Big Air Kite Review 1 - North/Core/Ozone/Naish/Reedin/Ocean Rodeo/Eleveight

[@woosports]

Great comparison, Jason! We really enjoyed the whole video and of course particularly liked the implementation of WOO to give people an indication of the boosting potential. Looking forward to future videos 🙌

[@jasonofmontreal]

Is it even big air if you're not recording that woo session 😂

[@colincolincarroll]

This is awesome, cool to have an unbias feeling review on production gear. good job. When's the next one?!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks mate, I’ll do another as soon as all my mates buy new kites 😂

[@moffmo]

Great video! Awesome work getting access to all of those kites and sharing your opinion. I liked how you talked about the confidence factor for trying new things too. This is why I love my North reaches, they are really forgiving kites, and just fun so I'm more likely to try new stuff with.

[@jasonofmontreal]

for sure, it's so important if you want to progress!

[@noliva]

Thank you Jason, this video is fantastic. It's long, but that's part of what makes it fantastic. You went over every detail that most kiters would care about, sounded unbiased, and your cadence is great. I don't have a single negative critique, constructive or otherwise. Just fantastic. Kudos to you and thanks for sharing,

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks Noliva, got a new gopro11 so going to be filming in 4k superwide from now on!

[@adlbh]

Les débutants sont bien chanceux d'avoir ce genre de vidéo disponible. Bien détaillé et expliqué ! Super 🤙🏄👏

[@jasonofmontreal]

Merci

[@willhurd8283]

This might be the best kite review on KZbin

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers will, glad you enjoyed it!

[@kitefamily6478]

Jason! What an amazing video! This is what people need. The info given in the video is accurate and your voice is lovely to lissen too. So next video is about freeride kites? I could try to get you a RS+ in that case? Great to hear that you liked the XS and think it's underated btw. Keep it going!

[@jasonofmontreal]

I would happily try and review any kites I could get a hold of, but this video was really based around the kites I had access to here in Auckland, NZ. There are not a lot of people riding too many different freeride kites so it would be tricky for me to get a good group together to compare.

[@paulchilvers5032]

Fantastic review. Most comprehensive comparison I’ve seen in too many hours of KZbin surfing!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks Paul, hopefully I can get my hands on a bunch of other kites in the future and do it again

[@jasonofmontreal]

Kite comparison UPDATE: finally got my hands on a 9m 2023 Rebel SLS, so I'll be comparing it to my 2023 North Orbit, and Core XR7

[@justcallmejulian]

Thank you very much for this great video, I would love to have more of those reviews by non kite industry people

[@jasonofmontreal]

It's always good I find to hear what people around your level or riding style think of gear!

[@aaronblankenbyl]

This is really helpful. Thanks for putting the time and effort into this video. Very honest, non biased review of these kites. Great job

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks Aaron, this summer when the winds are lighter it's time for some board-off progression on my bigger kites 😂

[@aaronblankenbyl]

@@jasonofmontreal happy to share my expertise if you like ;)

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@aaronblankenbyl that's what I'm thinking 😂

[@ma1k_el]

imo the best comparison out there: independent, well structured and on point. i own 2 of the tested kites and i cant agree more on ur opinion.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks

[@jwgeut]

Very nice vid! Props for all the work - and props for the proper loops!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers

[@lucamenzismith5748]

Plus sized kite reviews hahaha, love it !

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks Luca, ✌

[@danyosen]

Awesome Video with a ton of information ! Thanks a lot!!

[@jasonofmontreal]

cheers man, took a while, hopefully I can get hold of more big air kites and add to it

[@thebreak247]

Great video! Loved the amount of effort you put into it! Thanks!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers man, just discovered your stuff too and really enjoying it

[@707rudo]

Best comparison yet! You explain soo good. Any chance of a tutorial, specifically baby 3-4m baby loops to progress to 5-7m loops without breaking legs 🤣

[@jasonofmontreal]

I've been asked this before, but there is a lot of content on this subject on youtube, my main advice for you would be to progress slowly, get dialed on those 2-3m loops on small kites 7-9m, and do it a lot to get the hang of the pull and catch

[@GaetanoCrisci]

Thank You Jason, Great Comparative!

[@esurfrider7687]

Impressive! I’d love to ride the newest gear but I have a bit of sticker shock when you compare to just a few year old models, I save a bundle by buying pre owned gear, and I believe that gear comes in second to skill. I’m just starting to loop my kites, my progression is slow going.

[@jasonofmontreal]

I hear ya, you can get great deals on second or 3rd year gear and if you catch the right model, very little will change between them. I think we're seeing the next big change with all the new materials, but it will take a few years for the prices on them to be affordable for most riders (as I mentioned with the Rise). My suggestion for progression... is not to focus on huge steps, but just small ones and each session force yourself to try something new at least 5-10 times per session, even if just a jump or trick in a different direction and you're doing it very small, it always gives you a big boost of motivation if you feel you improved slightly between sessions.

[@esurfrider7687]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks for the tip! Will do!

[@AdrianKerr]

Nice work mate!!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers Adrian, putting together a 20-minute video gave me just a small taste of what you guys go through for content creation... it's rough even at my level 😂

[@maxinegoldie431]

Great video Jason. Awesome content 😊

[@jasonofmontreal]

thanks maxine!

[@clouclouc]

Brilliant thanks mate.

[@jasonofmontreal]

thanks for watching!

[@desmoMarco91]

was waiting for this!! What an awesome review man THANKS

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers Marco, hope it was useful

[@desmoMarco91]

@@jasonofmontreal by the way...i was expecting a kiwi accent lol

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@desmoMarco91 haha, I was born in Montreal... but Mum's a Kiwi and we moved here in 1992

[@wernerxldata]

Wow, really nice comparison, actually one of the best and most non biased I’ve seen. I was actually searching for real life experiences about the Supermodel and you confirmed what I thought. By the way, Supermodel and the Pivot are both by the same designer, Damien Giardin, so it’s not strange they lookalike a lot in means of handling. Anyway, thanks for the info !

