tricks while everyone else is mowing the lawn.
For more information on CORE’s GT5 LW, please click here.
Section 3 LW
Sometimes you need a little extra power and agility to ride those glassy, waist-high rollers. Not the kind of stump-pulling power that yanks you off your board. But instead, a more subtle power with a finesse that effortlessly pulls you when needed and shuts off so you can ride the nose if you want. This wave warrior may even have you wishing for the occasional light wind day. Because light wind days are the perfect days to practice all the stuff you want to do on the bigger days. And if the wind picks up, stay out there. The LW’s incredible range lets you have fun when others are downsising.
The new Section 3 features CIT Modes, more customisation options, and small weight-saving improvements. Our easy-to-use CIT Modes calibrate the Section 3 LW according to the wind direction. Three, anti-snag bridle attachment points make kite adjustments for onshore wind, all-round conditions, and offshore wind. And we added another backline connection point to the wingtips to better fine-tune your setup.
For more information on CORE’s Section 3 LW, please click here.
Bars
Sensor 2
Your session’s awesomeness depends heavily on your gear. We believe the Sensor 2 control bar system contributes much more than you would think to kite performance. And it’s what you don’t see that makes our bars so unbelievably good. The functional know-how we hide inside and the minimalist design on the outside gives our bars the signature CORE confidence you expect. And the safety features you rely on.
The Sensor 2 bar is now joined by the new Sensor 2S and Sensor 2S Pro. Two new bars with more tech wizardry that you can’t even see at first glance. Regardless of your bar selection, The CORE Sensor 2 bar system will provide you with the lightest, safest, and most direct feeling bar on the market because we sell more than just cool bars. We sell confidence.
Meet the Sensor 2. This innovative bar is our go-to bar for all of our kites.
R&D is a priority here at CORE. We work very hard to bring leading-edge materials and ideas to control bar development while maintaining its functional simplicity and safety. One look at a CORE bar is all it takes to appreciate the quality, precision, and technology. But the real magic remains hidden. Take, for example, a comfortable grip that needs a thin bar. To create an indestructible bar with the lightest, narrowest grip possible required thinking outside the box and thinking that led to a titanium truss construction. Wearing thick gloves in 8C temps isn’t a big deal with our Sensor 2 bar. The German-engineered, titanium cored, Sensor 2 bar is Simplicity in design. State-of-the-art in function. And safe. But if that’s still not enough for you, we have the new Sensor 2S or Sensor 2S Pro.
For more information on CORE’s Sensor 2, please click here.
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Sensor 2s / 2s+
Your session’s awesomeness depends heavily on your gear. We believe the Sensor 2 control bar system contributes much more than you would think to kite performance. And it’s what you don’t see that makes our bars so unbelievably good. The functional know-how we hide inside and the minimalist design on the outside gives our bars the signature CORE confidence you expect. And the safety features you rely on.
The Sensor 2 bar is now joined by the new Sensor 2S and Sensor 2S Pro. Two new bars with more tech wizardry that you can’t even see at first glance. Regardless of your bar selection, The CORE Sensor 2 bar system will provide you with the lightest, safest, and most direct feeling bar on the market because we sell more than just cool bars. We sell confidence.
Meet the new Sensor 2S
An intelligent mid-cycle update to the exceptional Sensor 2. A bar, where engineering ingenuity meets minimalism; where ceramic bearings are used to eliminate friction in the auto untwist function; and where Tectanium is used to make the thinnest and most aerodynamic depower lines. Technical innovations that make the Sensor 2S bar system peerless. Sometimes, it’s what you don’t see, that makes it so good. Still not good enough for you? Then, you are ready for the new Sensor 2S Pro.
For more information on CORE’s Sensor 2S/2S+, please click here.
Sensor 2S Pro
Your session’s awesomeness depends heavily on your gear. We believe the Sensor 2 control bar system contributes much more than you would think to kite performance. And it’s what you don’t see that makes our bars so unbelievably good. The functional know-how we hide inside and the minimalist design on the outside gives our bars the signature CORE confidence you expect. And the safety features you rely on.
The Sensor 2 bar is now joined by the new Sensor 2S and Sensor 2S Pro. Two new bars with more tech wizardry that you can’t even see at first glance. Regardless of your bar selection, The CORE Sensor 2 bar system will provide you with the lightest, safest, and most direct feeling bar on the market because we sell more than just cool bars. We sell confidence.
