Naish Kiteboarding Dash 10m 2017
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
Naish have introduced a couple of new kites this year, and some have made a return like the Boxer. We’ve hit the water on the new Boxer, but you’ll have to wait until next issue for the low down on that. This issue we headed out on the all-new Naish Dash.
Targeting all kiters, the Dash is aimed at being a fast, friendly kite to ride that has C shape kite performance traits.
It’s a 3-strut high aspect compact C design, allowing for a rapid turning speed with a responsive feel. It features some of Naish’s latest technology like Shark Teeth, Quad Tex, Octopus Inflation and much more.
The Dash is available in two colours and a bundle of sizes to suit any conditions.
Sizes: 5m, 6m, 7m, 8m, 9m, 10m, 11m, 12m, 14m.
The Bar
We took the Dash out using the new 2017 BTB Torque control system. The new Torque bars have undergone some serious work for this year, featuring a new release, new adjustable length bar ends, replaceable bar centre and many configuration options to suit you the riders. There are below the bar depower options as we see here, but also above the bar too.
The bar is incredibly robust yet comfortable when you get your hands on it; quality has been a focus here. There is a Double Density EVA Grip with Memory Core underneath to keep things comfortable, a Hytrel moulded chicken loop ensures the loop maintains it’s shape at all times, and aircraft grade aluminium has been used along with titanium screws and a Nylatron wear insert for the depower. The Fusion Bar End technology allows you to easily adjust the width of the bar and also manages the lines when packing up too!
The Torque release system is insanely simple and quick to use, releasing works immediately and clipping back in takes no time at all. We can use this in either standard mode or suicide mode. Ideal for those riders who unhook but want reliable safety while on the shore.
The bar has a large centre line giving us the ability to depower huge amounts on the fly. The BTB depower cleat is simple to use and very precise for trimming while on the water.
In The Air
Not many kites excite me the second they go into the air like the Dash did. It’s as if it’s shouting out ‘come on, let's go boost and loop!’ Instantly you can feel the directness of the kite through the bar, it’s responsive and incredibly rapid with just the right amount of bar pressure, not too much but you know where the kites is at all times.
Stability is ample considering the high aspect design should make it slightly less stable. We were flying in pretty gusty conditions on the Dash, but the kite soaks up all instabilities and is awesome to ride even on less than exciting days. Relaunch on the Dash is reassuring for its users, it's not as simple as some delta kites we see on the market, but a lot easier to relaunch than most true C shape kites, handy when you’re taking a beating trying those new moves.
“Insanely fast and will rocket you into the air!”
Moving onto how this weapon performs, for me, it’s got everything I want in a kite, it’s smooth, insanely fast and will rocket you into the air if you crank it. Loops are progressive and smooth, no lull points throughout. Often dabbling at freestyle, it’s important for me that a kite performs here too, as it is for many of you interested in this kite. The Dash is incredible for freestyle; the bar pressure lets you know where it is even while backwards and there’s plenty of slack to make those all important handle passes you've been working on.
We’ve seen a huge development in the materials used in kites of late and with Naish’s Quad Tex ripstop the Dash is one model that’s well and truly up there in build quality. These modern materials are not just making a change to the number of sessions we can clock up on our kites, but you can feel the tightness of the canopy through the bar. Naish have also included their new Shark Tooth technology in the Dash, it’s meant to stop any trailing edge flutter, and it succeeded throughout our tests.
For
Super robust, boosts like no tomorrow, rapid turning, insanely fun to use.
Against
No major complaints here, however, we would love to see a smaller version of the bar for the tiny sizes.
Overall
The Dash is a solid contender for those looking for a high-end freeride and freestyle kite. It’s rapid through the sky, built to last, provides good slack when unhooking and its easy, responsive feel make it the ultimate weapon of choice for those looking to push their freestyle game. We’re pretty sure when you get your hands on the Dash you’ll be pumped for hours after your session.
Videos
This review was in Issue 62 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit Naish KiteboardingRelated
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.