[@jasonofmontreal]

My pleasure, unfortunately this video is a bit out of date now, but the fundamentals of each kite is there

[@mainemceachern1521]

Great summary Jason, thank you! I'm looking at changing my quiver and have had my eye on a number of the kites you covered here. Is that last shot from Dhakla?

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@mainemceachern1521 thanks, that last drone shot in in Luderitz, Namibia

[@dangrealy6455]

Nice work mate..... upgrading my EVOs and cannot decide what to buy for boosting and loops. Great video to do all the testing for me. Cheers.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers Dan, with so many options out there it's hard to know, hope the video helps

[@nicmantzivis8978]

I have finally made a decision thanks to you🙂

[@jasonofmontreal]

Hey Nic, great to hear it helped!

[@mattia_SailAndKite]

Greta video and skills! Thanks for the comparison

[@jasonofmontreal]

My pleasure, thanks for watching

[@MrStealfos]

Amazing video thanks!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers

[@pavelgolin2421]

Thanks a lot, very useful!

[@jasonofmontreal]

My pleasure

[@hugovolzoliveira6913]

Love how learning to loop on an XR makes one humble about their true kite level 😂

[@jasonofmontreal]

Absolutely... kites like the orbit are just cheating for kiteloop tricks 😂

[@matissliepinslv]

Wow what a great review. Havent seen anything like this. Really great jov dude

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks Matiss, glad you enjoyed it

[@kitemuriwainz9819]

Nice work bro. I want to ride a whole bunch of kites now. haha Respect the Edit hustle!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers man, it was quite a mission to put together, not just because of all the kites, but as you know, finding 30 knots in NZ is hard work to pair to them 😂

[@chrislewis89]

Awesome video, would have loved to see a Rebel in this lineup, keen to hear your thoughts.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Would have loved to try the SLS, but we don't have Duotone here, unfortunately.

[@Schwifty303]

Hi! I found the review very good, actually one of the best I've seen on yt. Hopefully you get to do more of these. Just got an 2021 orbit 9m (coming from a c kite, ozone amp) and I really like the extra lift without sacrificing a lot of maneuverability ^^ think I mightve made a mistake with the sizing. I weigh around 68/70kg and I tried the orbit only up to 25 knots and felt that the kite has a lot more power than my 9m amp. My wind sweet spot with the amp was about 32 knots and I'm wondering if it's gonna be even possible to loop the orbit at that wind speed. The sessions were in hard chop so holding the edge was more difficult than usual for sure. The question I have is how does the orbit perform with a substantial amount of depower? Is it still reactive enough for looping? For the time being ill stick with the 9m but it feels like I'll have change the whole quiver to cover the windrange a bit better.. probably switch the 11m amp for an 11m orbit and 9m orbit for an 8m one. The winds I usually ride are 15 to 35 knots with an occasional session at 40ish. If you've got any advice please do reply if you've got the time for it! Keep up the good work and hope to see more of your vids! Cheers!

[@jasonofmontreal]

At my size, I don't really depower very much, rarely if ever about half out so I don't have a lot of experience with this sorry. I love my 9m in 25-35 knots though so at your weight, hopefully, the 8m will be a perfect fit! I like to loop my 11m in about 18-25 knots, so once you get used to it, you'll probably find you can get some decent ones from 16-22ish as well...

[@rubensbrazilianbrothers]

Depowering the orbit decreases its maneuverability significantly. I’d not recommend looping it with the depower pulled more then half its length (on the navigator bar at least). Safest to get a smaller one

[@pedrozunino]

Thanks for the video! I've got 2 questions for you regarding you riding style rather than the kites. 1st, why don't you sheet all the way in when you boost? 2nd, Why do you pump the bar during recovery after kiteloops? I've seen many pros do this, but I don't understand why. Again, thank you, great video!

[@jasonofmontreal]

1 - Not sure, it's not purposely done so whatever the conditions may be (stronger winds) I might be reacting to them 2 - This is to get the kite back up higher when I'm not sure I'll get a catch. It's generally smoother to keep moving the kite around to the side after a loop so you keep line tension, but I don't always remember, and with different kites you're not always sure how they will react/climb to 12

[@boumbo45]

Thanks for the honest feedback. Wondering what you'd think of the RPM is you ever had a chance

[@jasonofmontreal]

I've only ever tried a 12m years ago, and it was fun, at the time I was riding North/Duotone Dice and Vegas and it felt somewhere in between those. it's been at least 4 years since I tried one unfortunately

[@EpicGust]

Really great stuff, thanks mate!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks Epic Gust... when all my mates get new gear I'll try to update it 😂

[@EpicGust]

@@jasonofmontreal hahaha thats how you do it! so the wife and divorce is a true story from one of them? :D really nice one, looking forward to anything upcoming!

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@EpicGust the wife part is true at least 😂

[@707rudo]

Excellent description and breakdown mate, would love a talk through on doing sub 10m loops safely 👍🏼

[@jasonofmontreal]

Do you mean a video on how to do kite loops that are less than 10m high, eg learn heli loops, then baby loops, then build up to kite loops?

[@707rudo]

@Jason Montreal That's it, there is a gap between the loop tutorials when covering low small loops. You said some kites have a safe loop hight of 5m, i assume thats for baby loops. Thanks for the reply.

