CORE Kiteboarding Nexus 3 12m 2022
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
The CORE Nexus 3 is a 3-strut all-around kite designed for riders who want a versatile kite that performs well in a wide range of conditions. The big headline for the new Nexus is the material mix to create the kite. Using ExoTex 2 in the leading edge alongside ExoTex Light for the struts creates a lighter, stiffer airframe, improving the handling. The canopy is CoreTex 2, a proprietary triple ripstop with a special coating designed to be exceedingly durable while saving on weight; it is also stiffer and helps the kite keep its shape in strong gusty conditions. In terms of the design, the team have focused on the arc shape, aspect ratio and tip shape to get the maximum in terms of performance and handling. Pitched as a versatile all-rounder, it's perfect for freeride, big air and wave riding.
Sizes: 4m, 5m, 6m, 7m, 8m, 9m, 10m, 11m, 12m, 13.5m
In The Air
CORE is known for their exceptional build quality and attention to detail; construction is second to none on this kite. Once you've pumped up and launched, you'll find a very stable kite in the sky. Regardless of the conditions, the kite feels very well balanced and tuned. It has a smooth power delivery when you sheet in, and the control is right at your fingertips.
Engage the bar, and the turn is smooth and direct; it's fast through the window, and it's easy to generate a lot of power and apparent wind when you need to. When the wind increases, the power delivery is constant and gusty winds are smoothed out by the kite's impressive handling.
In terms of power, the CORE Nexus 3 has a moderate amount of grunt, meaning that it can generate enough power to get you up and riding, but it's not so powerful that it feels hard to control or overpowering. The bar pressure is light with good feedback, and the well-behaved nature of the kite means there are no surprises with it drifting where you don't want it to in the window.
One area where the CORE Nexus 3 really shines is in its upwind performance. Thanks to its efficient design, the kite is able to generate a lot of forward drive, allowing you to ride upwind with ease. Jumping on the Nexus 3 is easy; the kite changes direction quickly, and it is easy to send it back in the window and get a good lift on pretty much every jump. Hangtime is good, and the C shape nature means it's more of a boosting machine rather than an airtime provider. The jumps are aggressive, though, with plenty of lift on take-off.
In the waves, the Nexus 3 is fantastic. The direct handling and speedy turns allow you move the kite on the wave with ease. When the conditions are offshore, the kite is happy to drift, too. Wave riders will love this kite and get a lot out of it, no matter the conditions. Relaunch, as you would expect, is impressive, too. A simple pull of the back line is all it takes to get the kite up and out of the water.
The Nexus 3 is an impressive all-rounder, perfect for the kiter who has a twin tip, surfboard and foil in their quiver. It's the perfect tool for the rider who lets the conditions define their sessions. With a lighter, stiffer airframe and incredible handling, there is a lot to love here!
Overall
Overall, the Core Nexus 3 is a highly versatile kite that's great for riders of all skill levels. Offering you smooth and predictable handling, stability in gusty wind conditions, and excellent upwind performance. With smooth power delivery and responsive handling and manoeuvrability, the Nexus 3 is a joy to ride in any conditions. If you're looking for a kite that's easy to fly, well-built, and capable of performing well in a wide range of conditions and across different disciplines, the CORE Nexus 3 should be on your radar!
Videos
This review was in Issue 98 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit CORE KiteboardingRelated
By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!
