Recent seasons have been a landmark period for kite development. New materials, smarter bridle systems, and some genuinely surprising redesigns have raised the bar across every discipline. Whether you're stepping onto the water for the first time or hunting for a kite to push your riding to the next level, the options have never been better.
We've tested across the range and pulled together the most comprehensive guide to this year's top kites – covering the brands we know and trust, organised by riding style so you can go straight to what matters for you.
What to Look For in a Kite
A few things have shifted in the market worth knowing before you buy. Aluula-framed kites have moved firmly into the mainstream – lighter, stiffer, and more responsive than traditional Dacron frames, but with a price premium. We've flagged throughout where we think the upgrade is genuinely worth it and where we reckon the standard version still delivers 90% of the performance for less.
The other major trend is wind range. Brands across the board have pushed hard to widen usable windows – good news for anyone who has watched a marginal-wind day pass them by on the beach.
Of course the main thing to look for in a kite is the attributes that you need. You can look at the most expensive, high performing kite on the planet with all of the latest materials and infinite tweakability, but – be honest with yourself – is that really what you want? Or would a cruisey and easy to ride all-rounder actually probably provide you with a more enjoyable experience and, most importantly, allow your riding to really progress.
We've got something for everyone in our guide so grab yourself your beverage of choice, clear the decks for half an hour, and then dive a bit deeper into what is right for you before reaching for the credit card!
All-Rounder / Freeride
The all-rounder is the workhorse of most quivers – the kite you reach for when conditions are good and you just want to ride. The best ones cover freeride, most Big Air expectations, foiling, and occasional surf sessions without feeling overly compromised in any of them.
CABRINHA
Cabrinha Moto Apex
TKM tested – Issue 67
Cabrinha's do-everything kite gets the Apex treatment – a high-aspect three-strut design with super-stiff Aluula Gold outer struts that keep weight down without losing structure. We tested it from a marginal light-wind morning to 35-knot gusts and it never lost its shape or composure. The low-end is exceptional, the bar pressure intuitive, and the first jump caught us off guard with how much vertical lift it found in marginal wind.
Best for Beginners through to advanced freeriders – and anyone learning Big Air in low-to-mid wind.
Sizes 7–12m
What we love Massive low-end, effortless handling, and surprising vertical lift and hangtime across the whole range.
Worth knowing Cabrinha pitch it as a freeride kite; in practice it's a brilliant, accessible Big Air progression tool. Try both the low-V and high-V settings.
DUOTONE
Duotone Evo SLS
The Evo has been a benchmark all-rounder for years, and the SLS version cements it further. Built with Penta TX and Trinity TX materials, it's meaningfully lighter than the standard Evo without losing any of the rock-solid stability that built the kite's reputation. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, the wind range is exceptional, and relaunch is effortless.
Best for Intermediate to advanced riders wanting a single do-everything kite.
Sizes 5–14m
What we love Exceptional wind range, easy water relaunch, predictable power delivery. The SLS materials turn everything up a notch.
Worth knowing The standard Evo delivers 90% of this at significantly less cost. The SLS upgrade is for riders who value every gram.
HARLEM
Harlem Thrive
TKM tested – Issue 60
From the Hadlow–Groesel dream team and Brainchild's solar-powered factory, the Thrive is pitched as a universal three-strut all-rounder – but our testers reckon that undersells it. The PROWELD welded leading edge makes it noticeably stiff and snappy, springing into action with a flick of the wrist, while staying remarkably light (just 2.3kg with the 9m). It holds its position in the window beautifully and is almost impossible to upset, even with imperfect bar inputs.
Best for Riders of every level and discipline – from confident Big Air and kiteloops to waves and general freeride.
Sizes 5–17m (we tested the 9m).
What we love Precise, predictable steering with genuine bar feedback, superb stability, ultra-light Dacron build, and an ethical production story. One of the most well-rounded kites we've ever flown.
Worth knowing A smaller brand, but the design (and KOTA) pedigree is top-tier. Three wingtip trim settings let you tune the bar pressure.
CORE
CORE Nexus 4
CORE have been building kites out of Fehmarn, Germany since 2001, and their engineering pedigree shows. The Nexus 4 is their all-round flagship – a three-strut Future-C shape that is playful and reactive, handles everything from freeride to small waves to foil sessions, and remains surprisingly forgiving for a kite with this performance ceiling.