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@707rudo Most 7m kites will loop and catch around 4-5m, then many will be able to do that in an 8m, and a few like the orbit, rise, probably dice sls, evo dlab will as well of course

[@RossDillonPlayerKiteboarding]

Awesome video Jason!!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers Ross, looking like the wifey and I will be seeing you in CT soon ✌

[@yountune9799]

I wear my watch on the palm side of the wrist. The wrist flick to see display is easier and it's also somewhat protected from hard crashes into the water.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Not a bad idea at all, but for some reason I do find it feels a bit annoying that way for me because I’m not used to it

[@katetalkatetal2232]

Great videos and I can agree with everything said. Well done mate.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers Kate, more coming

[@koekert112]

Thanks!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@liloadventures]

muy buena la review en general, se nota que es desde la experiencia, gracias por los consejos jason, saludos desde madrid

[@jasonofmontreal]

thanks

[@joacbrod]

Thanks, great test. Someone send this guy a SS Machine and CF Hyper ;)

[@jasonofmontreal]

We don't have them here in NZ unfortunately 😭

[@biasbilt]

Great video and good to hear a real world review from an (above) average kiter. Where was it all filmed? Conditions looked great! Seen you’re from Auckland and I thought I also saw the big mountain at Le Morne as well..?

[@jasonofmontreal]

Auckland for most of the kites, but also with XR in Cape Town, and some Orbit in Le Morne, and Namibia. You can see those location edits on my channel

[@rvankeulen1945]

Nice review Jason 🔥🔥🔥

[@jasonofmontreal]

thanks mate!

[@daanvdb9742]

Really nice comparison, it's definitely going to help me to pick my next kite. The spots look really nice, is most of this filmed in your home country? And if so where do you live?

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks, there’s also a follow up comparing the latest Duotone kites as well on my channel btw. Most of it was filmed here in Auckland, New Zealand

[@tomschuelke7955]

Great comparison.. i also would have loved the core nexus in this . But else very great

[@jasonofmontreal]

I actually just flew the nexus 3 for the first time the other week and really enjoyed it. It is an interesting combination of heavy bar pressure and a super fast-moving kite. It loops really fast like the XS but doesn't quite have as much power, so I think it would be excellent for kiteloop progression, but not something you'd jump as high on as most of these kites.

[@jarnofortmann436]

Thanks for the video 😊 this was exactly what I was searching for 😍

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers Jarno, glad I could help!

[@JohnyFretka]

Nice review man. I’m just trying to wrap my head around what you said about orbit 2022 vs 2023. Is there really such a big difference? To me it seemed they added just those 2 extra line settings and not too much more. I was about to buy a 2022 one but now you got me thinking. I will probably need a 10m (90kg, winds 20-25kts mostly)… Does the 2023 10m really feel smaller?

[@jasonofmontreal]

Like with the Rise when I first got on that and flew it a bit, and rode around on it, no it doesn't feel that much different than other kites its size. It's when you start looping it that the kite feels like it's faster and more active. So far I have only tried the 2023s in the 10m size so I can't speak for the other sizes yet, but I did just upgrade my quiver with new Orbits so I'll hopefully get to try some other sizes soon. Don't get me wrong, the 2022 is still an awesome kite and money matters so if you can get a good deal on one of those, it might not be worth the price of a new one for just that little bit extra looping speed.

[@neilvanrooyen31]

Fantastic video. Especially for heavier riders. Perhaps also let us know your board size as well. 👍🏽

[@jasonofmontreal]

I’m on the Atmos carbon 138, it’s a beauty

[@ride_the_wind]

@@jasonofmontreal Do you recommend the atmos 138 for a 85kg? Or should i jump to 136

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@ride_the_wind I've always used 138 or larger (with boots, or a light wind board) so I prefer it based on familiarity, but if you are that much lighter you could definitely go down a little so if I was your size I'd probably go 136

[@alvarokite]

Perfect video!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you probe the Atmos carbon vs normal atmos? I am a little concern about the flex of the carbon, its "confortable" the landings with the atmos carbon? or better with the normal one?

[@jasonofmontreal]

I like both, I do like a wood core as it's a little more friendly on the knees, but the weight of the carbon is a bonus for general movement... but too light feels strange to me. I bought a Fusion 5 board in 137 and found it a bit too light actually so I dold it after 6 sessions and went back to the Atmos 138 you see me ride in most of these clips.

[@Saffe_]

Nice video Jas ! Not tried the ozone but pretty much agree with the rest

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers Christian

[@zozokite]

This's a world class zero bias review, Jason! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm totally in love with my 10 and 8m Rise and I'm looking for a bigger kite for lighter days but I'd like to still be able to loop it. Is it reasonable to think the 12m Rise would loop and catch as fast your 11M Orbit? I only weight 75kg but I would still want to loop my biggest kite when the conditions are right. I feel like getting an 11m would be a little redundant considering the price of these toys 😅 Thanks so much!

[@jasonofmontreal]

I have only tried the 10m v1 Rise, but it was a noticeably higher/faster loop than the 10m Orbit so the 12m might be close to the 11m orbit, but I can't be sure having never flown one sorry

[@yannickbougard8706]

Great video Jason! Well done and solid work that a lot of us want to see. Have you ever riden a Switchblade? I am 90kg and am looking at the orbit but I cannot figure out the size to take. I read the orbit likes (needs?) to be flown overpowered while the SB has a great low end. So wondering if 10m orbit is like a 9m sb (or 8?). I can loop my 9m SB but not sure the 10m would work... If you have not ridden the Cabrinha, it'll be really usefull to know what is the biggest size you'd loop on the orbit. Thanks in advance!

[@jasonofmontreal]

I looped my '21 and '22 11m Orbit all the time, and 2023 is a little bit faster.... the new 20m orbit is in the video and it loops amazingly. We don't have Cabrinha or Duotone here in Auckland so wasn't able to test them unfortunately.

[@yannickbougard8706]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks a lot for the feedback. Much appreciated. It's pretty impressive that the 11m is that fast. Considering I have a 12m Flysurfer Soul for lighter days it sounds like I could go with either a 8/10m or 9m/11m to be able to cover 18 to 45kts. Any recommendations?

