Eleveight XS V6

If you got our last issue, you probably read our review of the latest Eleveight RS. Alongside it, we received the all-new XS V6, giving us a couple of months to test it in a wide range of conditions. We were big fans of last year’s model, so were stoked to have the XS at our disposal a couple of months to really put it through its paces.

The Eleveight XS is a 5-strut, high aspect ratio Big Air kite. Wondering what “XS” stands for? It’s short for Extreme Series, and this kite really lives up to its name. It’s built to handle serious Big Air conditions. Eleveight has chosen materials specifically to withstand the harshest environments: traditional, trusted Dacron; a durable 4×4 yarn canopy; and an even tougher 6×6 yarn fabric on the trailing edge and other high-stress areas. Combined with Eleveight’s signature construction and reinforcements in key zones, the XS feels impressively solid, a kite designed to keep its performance season after season, even if you only take it out in the wildest conditions. Of course, there’s a trade-off. The XS isn’t the lightest kite in its category, but as a dedicated Big Air machine, that small extra weight feels like a fair price to pay for its stability and durability.

Our first session with the kite was in over 30 knots. As we rigged up, we remembered our first session last year – the lift was so aggressive we ended up tightening our footstraps mid-session because our back foot kept slipping out the board. This time, we tightened them before hitting the water. It proved to be a smart move…

Let’s start with the basics. This kite is grunty and delivers a lot of power, but it balances that with excellent depower. The bar pressure is on the heavier side, yet it gives great, direct feedback – worth noting that it’s a pulley-free design. Turning speed is average for its size, and it feels rock-solid and compact in the air, even in wild gusts. Thanks to this, it would be a fantastic option for heavier riders or anyone whose current kite deforms under high loads.

So, how does it jump? This is where the XS really shines. It still delivers one of the most aggressive, vertical lifts we’ve ever experienced – the same addictive boost that made us love last year’s version. The sensation is unique: during takeoff, the kite sits slightly forward rather than pulling directly overhead. This translates into incredible lift and hangtime, allowing you to cover significant distance downwind. And what about kiteloops? With its medium-to-high bar pressure, we expected a massive yank and a radical, hard-to-control loop. In reality, it’s quite the opposite – the XS loops on a surprisingly tight arc, making kiteloops smoother and easier to combine with other tricks. All this said, the kite also comes with multiple tuning options on both the steering lines and the front bridles. With just a few knots adjustments you can change its turning style – from tight, fast loops to old-school low loops with massive pull.

Who is the XS V6 for? With its huge lift, long hangtime and easy, controllable loops, the XS is a dream for Big Air riders. It does require some skills to unlock its full potential, but nothing that a bit of practice can’t achieve. And thanks to its impressive low and high end range, excellent upwind performance and super-easy water relaunch, the XS V6 is also a solid choice for freeriders who want a versatile, high-performance kite.

We mentioned it in our V5 review, but it’s still true: the XS V6 proves that a smart, well-thought-out design using traditional materials can keep pace with the latest high-tech innovations.