Airush Lift V3 review - UK

We were lucky enough to get our paws on two 9m V3 Lifts from Airush - 5 months before the official release. We also managed to get the 7,8,10 and 12 here a week ago, and this is the tale of what they are like, how they feel and what they are like compared to the V1 and V2.
It's an all new kite for 2023, there has been a huge amount of change - big air is evolving...

[@oceanromeo]

Great review. Very informative. Impressive video skills also make it an enjoyable watch.

[@jasonvds]

Brilliant review! Glad you enjoy them

[@ktwo-surf]

Thank you sir, they are indeed very special. New rules indeed. Keep charging and enjoy the view from up there ;-)

[@felixparache]

Very good summary! The new lift looks really stunning!

[@TheWatersportsCentre]

This is such an informative video, a great watch! Thank you Mike! :)

[@keithbowyer8856]

Great video thanks mike!

[@stuartcollins8447]

Great review.

[@user-km6fd1up4x]

How would you compare the 12m lift to the union and lithium in light to medium wind? Is it just a slightly more sluggish kite in these conditions or do the others offer better low-end/more performance?

[@ktwo-surf]

Hi Joe, That's a really good question, as 12m is a size at which the lines between models get blurred. The lift work well when powered - it's by far their best bigger, big air kite so far, but it doesn't sing until the lines are tight. Before that, the weight advantage of the Union and Lithium (3 strut) shines. Lithium is so smooth and easy, Union is tight and direct, but needs to be pushed into higher winds with the rail. The lift needs wind - it's a 12m for boosting when lit - before that - it's the best 12m lift by an absolute mile, but it's not a lightwind kite when you compare them to the Union and Lithium. Bear in mind that on a big session last year I took the 12m Union to 20m on flat water - the thing really hooks up and you can get a big top end out of it, if being a bit more technical than the Lithium, yet rewards in exceptional agility and handling for a 12. As an experienced rider I rate it as one of the best 12's I have ever used, but if you gave me full power conditions and a 12m kite, if I wanted to boost, I'd now take the lift, so it has a place...

[@RozaBoza]

What is wind range of the kite? Any data. I am 80kg. 10-9-8qm thanks

[@ktwo-surf]

That is a tricky question to put numbers on. It depends on temp and density and I have learned that sometimes estimations can be wildly out. Top end is huge and so far as the bottom end goes, well the kites are fast and efficient, so you can generate power easily, so with a light foot and some form they go early, but to point at which they start making numbers is higher than last year, so if you are on the cusp between choosing a quiver based on bigger or smaller sizes, go bigger. The 12 is a very good kite this year. I would go 12 and 9 to get the most use from both kites. Otherwise I would go 12,10,8 for the ultimate quiver. These days I wing in lighter conditions so 10 is the biggest kite I use… Normally I only hit the water with the 10 in a solid 20k or over at 10-15 degrees

[@RozaBoza]

Is only green/yellow and yellow/ blue. Wtf?? Where is yellow/yellow.

[@ktwo-surf]

Yellow and blue in production 1 (like the 12m in the review) - long story, but there was a supply problem with the yellow dacron I'm told. Full details online tomorrow.

[@kryszczuk]

dude... your narration skills exceed by far the skills of many other kite reviewers out there, so it was an enjoyable watch. But... your own review of lift V1 says that the top end of the old Lift was at, I quote, "ridiculous levels" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeXZZSei5iCZ80 at 11:39). And now you say this new lift, with a partially fixed bridle, is supposed to, ehm... only "start to breathe" around the "ridiculously" high top end of the previous version, which you yourself attributed to the pulley bridle? Something doesn't quite stick here, does it? Additionally, all previous versions of Lift (and other models) had the load frame, which was supposed to grant the kite that "ridiculous" shape stability in high winds.... Now - the load frame seems gone... with no negative effects whatsoever? So.... where's the catch?;)

[@ktwo-surf]

Every year they make kites go further. It's a bit of a shame really as kiteboarding is inhabiting windspeeds that are very high. In the old days we would be happy with 20 knots, these days we want 30, 40..? you noticed this? Can you remember the last time you used a 6? in the old days I would, these days - an 8 is the smallest kite I have used in 5-6 years. Kind of sad in some ways, that my interest is not there till I see 25k. Anyway - the new lift does need more wind and it is a lot more stable in the 40k+. They do it every year. Better for woo, yes, better for control and feel and safety? yes.. But you get less good sessions as these super windy days are less common. The V3 is efficient enough to "get around" in 15k+ but it needs more wind to start pulling numbers than the V1 and V2, which tend to climb earlier. Top end, the V3 is more communicative and ultimately more stable which is pushing the envelope further. Compare the V3 to say a Union from 2017, and the difference is massive.. Every year the trends and pro rider needs push the designs a little further, and the V3... this is where we are..