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@yannickbougard8706 I can ride my 11m up to around 25-30, then the 9m orbit from there until around/just over 40 knots, somewhere around 35-45 I go down to the 8m though usually. Unfortunately we don't have Cabrinha here so couldn't test them

[@yannickbougard8706]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks for the input. Maybe I can share mine on the Switchblade. The Cabrinha would sit between the XR/edge (high aspect) and the Pivot/Supermodel (3 struts). Even more a Jack of all trade than the Naish but not as fast and wider wind range. Super stable in the air, never front or back stall, predictable and lots of bar pressure. Looping on the 9m is fine but as it is for most kite at that size I guess (easier than higher aspect kites like XR/edge/rebel for sure). Foiling is fine but still a 5 struts so cannot go super LW due to weight. Boosting is decent and easy which I like. I was struggling on my FX(which is like pulse/dice) so the SB is good for progression. I am not a wave rider but heard it's... fine. I'll say the kite is fun because it's really reliable and swallow gust and wind change with ease. I ride the 9m as low as 16kts moaning the lawn and it gets fun around 18. 7m can be ridden in low 20's. Really great low end which in some part of the world is key. Hope this helps. All in all it's a older less refined Orbit than is not big air specific. I only was able to compare to an Evo SLS which is much faster playful, and rode an XS 14m once which I didn't really like in low wind (not a fair test). I've subscribed and looking forward your next videos.

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@yannickbougard8706 Thanks for all that info! I certainly tried to compare kites size for size where possible, in similar winds of course. The best test would be all on the same day, same spot, same wind, same size.... but wind and kite availability obviously was a huge factor in putting this all together... I almost finished it a month ago, but then my buddy got the Eveleight Kite and it's taken a month to get 25-30 knots in a time I could borrow it...

[@larsw.larsen4173]

Thanks - good review 👍🏻🏄

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks Lars

[@larsw.larsen4173]

By the way - it seems like you have cracked the code for jumping. What would be your best advice on how to go from small jumps 3-4 meters average to medium jumps 6-9 meter average?

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@larsw.larsen4173 Increase your speed to as much as possible while you can still hold a strong edge, you want to build up as much line tension as possible so that bar is edging further and further out, then send the kite aggressively, sheet out for a brief moment to send the kite up faster, pull the bar in aggressively while the is ascending just before it hits 12, while at the same time releasing your edge, pushing off the water, and then tensing your core and holding the bar in with the kite just past 12 now as you ascend. Check out the videos on the subject from the pros... because they all have good tips in them 😂😂

[@larsw.larsen4173]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks 👍🏻

[@larsw.larsen4173]

@@jasonofmontreal I think my main problem is getting line tension - someting, that is confusing me - and I think, that I am going too far upwind = sailing too slow. What are your aprox angle to the wind, when getting max speed and tensioning the lines .. 90 degress, a bit upwind, a bit downwind or? How low are you holding the kite in relation to horisontal/ vertical, when getting line tension.

[@DerikJanse]

When where you in Walvis Bay? Thats my home spot. Crazy!!

[@jasonofmontreal]

I was there 2 years ago a few times while living in windhoek, amazing spot

[@Bladesurfer]

Good content! Have not tested all these kites but some of them and had similar experiences. The only thing I don't agree on is that the XR7 has yank in the loop. I ride Ozone EdgeV11 8m and 10m with 21m lines and compare to the them the XR7 does not yank even a bit in the loops. With the Edge's you really go hard and far horizontal in the loops.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks for the feedback, that's quite interesting. As I mentioned, I was testing the Edge on 23m lines, and I ride my XR7s on 22's so it would make sense that you'd feel more than I was with shorter lines. Going from any of the other kites to an XR there is a very noticeable power increase, which translates to the loop as well of course. I'm still hoping to try an Edge 8m, most of the local guys who ride them here have said to me they do feel they are a little more forgiving and less aggressive than the XR, but they also ride them on 23's

[@gboates]

I've had my quiver of 3 XR7s for 15 months now and over 60 sessions - I see you riding with zero depower on the Core kites - try riding with a little more power and at the very least a few cm. of depower - less pull on the arms and the kite spins quickly. Good idea for a comparison video but I didn't notice your comments re "catch".:I find the Pivot consistently lands with high Gs than the Cores ..

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@gboates great suggestion that I agree does help soften the load, but I don't find it makes the kite too much more direct or agile unless perhaps you're really lit perhaps. I found the catch on the pivots not so great as well, like with the Reedin (I think I mentioned it for both of them when talking about that kite, but perhaps left it out?)...

[@hugovolzoliveira6913]

Lmao, best reviews ever, keep the great work!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers mate

[@gas_googlewhatever6344]

Hi Jason, thanks for the work!! Do you think I can ride a North bar with the Nexus3 11m? I am struggling to find the best compromised quiver: Orbit 9 and Nexus 11 with the same bar. Thanks!!

[@jasonofmontreal]

I think you would likely lose significant performance… I actually own orbits & Xr kites and need different bars for each unfortunately

[@kaiting1981]

Awesome video really love all the infos about the difference. How much difference is between Orbit and Eleveight boosting and hangtime?

[@jasonofmontreal]

I was riding the v3 in only the 8m size so I can't be sure how the newer ones compare, but I felt like the Eleveight would have the slight edge over the Orbit for potential boosting, but the Orbit is a lot more stable and easier to control, so most riders would feel more comfortable on it in those much stronger winds.

[@kaiting1981]

@@jasonofmontreal awesome i think i will stay on my Orbits 😉

[@alexkovalchuk7230]

Nice work! But i don't understand where is slingshot machine compared?