Best for All-level riders who mix freeride, occasional waves, and foiling. One of the most genuinely versatile kites in any lineup.
Sizes 5–17m
What we love Exceptional versatility, German build quality, wide wind range. CORE only release a new kite when they consider it a genuine step forward.
Worth knowing If your riding leans towards Big Air, CORE's own Pace is the punchier pick – but for pure all-round versatility across freeride, waves and foil, the Nexus 4 is hard to beat.
Big Air
Big air demands explosive lift, maximum hangtime, and stability at altitude. These kites deliver all three – in different ways.
NORTH
North Orbit
TKM tested – Issue 63
Completely redesigned, the Orbit is North's most impressive kite to date. The new N-Max2 airframe brings 8% less weight and 30% more strength. A higher aspect ratio (up from 4.3 to 5.2), slimmer leading edge, and a new five-point precision bridle deliver punchier turns, more vertical lift, and a smoother second lift after a loop.
Best for Riders progressing into big air and kitelooping, through to advanced riders pushing into complex manoeuvres.
Sizes 6–14m
What we love The redesign has genuinely moved the needle on lift and hangtime. More accessible handling than most dedicated big air kites.
Worth knowing Full redesign – if you rode a previous Orbit then time to revisit the latest edition for a fresh perspective…
CABRINHA
Cabrinha Nitro Apex
TKM tested – Issue 66
The Apex badge means Cabrinha's best materials – an Ultra HT airframe over a Teijin D2 canopy, with super-thin bridles – on a five-strut, high-aspect, high-sweep platform. We rode the 9m in everything from light wind to over 30 knots and found a kite with two personalities: a smooth, forgiving freeride kite down low, transforming into something sharp, agile and seriously lifty up high. The jump timing stays forgiving throughout, so it's remarkably easy to send big with confidence.
Best for Riders stepping into Big Air, right through to advanced riders chasing loops – without an intimidating learning curve.
Sizes 6–12m
What we love Huge, accessible lift, a wide and forgiving jump sweet spot, and approachable kiteloops that catch reliably on the way down.
Worth knowing Cabrinha call it a Big Air kite; we'd describe it as a high-end freeride kite with big Big-Air ability – and that's the magic. Almost any twintip rider can unlock it.
ELEVEIGHT
Eleveight Stratos+
TKM tested – Issue 66
Eleveight's new dedicated Big Air/freeride flagship replaces the much-loved XS, built in the premium ‘+' segment with a thin XTC Tex 2.0 leading edge and a tough 6×6-reinforced canopy. We tested the 8m in 40-knot Tarifa storms and the standout trait was its high-end control – push the bar out and the power all but disconnects, giving a near-limitless top end. Sit it upright for explosive, ultra-vertical lift and huge hangtime, with a noticeable second lift out of every downloop.
Best for Riders progressing into Big Air through to experienced boosters and loopers who want a storm-day weapon.
Sizes 6–12m (we tested the 8m).
What we love Explosive vertical lift, exceptional hangtime, light-to-medium bar pressure that never tires, and surprisingly tight, controlled, fast-recovering kiteloops.
Worth knowing It rewards proper technique at the very top end but is forgiving enough to learn on. On bigger sends it can overfly slightly – a downloop sorts it.
CORE
CORE XR Pro 2
The XR has been one of the most decorated big air kites in competition history, and the XR Pro 2 is its most evolved form. Built with an Aluula airframe developed with GKA Big Air World Champion Zara Hoogenraad, it delivers lightning-fast kite speed, minimal deformation under load, and immediate transmission of every steering input.
Best for Advanced big air and kiteloop riders who want competition-proven performance.
Sizes 6–12m
What we love Razor-sharp response, competition pedigree, Aluula build that outperforms heavier alternatives.
Worth knowing A demanding kite that rewards skill and commitment. Pair with CORE's Sensor 4 Pro bar for best results.
RRD
RRD Gold Obsession
TKM tested – Issue 61
A long-standing RRD model reborn as a pure Big Air weapon in Aluula. A three-strut delta with an Aluula leading edge and strut bases (with Rectex Dacron tips for flex) over a Technoforce D2 canopy – light, fast and direct, with RRD's proprietary ‘rigid thread lines' amplifying things yet further. Our testers summed it up in three words: ‘lift for days.' It consistently delivered an unexpected extra boost off every jump, turns quickly but stays manageable, and climbs hard for a big second lift out of loops.