Meet the new Sensor 2S Pro bar
The only, titanium trussed, carbon fibre control bar. A bar that exhausts superlatives. A bar we are very proud of. We leveraged our experience in carbon fibre board building to build a 100% carbon fibre, thin grip, unibody bar reinforced with a titanium alloy truss. Although it shares many of the same features as our sensational Sensor 2S bar, it is profoundly different in that it features a full carbon fibre bar and 100% Tectanium lines, top to bottom. Go Sensor 2S Pro.
For more information on CORE’s Sensor 2S pro, please click here.
Surfboards
Ripper 3
To all the wave warriors out there, we agree, there is no bigger rush than riding waves of all shapes and sizes. Strapped. Or strapless. Like the ones a Nor’ easterly brings to the East Coast. Or a good low brings to the Great Lakes. For you, we built the ultra-comfortable, Ripper 3. An allrounder that feels right at home on big, messy, wind-driven lake swell or the super smooth reefs of Mauritius and Maui. The Ripper 3. A handcrafted, glass shortboard for all your road trips, wherever they may take you.
So, what is the payoff for going with glass over EPS? You get a classic, smooth-riding surfboard with impeccable carving characteristics that performs just as well without a kite. Can’t find any waves? No problem, try the new Ripper 3 with a CORE LW kite and discover how much fun lightwind riding is. Go back to the future with the carbon fibre and glass Ripper 3 and find your inner wave ninja.
For more information on CORE’s Ripper 3, please click here.
720
As we navigate the limitless world of strapless riding, we may ask ourselves, “How far can I take this?” For some, the simple answer might be, “I’ll be lucky to do a nice backside chop hop by the end of the season.” More experienced strapless riders might respond with “A no grab 360.” And then there are those lucky, super talented pros, who fully expect to be nailing 720s. It’s all good, though, and regardless of our skills, strapless riding keeps us smiling. But just in case you’d like to improve your strapless backrolls, jumps, or aerials, we built a very special board for you.
Jump on CORE’s newest directional, and light the fuse to adrenaline-pumping, head-turning, strapless action. The 720 brings a whole new level of style to just about any beach break. The short, compact shape practically glues itself to your feet even on big, explosive aerials. And it is tough enough to take the landings. Crank out the same stylish turns in tough, wind-driven break like you do on those glassy days. And in time, the 720 might bring out your inner Tony Hawk.
When it comes to versatility, CORE’s smallest wave board plays in the big leagues. The 720 is the star player that loves surf style. You’d think a tiny board like the 720 would need a lot more wind, but its flatter rocker and more parallel shape surprisingly planes faster than our Ripper 3. Think of it as your light wind secret weapon.
For more information on CORE’s 720, please click here.
Green Room
The beauty and allure of big wave riding are undeniable. Some of us will drop everything and drive hours in the hope of catching a really big day. And if you don’t live in Mauritius, Oahu, or Nazare, these days don’t come often enough. But when they do, you’d like to be prepared because you’ve experienced the washing machine and it’s not fun.
We built the brand new Green Room for you, a big wave hunter. We know this may sound like an F-16 ad, but we can’t help it. This stick is fast. Like F-16 fast. Staying ahead of the wave is no big deal for the Green Room. It changes direction like it’s fitted with the latest “fly by wire” systems. And it feels so in control on every bottom turn due in part to the Pipeline, Supertubos, and Mavericks DNA we added.
What is the Green Room’s secret sauce?
Glad you asked. Polyurethane foam and glass construction allow us to precisely fine-tune the rails, foil, and rocker for exceptional speed and agility on steep wave faces. The board differs from our allrounder Ripper 3 in that it is noticeably narrower and lower in volume (-15%). It also features a rounded pintail design that has less lift. These modifications contribute to its ability to grab hold of the wave for crazy control. A word of caution, though, this stick is not for everyone. It takes serious skill to ride this little gem. And so we named it for its ability to take exceptional riders to the holy grail of surfing – the green room.
For more information on CORE’s Green Room, please click here.