[@jasonofmontreal]

We don't have them here in Auckland, same ussie for Duotone, or Cabrinha. I was only comparing kites I had access to.

[@GaetanoCrisci]

anyway Jason, just for reference, probably the North Orbit should be compared with the Ozone Amp and the Core GTS more than the Edge and the XR... what you think about? or is just North that have made a cross over kite between big air and mega looping?

[@kitefamily6478]

Orbit is absolutely a bow kite. It should be compared to the edge and XR

[@GaetanoCrisci]

​@@kitefamily6478 maybe but it's not exactly hi aspect ratio

[@hessel401]

Super review ! Could you review the new Ozone Enduro v4 anytime soon?

[@jasonofmontreal]

I'm afraid I don't know anyone who has one sorry

[@gbsnb]

Thanks 🙏

[@jasonofmontreal]

my pleasure

[@kimsrensen6884]

Awesome Jason!😃 shared with kiters here in Denmark😉

[@jasonofmontreal]

thanks Kim

[@sanderpsychologie]

Hey Jason! Do you remember how the Rise's low end compares to the Nitro? I'm still happy with my 8 and 9 nitro, wanting to buy a 10m and looking at the rise or the nitro. The nitro lacks some low end, but I don't know if the 10m rise gives that much extra. The 9m nitro for me is awesome at 24-34kn, but not so much lower. So looking for that better loopable low end (21-26kn, ridable still till 30kn).

[@jasonofmontreal]

I only ever tried the rise in a lot of wind, but I don’t think it did have a great low end like say dlab

[@sanderpsychologie]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks Jason. Makes me doubtful what the best choice is in 20-25kn :D the 9m nitro just doesnt quite do it. Thinking between a 10m nitro, rise, orbit pro or something else now. Focus is on loop progression with rotations. Do you have any suggestions? :)

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@sanderpsychologie the orbit pro 10 is a fast looping kite, I used to ride and loop my 11m orbit if the wind was 18-25, now I would use my 10m Evo for 20-28ish

[@simonclarent3742]

Thanks for the review I am currently around 130kg and plan going down to around 115kg(I am above 2 meters tall generally heavy tall and not lanky), maybe to 110kh if I really make it. I rode the XS and kinda loved it, what would you think the XS 12 will be good to learn kite loops on? Because I noticed it with the XS 10 when I rode it and rs10 as well(string co diction over seas), that generally those kites move hella fast on general. Thanks

[@jasonofmontreal]

As per my other comment, I would recommend learning kiteloops on an 8 or 9, possibly a 10m if the wind is not enough for the other kites. 12m has far too much risk to be learning loops on

[@zscap]

From your "ideal kite quiver" I reckon small kite size is more important than model, if you pick XR for 8m. And that model matters progressively more in the larger sizes?

[@jasonofmontreal]

This depends on your riding style. I only pick the XR7 for my 8m size, because as I mentioned in the video, I only ride 8m in 40 knots or more, and at my level, that means I'm only going out to jump big and do standard loops. My preferred kite is the 9m orbit because on that kite I can progress in big air tricks in around 25-30knots etc.

[@SK-iv6kc]

Hello Jason, I really appreciate this video. You convinced me to buy an orbit. I wonder what size you would recommend to me. I have multiple kites already, but this will be my dedicated big air kite that I can use on windy days, though of course I would like to be able to use it the most I can. I read that it has a very good high end and my weight is 90 kg. Do you have any advice for me?

[@jasonofmontreal]

My favourite is the 9m for big progression, but I only tend to ride it over 25/30 knots, from 22-30 knots I ride the 10, and from 18-28ish I go 11m... so my answer would really depend what wind conditions you get, or what other kites do you have in different sizes...

[@SK-iv6kc]

@@jasonofmontreal thank you Jason, this is already helpful. Would you also get your 10 if it was between 22-30 avg and gusts till 40? Since a lot of times when it is windy it’s gusty. It is mostly in the range of 20-30 for me with gusts that are max 40. And I already have an 11 triad that I really like, and a 9 moto that I do not like so much

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@SK-iv6kc In 22-30 I actually like my 9m for progression, I usually only just do boosts and straight loops over 30 knots. The 10m is just a really nice bonus but not essential for sure if you have a good 9/11 combo

[@SK-iv6kc]

Thanks for helping out, it will be the 9 ;)

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@SK-iv6kc nice one

[@bartdelozanne1808]

Great video! The Eleveight "chapter" is missing?

[@jasonofmontreal]

It's about mid-way through the ocean rodeo section, not sure why it's not divided into separate ones

[@bartdelozanne1808]

@@jasonofmontreal Thanks!

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@bartdelozanne1808 no problem

[@GestaltReality]

Great Reviews, and thanks for putting in the work and posting! Would love to know how you rate the kites on bar pressure, out of 10.

[@jasonofmontreal]

It's a bit too hard to compare the bar pressure accurately on different days with different conditions. Different kite sizes will also affect the pressure a wee bit, that's why I just commented on the feel of it a little bit. If I had to guesstimate, I would say of the kites with the most bar pressure were the XR7/EDGE, then the XS, then Pivot/Supermodel, and finally, Orbit/Rise with the least.

[@robb1708]

Nice comparison, how high must you jump with the core nexus (9m) for kiteloops? Grz

[@jasonofmontreal]

I've only been out on it once, in about 30 knots soI was jumping over 10m on the loops I was doing, but it loops very fast, so you could probably get away with 5/6m with a good powered loop and safe catch

[@giorgio4660]

Big UP !!!!!❤

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers Giorgio

[@lucasdemelo3]

Hey Jason, how do you score the Dice? Looping, confidence, fun and safe loop height? Thanks already mate!