Best for Big Air enthusiasts and freeriders chasing maximum lift and hangtime – weekend warriors through to pros.
Sizes 6–12m
What we love Huge, slightly-more-than-expected lift, smooth pivoting kiteloops with a strong second lift, linear power across the whole range and instant confidence.
Worth knowing The Aluula build keeps it light and direct. Pairs naturally with RRD's Global bar and rigid thread lines.
REEDIN
Reedin MasterModel
TKM tested – Issue 67
Another Brainchild-built Reedin, the MasterModel uses the PROWELD welded leading edge to shed serious weight, and it shows: it flies like a kite a size smaller, with the signature light bar pressure and effortless steering Ralf's kites are known for. The lift is explosive and easy to access, the hangtime huge, and the loops so intuitive and forgiving that we found ourselves trying variations we'd never normally attempt in gusty wind. We clocked 27m+ jumps and it stayed comfortable well over 35 knots.
Best for Riders chasing big boosts and confident, accessible loops – and anyone who wants huge performance without a punishing, rigid feel.
Sizes 6–12m
What we love Explosive, accessible lift, a massive sweet spot, smooth second-lift downloops and easy landings. Suits ~95% of twintip riders.
Worth knowing A Big Air weapon at heart – but its forgiving loops make it a brilliant progression kite.
Beginners
Choosing your first kite matters. The right kite builds confidence and keeps you safe. The wrong one can lead to frustration and potentially dangerous situations.
NORTH
North Reach
TKM tested – Issue 66
The Reach has long been our go-to recommendation for beginners, and the latest update makes it even better. Lighter than its predecessor with enhanced lift for easier transitions, more direct steering, and fast depower when you need it. Forgiving without being dull.
Best for Beginners and early intermediates. Also a strong travel kite for experienced riders who want something super versatile.
Sizes 6–14m
What we love Effortless water relaunch, wide depower range, fast recovery when things go sideways.
Worth knowing The Reach was one of the first kites to embrace the ‘true all rounder' mantra as the Desert Island kite.
AIRUSH
Airush One V2
The One V2 is Airush's dedicated beginner and school kite, and it shows in every design decision. Single-strut layout keeps it light and easy to handle, the low aspect ratio makes it predictable in gusty conditions, and extra reinforcing means it survives the school environment without complaint.
Best for Complete beginners, kite schools, and lighter riders looking for a forgiving entry point.
Sizes 3–17m
What we love Huge wind range for its size, forgiving in gusty conditions, built to last in a learning environment.
Worth knowing Once you are progressing, the Airush Lithium is the natural next step in the range.
CABRINHA
Cabrinha Switchblade
TKM tested – Issue 65
A genuine icon – the Switchblade has been a benchmark freeride kite since 2006, and the Apex version keeps its classic mid-aspect, five-strut shape with Cabrinha's latest Ultra HT leading edge and Teijin D2 canopy. We tested it across every condition: rock-solid in wild gusts with zero flutter, a ‘rails-on-rails' feel through turns, and effortless upwind that beginners especially appreciate. Jumping is straightforward with solid height and floaty hangtime, and relaunch is as easy as it gets.
Best for Riders fresh out of lessons all the way to seasoned freeriders – and heavier riders who want a kite that never deforms.
Sizes 5–14m
What we love Predictable, user-friendly handling, excellent low and high end, easy jumping and a bombproof build. A true confidence-builder.
Worth knowing Medium-to-high bar pressure gives constant feedback. Multiple trim options for steering speed, bar pressure and power.
REEDIN
Reedin SuperModel
TKM tested – Issue 62
Reedin's do-it-all kite, refined over several seasons and carrying clear Ralf Groesel DNA – light, intuitive and forgiving. We rode it from over 30 knots down to barely-there foiling wind and it stayed comfortable, predictable and fun throughout, with light bar pressure, a massive depower range and easy relaunch. It jumps well, loops smoothly and even handles strapless freestyle.
Best for Anyone who isn't laser-focused on one discipline – and beginners especially. Easy to learn on, capable enough to keep for years.
