Tell Me About It: Eleveight Stratos+

Why have you released the Stratos+ when the XS and XS Pro already serve your Big Air customers? Will you be keeping the XS and XS Pro in your range?

This was actually a long and very lively discussion within the team! The short version of the story is that our lead kite designer, Peter Stiewe, came to us with a completely new concept and a very clear vision. Rather than evolving the XS yet again, he wanted to start with a blank sheet of paper and rethink what a modern Big Air kite should be.

Once we saw where this new direction was going, it became clear that this wasn’t just another XS update. It deserved its own identity, and that’s how the Stratos+ was born. As a result, the Stratos+ will replace both the XS and XS Pro in our range. Think of it less as ‘one more kite’ and more as the next chapter of our Big Air story.

So how does it differ to the XS and XS Pro?

At first glance, the Stratos+ will look familiar with its delta hybrid design and 5-strut frame and it looks like it belongs in the Big Air world. But once you look closer, the differences become obvious.

The shape and specifications are fairly unique and we’ve introduced a six-point bridle, which gives the kite a much more direct feel and significantly increases overall stability. The wing tips have also been reworked with a lower-drag profile, allowing for faster and cleaner loop speeds.

We’ve also changed the material configuration of the inflatable structure. The leading edge uses XTC Tex 2.0, a lightweight material that’s especially resistant to deformation, which is exactly what you want when you’re loading the kite hard and sending it to the moon. Combined with the new bridle, bar input is transmitted instantly, making the Stratos+ fast, direct and very dynamic.

In terms of flying performance, the Stratos+ is a classic modern Big Air kite, reacting instantly with massive lift and hangtime, and impressive loop speed with loads of control. Whether it’s old-school power loops, board-off tricks or fast spinning doubles, it’s very happy doing it all and more.

Tell us more about the materials used for the Stratos+. Did you try a few different options?

Oh yes… we tried a lot of options! Probably more than our test riders would like to remember. The goal was always to find the right balance. On the performance side, we wanted a frame that is stiff and responsive, but still allows a controlled amount of twist. To achieve this, we use the XTC Tex 2.0 in the leading edge. We already had great experience with this material from the wing market, and its performance and durability are outstanding.

For the struts, we use our XT 2.0 material. Here, we deliberately wanted a bit more flex to keep the kite feeling dynamic and reactive rather than overly rigid.

When it comes to the canopy, we rely on our proven X4 ripstop yarn, but combine it with X6 ripstop yarn in high-stress areas such as the trailing edge and the transitions between the inflatable structure and the canopy. The X6 improves load transfer, which is essential for a kite that’s used in extreme conditions with extreme peak loads.

It all sounds quite technical, but these details really matter for the Big Air market. At the same time, this material mix allows us to keep the kite at a reasonable price point. Aluula is a fantastic material, but it comes with a high price and also some performance compromises. The reality is that kites above the €3,000 mark aren’t for everyone. With the Stratos+, we wanted true high-end performance that’s still accessibly priced to a broader range of riders.

Are there any other features not present on your existing kites that you’d like to highlight to our readers?

Not really but that’s actually a good thing. The Stratos+ follows the standards of our Plus range, like the RS+ and GT4+, so many of the features will feel familiar if you know our other products. What is new for this season, and also featured on the Stratos+, is our new Push Lock valve. It’s noticeably faster for inflation and integrates better into the leading-edge structure and bladder. It’s one of those small details you really appreciate when it comes to getting on the water faster!

Could the Stratos+ crossover for use in any other disciplines?

Absolutely! We label the Stratos+ as a Big Air / extreme freeride kite, but in general, a 5-strut kite is a great choice for a wide range of conditions. The Stratos+ works perfectly for freeride, especially if you like a kite with a bit more grunt. The stable frame performs brilliantly in gusty conditions and is also very forgiving for heavier riders.

The kite’s nature is all about lift and hangtime, which benefits every freerider. It has a really nice pop for normal jumps, combined with plenty of control. And when you feel ready to push things further, the Stratos+ will happily help you progress from regular freeriding into a more extreme style without forcing you to change kites along the way.

Who was involved in the design and testing of the Stratos+, and how long has it been in development?

Developing a 5-strut kite wasn’t new territory for us. Since day one we’ve had the FS in our line-up, and of course the XS as well. Peter Stiewe has been designing kites for over three decades and has a long history with 5-strut designs. Smaller leading edges and new materials were already very familiar ground for him.

The first ideas behind the Stratos+ go back around two years. We could feel that Big Air was evolving, and with it the needs of the riders. As always, our development process is very much a team effort. Designers and riders discuss trends, ideas turn into concepts, and the first prototype hits the water. We’re lucky to have some very well-rounded Big Air riders in our team. The Stratos+ was tested in different spots, in different conditions and with various specifications. We went through several prototype rounds before finally pushing the button for production. It’s a process that takes time, but in the end it’s exactly what makes the difference on the water! ■