[@jasonofmontreal]

I’m afraid we don’t have Duotone here in Auckland so I haven’t rode a dice since 2019 when there was a local shop. But it used to be the easiest of the Duotone range for loops so I would assume the modern ones are excellent. Likely loops similar to an XS or North Pulse, less power than most of these kites, but great for progression.

[@Luffemonster]

Nice video! Which type of kite would you prefer for 12m conditions? Looking for a new one, and 12m is the standard size for the conditions around here.

[@jasonofmontreal]

I like the 11m Orbit because I can do powerful loops (from about 7/8m high) on it and ride it from around 18-28 knots, there is a video of me on my channel in only about 17-22 knots at Dolphin beach CT). I don't own a 12 so if it's only 15-20 knots I have a 14m Orbit. Before getting the 11m Orbit I had a 2020 12m Pulse & board with boots for freestyle, but in lighter winds, the 11m Orbit has as much if not more power so now I mainly just go from 11 to 14m. If you are confident with kiteloops, doing a big one on an 11m kite over 10m high is a great feeling, the kite loops powerfully and slowly, but you have the most amazing long swinging catch.

[@giorgio4660]

You have an orbit 14m??? I’ve never seen one!!! How is it?

[@sanderpsychologie]

Jason! Have you looped the ozone enduro? :) What are your thoughts about it?

[@jasonofmontreal]

Have only tried it in 12m, 5-6 years ago. From memory it felt more freestyle oriented, better for unhooking that boosting, but that was also more of the style at the time…

[@sanderpsychologie]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks!

[@707rudo]

Hey Jays, do you change your attachment points on your 9 from standard, not sure if it speeds up or slow the loops... Gratz on the PB.

[@jasonofmontreal]

I have it on a different knot for each kite… on orbits I like furthest in for 8m, second from centre for 9m, 3rd for 10m, furthest out for 11m. On XR because they so heavy/slow I always use furthest out.

[@707rudo]

@jasonofmontreal Thanks Jays, North owe you, I bought a full quiver 🤣

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@707rudo prepare for progression 👌

[@RedRoulette]

Hi Jason, thanks for this video. At this moment my quiver is 12m 10m Reach 2022 and 8m 6m Carve 2023. Usually I use the 12m from 14 to 18 knots, the 10m from 18 to 24 knots and the 8m and the 6m for strong wind days. In winter also with 12/15 knots my home spot have wave so I use the 12m reach for freeride and surf. In summer the sea are flat and I prefer to improve jumps and tricks. So I'm evaluating to buy a 14m North Orbit, I'm 1.92m for 100kg. For you is a good idea to have a little bit more wind range and to improve jumps and loops to use a 14m orbit in conditions while normally I use the 12m reach? And for some day when the wind is weak like 12/14 knots a 14m Orbit will works to do some freeride? Thanks

[@jasonofmontreal]

In that little wind, you can only really do so much, I actually prefer to go out on a 145m Trace board I've recently bought with my 11m if it's only 12-18knots so I can do some kiteloops. The 14m Orbit is nice enough, but I think it's just too heavy for super light wind to be honest. A Reach would probably be a little better in 14m, or something light wind specific like a Juice or some other big light wind option that you can use the same bar on. Otherwise, it's probably time to get into foiling 😂

[@RedRoulette]

​@@jasonofmontreal Thank you for the answer. So in your opinion, what would be a good wind range for me to use the 14m Orbit? Is it equivalent in power to a 12m Reach?

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@RedRoulette It will have a bit more range than a 12m reach I assume, I've never used a Reach, but I also don't usually bother to go out kiting until 18knots... I use the 14m in about 15-20 knots, but I've had it out when the wind spiked up to 22-25 knots and it was still surprisingly manageable at my weight.

[@Flying-Bob]

Hi Jason, i am wondering to change my quiver a bit, looking for advise. I am 90kg rider, doing freestyle up to 22kts. From 22kts till around 33kts i am using XR7 9m for boosting, on average jumps are 10m (sometimes less sometimes more depending on the wind strength). I would like to progress towards kiteloops but it seems scary on XR... What kite would you recommend for looping progression in 20ish kts wind range? Orbit seems like a good choice for progression but i am scared that 9m will not be enough for 20ish kts conditions as it has quite poor low end and i wont be boosting high enough I was thinking to get 8m Orbit for 35+ kts conditions. But i am not sure what to pick for 23-35kts conditions...

[@jasonofmontreal]

Progressing with loops is pretty tricky in only 20 knots. You can get down the basic movements with baby loops but you do want to be jumping 5-6m on an 8 or 9m kite to progress past those. The best low end and overall performance big air kite that I have tried is the Evo dlab, but they do have some durability issues if you’ve seen my Instagram. If you’re wanting to progress in only 20 knots, that’s kind of the best option though.

[@Flying-Bob]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks!🤙 I want to practice in a wind range of 22-28kts. This is most common on my spot, the good big air forecast (over 30kts) happen quite rarely... DLabs are quite expensive unfortunately. I will try to test few kites and see on which one I can get the highest average hight of jumps that will be sufficient to progress further 🤙

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@Flying-Bob If you are getting 22-28 knots that opens up pretty much any 8 or 9m kite, so I would suggest value for money an Orbit or Nitro for loop progression. I can easily ride a 9m orbit in 22-28 knots and loop very comfortably

[@Flying-Bob]

@@jasonofmontreal cool, thanks a lot!

[@ruhrkiwiAQ]

cool

[@jasonofmontreal]

cheers!

[@sanderpsychologie]

Amazing video!! What about the Switchblade? Wonder what you would score it

[@jasonofmontreal]

Not sure Sander, we don't have Cabrinha or Duotone here so hard to get our hands on them

[@sanderpsychologie]

@@jasonofmontreal I understand, unfortunate! I would let you borrow mine but we live too far away haha. I'd be very interested in such a review of the Switchblades and FX on your scale, as I'm getting into loops and currently have a switchblade but having doubts about the loop (its a pretty big loop). So wud love to see ur min height and scores hehe. Hope ull get your hands on many other kites for a followup one day!

