Eleveight RS V9

You know that Christmas-morning feeling? That excitement of unwrapping a surprise, (normally) not knowing what’s inside? This time, we were treated to a very welcome surprise: the latest Eleveight RS. We couldn’t wait to put it to the test, especially since we fell in love with this kite last year for its outstanding versatility across all conditions and disciplines.

Unpacking the kite held no surprises in the best way possible, the RS is still a 3-strut delta design built with top-tier materials. The canopy uses a 4×4 ripstop fabric that feels incredibly rigid and durable to the touch. The leading edge is made from reliable Dacron, while a notable upgrade can be found in the trailing edge and wingtips, which now feature a whopping 6×6 ripstop fabric for enhanced longevity, something every kiter appreciates. As expected from Eleveight, the RS looks and feels premium throughout. The weight is what you’d expect from a kite made with such durable materials. That said, for the larger sizes, Eleveight uses lighter fabrics in key areas to keep the overall weight down without sacrificing performance. The RS V9 keeps its signature three tuning options – freeride, freestyle and wave – letting you adapt the kite to your riding style or conditions. We tested the 10m model, starting with the factory-set freeride configuration, and right away, it proved its versatility.

We had the chance to test it in a wide range of conditions, from very light to high winds, and in both gusty and steady wind environments. Across the board, the kite remained impressively stable and forgiving. Its low-end performance is excellent, and generating power is effortless, just sheet in and go. Upwind performance is smooth and efficient, thanks to its ideal positioning in the wind window. Water relaunching is also easy and intuitive, making it accessible for less experienced riders. We pushed it to its upper wind limit as well. While the high-end range may feel slightly less solid compared to last year’s version, it still offers a generous top end without ever feeling out of control.

In the freeride setup, the RS delivers strong upwind capabilities, effortless relaunch, and an impressive wind range. These features make it an ideal choice for riders starting out or those looking for a dependable all-rounder. One session gave us the perfect chance to test the RS V9 at its high-end limit and we seized the opportunity to switch to the freestyle bridle setting. The difference was instant: the kite became snappier, more responsive and delivered stronger power through turns with improved lift and hangtime. While it’s not as Big-Air-focused as the XS, it’s far more forgiving and accessible, making it a great choice for riders who want performance without intimidation.

The real surprise? Kiteloops on a 10m! Despite its size, the RS V9 threw down incredibly tight, far tighter than we expected! That responsiveness gave us a new level of confidence to push the kite further.

Just as we were wrapping up our review, we finally scored a day good enough to pull out our beloved surfboard. In onshore conditions, the RS showed solid drift capabilities, making wave riding smooth and surprisingly fun. It handled the messy onshore conditions with ease and put a big smile on our faces.

So, who is the RS V9 for? In our opinion, this kite is a perfect fit for mainly two types of riders. For new riders who just finished their lessons and are looking for a kite that will support their progression, the RS is an excellent choice. It’s easy to relaunch, goes upwind effortlessly, has a wide wind range, and offers a super intuitive, trustworthy feel in the air. And also for all-around riders who like to make the most of any day on the water, no matter the conditions. Whether cruising on a mellow Sunday, hitting waves with a surfboard or chasing big jumps and loops, this kite does it all, and with just a quick tweak of a bridle knot.

It’s no surprise the RS continues to be Eleveight’s best-selling kite. It’s a true all-rounder that performs across the board.