Twintips
Fusion 4
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If you liked our Fusion 3, the Swiss Army® knife of kiteboards, you’ll love the Fusion 4. Our newest twintip carries over all the good stuff from the Fusion 3 and then squeezes even more Cartan carbon into an improved outline. Is it better? Yes! Popping off has never been easier, and you’ll never outgrow it. Fusion 4. An extraordinarily versatile allrounder.
Who do we make the Fusion 4 for? Simply, kiters of all abilities who don’t see boots in their future. If boots are your thing or might be your thing, then check out the Choice 3 or Bolt 3. Do you see yourself dabbling in strapped freestyle? No problem. The Fusion 4 Multi-Channels give you surprising grip should you go fin-less. Do you like waves? Go for it on your deep-vee Fusion 4.
Our bestseller inherits its predecessor’s hard-charging multi-channel hull, chop V-shaped busting keel, and powerful Paulownia wood core. Reducing board thickness while adding more carbon fibre between the pads allows us to liven up the tips, add more pop, and most importantly, improve cruising comfort. Our lighter board sports a shiny new topcoat with UV blocking additives.
Fusion 4. A super talented allrounder powered by Cartan carbon.
For more information on CORE’s Fusion 4, please click here.
Choice 3
Freestyle expression takes a special sticktoitiveness that you have in spades. The infinite variations of mobes, spins, and loops you’ve perfected since your first backroll has earned you our respect. For you, we built the Choice 3 with Cartan powered pop, mega channelled grip, and custom flex.
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Or maybe, you’re new to freestyle. And you’re not sure whether being locked into boots is your thing right now. So, you’d rather hedge your bets and ride a board that’s just as much fun in straps as in boots. We made the Choice 3 for you too. Its new full-length deep Vee hull smoothes out nasty chop. And together with its optimised outline and mega channels, this comfortable allrounder rips upwind with reduced spray.
The Gen3 springs into action with the same proven CNC milled Paulownia and Cartan carbon sandwich construction used in the prior model and its adamantine cousin, the Bolt 3. Only now, the board is around 200g lighter without reducing its carbon or wood content! Our build method delivers outstanding flex properties; encouraging good freeride flex when gybing, controlling chop; and reducing bad flex (aka negative rocker) when landing hard or freestyling. More on this down below. But wait, there’s more! The Choice 3 also gets deeper channels that reduce the wetted surface area (and by extension, water resistance) thereby increasing board speed. We finished the board with a shiny, UV blocking topcoat. Whew! That’s a lot of new stuff!
Choice 3. More innovation. Less filler.
For more information on CORE’s Choice 3, please click here.
Bolt 3
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You’re the top dog in the park. You throw the sickest transitions and grind the gnarliest logs, docks and water features. Your board needs to edge hard, go big and take a beating. We built that and more into the Bolt 3. An easy-fix, super durable, boot only stylin’ machine for your high-flying adventures.
Experience next-level park performance with its custom wakestyle flex and improved hull. Our heavy-duty Cartan carbon fibre build process delivers outstanding wakestyle flex properties; encouraging good flex when gybing, for example; and eliminating bad flex (aka negative rocker) on hard impacts. We inserted two extra full-length channels to increase grip and speed. And we bevelled all of them so you won’t catch an edge on your favourite box or rail.
The Bolt 3 is rail ready. Ready to grind just about any rail, box or obstacle you find in your travels. Its adamantine wakestyle construction, bombproof boot inserts, and unique snowboard-like base may even launch you into Youtube stardom. Bolt 3 with Pro-Fix Grind base. Dingable. And repairable with a PTEX candle.
Raising wakestyle to a whole new level.
For more information on CORE’s Bolt 3, please click here.
Fusion 4 LW
Here at CORE, we look at light winds differently. We see opportunity. We see good times. And we get excited about the opportunity to try new things. So, grab your LW, head over to your favourite beach and smile ‘because life’s good.
Our 4th generation LW’s feature subtle upgrades to its fantastic predecessor. We slightly reduced board thickness by using more Cartan carbon – our proprietary fibre. It’s more expensive, but it’s worth it. Our engineers fine-tuned the outline and upgraded the deck with a shiny UV blocking topcoat. The lighter weight Fusion 4 LW isn’t complete without our new and fabulous Union Pro 3 or Comfort pads and straps. Add a pair now before you forget!
Fusion 4 LW. A super talented fun machine.
For more information on CORE’s Fusion 4 LW, please click here.
To view all CORE kites products, please click here.
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.