Sizes 4–16m (we tested the 9m).
What we love Huge wind range, intuitive handling across every board and condition, great drift and an exceptionally high smiles-per-session ratio.
Worth knowing A genuine quiver-of-one that grows with you – equally at home on a twintip, surfboard or foil.
Waves
Wave kiting has its own demands: drift, quick depower, fast turning, and the ability to stay parked while you focus on actually riding the wave. These are the best we've ridden this year.
RRD
RRD Gold Religion
TKM tested – Issue 66
RRD's dedicated wave kite in its highest-performance Gold trim, with an 85% Aluula leading edge and Aluula strut bases over a Rectex Dacron frame – noticeably lighter and more reactive than a full-Dacron build. On the wave its drift is sublime, even in side-on and onshore conditions, and the depower is so progressive that it essentially ‘switches off' at the end of the throw – invaluable on the face of a wave. Fast, pivotal and tight in the pocket, yet endlessly intuitive.
Best for Wave riders of every level – and anyone who wants one kite for surf, strapless freestyle and even light-wind foiling.
Sizes 7–13m
What we love Class-leading drift, brilliantly judged depower-to-turn, light reactive Aluula build and genuine multi-discipline versatility.
Worth knowing First and foremost a wave kite, but it doubles superbly for strapless freestyle and foiling.
HARLEM
Harlem Flow
A newer name in the wave category but one turning heads fast. Designed by Ralf Groesel and Aaron Hadlow, the Flow is a compact low-aspect three-strut kite that pivots quickly and stays exactly where you place it. Smooth drift, light bar pressure, and fast turning make it a natural fit for the surf environment.
Best for Intermediate to advanced wave riders. Also strong as a crossover wave/freeride kite.
Sizes 5–10m
What we love Predictable power delivery, tight pivotal turns, versatile enough for freeride sessions between swells.
Worth knowing Harlem's solar-powered Brainchild production is the most sustainable in the business if that factors into your buying decision.
CORE
CORE Section 5
CORE's dedicated wave kite with an exceptional pedigree and built to last. The improved Future-C shape reduces flutter and sharpens side-off performance, while the construction is among the most robust in the category – a precise, drifty, dependable surf tool.
Best for Dedicated wave riders who want German build quality and pure surf performance.
Sizes 5–12m
What we love Excellent drift, reduced flutter, improved side-off handling and famously tough construction.
Worth knowing A focused wave kite – pair it with a bigger all-rounder if you also want to boost regularly or get out in smaller waves on lighter days…
NORTH
North Carve
TKM tested – Issue 61
A perennial in North's range and a former cover kite, the Carve is among the most stable and solid wave kites on the market. Built on a three-strut platform with a light N-HTRS canopy and Airlight bladders, it has shed weight year on year while keeping its trademark solidity. Power delivery is impressively linear across the whole depower range, the bar pressure light but full of feedback, and its fore-and-aft stability means it rarely tips or backstalls – it just hovers and waits for you.
Best for Wave riders who value stability and predictability across both offshore and onshore conditions.
Sizes 5–12m
What we love Class-leading drift, rock-solid stability, linear power delivery and a beautifully smooth surge through pivotal turns.
Worth knowing Mid-aspect but rides more efficiently than that suggests, with strong upwind ability. Snappy but never spiky.
Freestyle
Freestyle demands pop, precise timing, direct feedback, and consistent slack for unhooked riding. These are not kites for the faint-hearted.
CORE
CORE GTS6
The GTS has been CORE's loop-and-send kite for years, and the GTS6 is the sharpest version yet. Three-strut open-C shape, ultra-short bridle, fast and powerful – built for riders who want to throw down hooked or unhooked, from S-bends and board-offs to megaloops. Bar pressure is strong and feedback is sharp.
Best for Advanced freestyle riders and kiteloop progressors. Not a beginner's kite.
Sizes 5–17m
What we love Explosive pop, sharp turning, genuine competition-level freestyle performance. Also available in a light wind version (GTS6 LW).
Worth knowing Demands skill and commitment. Rewards both generously.