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@sanderpsychologie From what I understand about SB and FX, the fx will come around a bit faster and catch quicker, but it's harder to jump as high on. If you're on an 8m or less, anything loops pretty well, but from 9 and up they can get a lil riskier to progress on

[@sanderpsychologie]

@@jasonofmontreal thx! Indeed got a 7 and 9 for the smaller sizes so I hope its okay haha

[@sanderpsychologie]

@@jasonofmontreal I am gonna look to add a 8m orbit to my quiver. Wanna start kitelooping on it :) With 75kg what knots and height should I look at minimum for a safe catch with the 8m orbit you'd say? Surface loops are going well and downloops and backhand heli's too with the bigger sizes.

[@remsbarou]

Hi, great video, right at a time for a 105kgs rider lokking for a big air kite in 8m. I just wonder what is the safe looping height ? Below, it's too dangerous or not catchy enough ?

[@jasonofmontreal]

in the video I put safe looping height for 9m kites, but the 8m is about the same, perhaps up to a metre less

[@jasonofmontreal]

I based the safe looping height on what height you can throw a pretty powered loop, and the kite will recover fast enough to catch you for a soft landing... you can certainly get away with lower on most kies if your technique is spot on, but its not always the safest move

[@mariovolders8577]

great vid . Did get my Orbit 9 m last week and want to start looping . somebody told me to shorten the steering lines with 5 cm on the Orbit ( Reedin Bar with swivel 2021 ) . Is that correct ?

[@jasonofmontreal]

If you’re just starting out with loops i wouldn’t bother, I ride the standard bar in standard setup. Just make sure you’ve done the classic progressions to kiteloops: be comfortable with surface kite loops, baby jumps with 1-2m loops, be able to jump consistently 8-10m and land with a clean heli loop etc

[@mariovolders8577]

@@jasonofmontreal THX I am 54 y and kite for 10y . Heliloops downloops , babyloops are no problem . Jumping over 10 m we do about every session . I was just wandering if it helps for kiteloops to shorten the steering lines . I am used to do loops in darkslides and so on . So it think I have enough skills to perform kiteloops . Having a own business I do not have the option to get hurt 😀

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@mariovolders8577 The actual movement of the kiteloop is quite easy, but the risk of injury is also quite high with all the power you are putting into the kite of course. I've not heard this suggestion before so can't really speak to it working so well... I would personally always prefer a well-trimmed/balanced kite for anything I was trying to progress with however.

[@nicollasresende]

Could you do a comparison or a test with the Core Nexus 3, North Reach and Evo!?!?! (Mainly Nexus 3)

[@jasonofmontreal]

I need to have access to these I’m afraid, I don’t know anyone who rides the Reach in my size, and we don’t have duotone in Auckland unfortunately

[@mati2110]

Hi Jason, thank you for the amazing review. Have you ever had problems with the Orbits wingtips collapsing? I'm interested in getting a 9m Orbit 2022 and have reed some complains about that on the internet.

[@jasonofmontreal]

I have had that happen a little bit in the 10m size when I've been out in gusty winds over 30 knots. I haven't really noticed it on my 2022 9m, and I've ridden that in up to 40 knots...

[@kristobahl]

Hey Matais, I have had that on my 9m when overpowered. You have to pump these kites up hard to ensure it doesn't happen. Like really hard. Awesome kite tho, I fricking love my Orbit, fave kite in my quiver!

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@kristobahl good point, I pump my smaller kites above 10psi as well

[@giu.kitesurf]

is all about , bladder leaking, the bladder is thin and makes easy to have a whole, overpowerd is leaking fast and starts to wingtips collapsing

[@GaetanoCrisci]

Jason what would be your Top 3 for confidence building and eases in learning to jump for a beginner-intermediate? and the top 3 for fun factor in jumping?

[@jasonofmontreal]

So if you mean going from no jumping to jumping safely around 5-10m, perhaps with a back or front roll but no loops, then you'd be looking at something for progression (not specifically Big Air) like a Reedin Supermodel, a North Reach, a Duotone Evo, or the Pivot. They're all great options.

[@GaetanoCrisci]

@@jasonofmontreal Great, thank you again!

[@sanderpsychologie]

Hey Jason! Have u tried the slingshot machine and code yet?

[@jasonofmontreal]

Unfortunately we don’t have a lot of brands in Auckland, New Zealand. Slingshot, Duotone, Cabrinha, F-One, and many others.

[@Sparreager]

Really enjoyed the video. Definitely thinking about getting a quiver of orbits. If you should recommend a quiver of 3. Which sizes would you recommend then and why? I weight 70 kg Thanks!

[@jasonofmontreal]

This really depends on your conditions where you ride the most... 8/10/12 are the classic sizes, but if you get lighter winds mostly then perhaps 9/11/13

[@Sparreager]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks, the conditions changes a lot here in Denmark. So it's all between 18-35 knots. Probably have most session around 25 knots

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@Sparreager sounds like 8/10/12

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@Sparreager or 7/9/11 might be better at your size

[@Sparreager]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks for quick answer!

[@jawaji.]

Hi Whats your opinion on the cabrinha kites...like the switchblade..moto...?

[@jasonofmontreal]

Unfortunately we don’t have a lot of brands in Auckland, New Zealand. Slingshot, Duotone, Cabrinha, F-One, and many others.

[@joseande9627]

Hey Jason, what's your recommendations for a casual rider of your size, for a north orbit kite quiver (2 or 3) for winds from about 12-35knts?

[@jasonofmontreal]

I had 9/11/14 for a while, with both a atmos and trace boards, the trace for the really light days. Otherwise 9/12 if just getting 2 would work great

[@joseande9627]

@@jasonofmontreal Thanks Jason, what size boards did you use with the atmos and trace?

