Kitelement Re Volt 143 x 43cm 2019
Reviews / Twin Tips
7,148
At A Glance
Kitelement have slowly and quietly been working away at the progression of split boards for quite some time, and have burst onto the scene with an entire range of kiteboards, that not only address the needs of freeriders, freestylers and everything in between but also split in half for easy transport and travel.
The Re Volt sits within the Kitelement range as their all-round go-to board. More versatile than the carbon-infused Re Solve, the Re Volt has been designed to fill the needs of the many. It features a softer flex for a more comfortable all-round ride and has wide tips that encourage early planing and stability on trick landings. The base of the board features channels for extra grip, and additional channelling on the tips adds to the ease of use and upwind drive.
New for 2019, Kitelement have changed the way their boards fix together. Previously we have seen the ‘A Lock System’ however, now a far simpler version of an overlap is in play which is fastened together with six well-positioned screws. Both sections of the board seem stronger, and the fastening is just as effective.
Sizes: 132x39, 136x41, 140x43, 144x44cm
“holds speed well, and this in turn lends itself to some surprisingly accessible pop”
On The Water
The Re Volt immediately feels comfortable underfoot. This could well be down to the very secure pad and strap combo with a very useful little toe hook on the pad, or could simply be the flex pattern, and design of the board have made it that way.
The wide tips and flatter midsection of the board get you planning quickly and easily, and there is some fantastic grip available when you lock in an edge. Upwind is good, not as sharp as some boards, but still in the good and accessible range.
There is some great carving available from the Re Volt; the wide tips enable you to edge hard against them; search out some lumps of chop or the face of a small wave, and you will have hours of fun sending buckets of spray and getting low to the waters surface.
The Re Volt holds speed well, and this, in turn, lends itself to some surprisingly accessible pop. Not an all-out freestyler, but certainly a board where you are able to progress well with some unhooked moves. There is good release on take-off, and the wide tips hold you steady throughout even the most unbalanced landings.
Likewise, some old-school freestyle is great fun, the board springs off the water well and is light enough to throw around in the air with ease.
Both flat and choppy water posed no problem. The really choppy stuff sends up some spray of course, but the smoothness of the ride takes away any brain shake which can sometimes happen!
Overall
A really enjoyable board, you would be forgiven for forgetting you were on a split board. Lighter weight than previous years and a simpler joint system have only added to this great all-round board. For a freerider who is keen to progress and for whom size in travel is crucial, the Re Volt should be at the top of your list to try.
Videos
This review was in Issue 76 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit KitelementRelated
By Robin and Sukie
With years of kite sport experience combined, you can be sure you’ll be receiving the highest quality of knowledge on the best equipment the industry has to offer.