ELEVEIGHT
Eleveight FS
The FS is Eleveight's dedicated freestyle kite – an open-C, five-strut design built for explosive pop, loops and big boosts in strong wind. Precise timing, strong pop, and direct feedback help technical riders progress in powered unhooked riding. An underrated alternative to the more visible brands in this category.
Best for Intermediate to advanced riders pushing into freestyle and big air loops.
Sizes 8–14m
What we love Precise timing, strong pop, competitive pricing relative to big-brand equivalents.
Worth knowing Pair with Eleveight's CS bar for best results.
DUOTONE
Duotone Dice SLS
Duotone's crossover freestyle/big-air kite in lightweight SLS trim, built with Penta TX and Trinity TX materials for explosive pop and razor-sharp turning. A favourite for riders who want punchy, precise unhooked performance without leaving the Duotone ecosystem.
Best for Intermediate to advanced riders chasing pop, unhooked tricks and aggressive loops.
Sizes 6–13m
What we love Explosive pop, sharp direct turning and excellent unhooked slack.
Worth knowing Best paired with Duotone's own bar. A freestyle/freeride crossover rather than a pure wakestyle kite.
Light Wind & Foiling
Light wind and foil riding demand efficiency above all else – kites that fly forward in the window, generate power early, and stay manageable as the foil accelerates beneath you.
AIRUSH
Airush Ultra Team DS
TKM tested – Issue 67
Airush's high-performance light-wind and foil machine, and the most evolved take on their pioneering single-strut design. The double-surface (DS) leading edge smooths airflow for efficiency, while the H2 Ultra PE airframe cuts weight by ~30% – our 9m weighed just 2.3kg. On the water it's exceptionally direct and efficient, flying far forward in the window with constant power through turns, silent and flutter-free, with huge upwind angles and effortless drift.
Best for Foilers and light-wind riders – smaller sizes also crossover to a surfboard, larger sizes chase the very first knots.
Sizes 7–17m
What we love Outstanding low-end efficiency, silent flutter-free flight, superb drift and easy back-line relaunch in almost no wind.
Worth knowing Single-strut design handles differently to multi-strut kites – give it a session. Not a one-trick foil pony; it doubles as a low-wind twintip kite.
CORE
CORE XLite 2
CORE's dedicated light-wind and foil weapon – a single-strut LEI sitting around 30% lighter than the Nexus. Purpose-built to generate power early and fly efficiently at the low speeds foiling demands, it's the tool for chasing the first whisper of breeze.
Best for Foilers and light-wind riders who want maximum efficiency and early power.
Sizes 2–13.5m
What we love Featherweight single-strut build, early power generation and efficient flight at low speed.
Worth knowing A specialist light-wind tool – most riders pair it with a regular freeride quiver.
CORE
CORE Pace
TKM tested – Issue 62
The Dacron sibling of CORE's Aluula Pace Pro – a lightweight, three-strut freeride kite that's noticeably forgiving and smooth. Reverse-engineered from a competition Big Air kite, it keeps the easy hangtime and reliable, smooth-pulling loops but adds the accessibility and drift that make it a brilliant all-day kite, including when the wind drops.
Best for Freeriders who want a smooth, lightweight kite with strong hangtime – and a dependable option on lighter days.
Sizes 5–13.5m
What we love Silky-smooth power delivery, reliable climb-and-catch loops, low water-suction relaunch and great drift for its class.
Worth knowing Leans towards freeride/Big Air rather than dedicated light wind – but its light build and drift make it a versatile lighter-day choice. Needs a CORE Sensor 4 bar.
Kite Sizing Guide
Not sure what size you need? Use this as a starting point – factor in your local wind conditions and body weight.
| Wind range | Rider ~70kg | Rider ~85kg |
|---|---|---|
| 10–15 knots | 14–17m | 15–17m |
| 15–20 knots | 11–13m | 12–14m |
| 20–25 knots | 9–11m | 10–12m |
| 25–30 knots | 7–9m | 8–10m |
| 30+ knots | 5–7m | 6–8m |
Most riders build a two or three-kite quiver to cover their full wind range. A common starting setup is a 9m and 12m, with a 7m added as skills and conditions demand.
TheKiteMag tests all kites featured in this guide with our own team of riders across a range of conditions. We only recommend kites we have ridden ourselves. Some links in this article are affiliate links – if you purchase through them, we may earn commission at no extra cost to you.