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@joseande9627 I ride 138 atmos, and 145 trace

[@jawaji.]

Which board do u ride/which size?

[@jasonofmontreal]

I’m on the 138 atmos carbon

[@narutolis1]

Have you ever tried the F-one Trigger?

[@jasonofmontreal]

I'm afraid we don't have a lot of brands, F-One, Slingshot, Cabrinha, Airush here so I don't have any access to them

[@Andres-ng4fe]

Bro I don’t see your review on the XS , it is that bad ? 😅

[@jasonofmontreal]

The timestamp didn't come up, it's the last one

[@andreaszierhofer3078]

Thanks for the great review. Just bought a orbit 23 in 10m and had my first session. Bar feeling is quite different to Fone, but I will get used to it. Just one question, I can feel a chatter when looping the kite. I'm not sure but I think it's coming from the bar (new navigator bar) - I can feel it on the steering lines. I pull the bar all the way in and then loop it with maximum angle of the bar. Any ideas? Does this happen with your 10m as well?

[@jasonofmontreal]

You might get kite flutter on wing tips if it’s not inflated enough and you’re riding pretty powered… I ride my 2023 Orbit 10m at least 10psi, and I use either the 2nd or 3rd wing tip connections and I love the feel. If there is some strange sound from the bar I’m not sure what that is sorry?

[@andreaszierhofer3078]

@@jasonofmontreal wind was on the lower side and kite pretty pumped. Maybe I just steering the kite to hard so the back steering lines has to much slack, I saw the line vibrating.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Really not sure sorry

[@andreaszierhofer3078]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks a lot for trying

[@andreaszierhofer3078]

Just one more question on which attachment points are you flying the 10m orbit, factory setting or different? Thanks

[@giorgio4660]

Hi Jason, could you say to me how much difference between 9m and 10m orbit? I am thinking of swapping my reach9 for one orbit and just foiling with a monostrut when wind is under 22/23knots: maybe the 10m is better but usually the 9 is the 9 🔥

[@jasonofmontreal]

The 9m is my favourite by far, and I can ride it from about 22knots and up, even at 100kg. I like the 10m as well of course, but it you get enough wind for the 9, go 9

[@giorgio4660]

@@jasonofmontreal ok big thanks mate, will pick a red 9m orbit for my 95kg 🤟

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@giorgio4660 I'll just add... I did used to always ride 10m from about 20 to 25/30knots, then 9m form 25/30 and up... so if you never get over 28 knots perhaps 10m is better... for me about 22-28knots is the ideal progression wind on the 9m though

[@giorgio4660]

@@jasonofmontreal really thankful. Here everyone does the same: 11/10 for 18~28 and then the 8. Learned boogie and everything with my reach 9/12, now the orbit9 will be better for sure for a 22/23~35/36kn range

[@giorgio4660]

Hey Jason, just had a full week of 28~35kn loved the 9m 🥰 Now i will just kitefoil this we while my body recover 😂

[@TheHallberger]

Hey Jason, I have opportunity to buy Eleveight XS as a first kite, do you think it’s a good idea as a beginner who wants to get good in free ride and big air?

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@TheHallberger have you taken lessons first? They are essential to get into kitesurfing… then I’d ask what size kite,and what kind of wind conditions are there where you are as that plays a bigger part in progressing. The xs probably isn’t one of the easier kites to learn on, but it’s possible with the right conditions

[@TheHallberger]

@@jasonofmontreal I’ll be taking lessons for two days before trying to go with some more experienced people, I live on east coast Sweden outside of Stockholm, wind here is sparse so the always recommend going with a 12 as a start, this kit is a 12 and 8, but if these kites are too tough then maybe I’ll pass, it was a good price and 2022 model, got an ok’ish deal on Switchblade as well but 2019

[@TheHallberger]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks for replying dude! Really appreciate it! 🙏🏻

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@TheHallberger I've only ever tried that kite in 8m size, but for starting out, specifically in light winds, the handiest thing is how well the kites relaunch, and I can't say that I know with that one... usually a 3 strut kite would be a bit easier, but if you have friends who also kite who can help you get going then it should be fine. Most of the kites these days (last 2-3 years) are pretty goo all around kites even if they are more big air focussed.

[@TheHallberger]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks so much for taking time! Much appreciated, I’ll have this in mind when picking! 🙏🏻

[@Bobolicx]

For a beginer, what is the best kite?

[@jasonofmontreal]

I wasn’t really testing that in my comparisons, but there’s a lot of options in this space. My wife is still learning and she loves her North Reach, and she made great progress on a Duotone Neo when she had lessons.

[@stepanpetrov2194]

Why there is no Duotone Evo (usual/sls/dlab) or Rebel SLS?

[@jasonofmontreal]

These are just the kites me and my friends own, at the time there was no Duotone in NZ. Check out the follow videos for Duotone and Cabrinha kites

[@stepanpetrov2194]

@@jasonofmontreal sure, understand! But you definitely used Evo and maybe Evo SLS. What can you say about them for kiteloops progression, big air and freeride with fun? I am also looking into surfing, so rebel sls is not a good choice if I want to have one kite, I guess. I tried Evo dlab, is amazing, but just thinking if for 8m it is critical or normal Evo is enough fast in this size..

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@stepanpetrov2194 Because we have not had a Duotone shop in Auckland, New Zealand since 2019, I have only tried Duotone kites people ordered in from overseas, which is why I've only tried the Evo Dlab, and Rebel SLS. I used to own an Evo 2019, but that's the last normal one I have flown

[@jasonofmontreal]

I would certainly say the Evo Sls in 8m will be a great kite, for big air I would rather have the Rebel SLS 8m, but for a bit of everything I think you'd have a great time with the Evo