Comparing the NEW PACE PRO and XR PRO // CORE Kiteboarding review

[@syldesjard]

i have the 9m XR pro is Very stable on hight wind and essy to jump hight . i love it

[@stevenakkersdijk]

For sure an amazing kite!

[@alchemybuild]

Would also love for someone to do a review of this against the Aluula Dlab Evo

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Me too 😉

[@przemysawmarciniec5180]

Looks pretty similar to Duotone evo alula.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

It’s a very similar shape indeed.

[@InigoMontoyaFA]

How do you think the pace pro compares to the nexus? I’m curious if it can drift when surfing town the line well, given that it’s only 3 struts.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I've been riding the PACE a lot in sloppy surf lately and there it does a good job. It doesn't depower as much as the Nexus and you'll have to place it a bit better in the wind window before going downwind and letting the kite drift. For sloppy surf I enjoy it a lot and it works decently well, but if the waves are firing I do prefer the Nexus!

[@joshvanstee-theTood]

Steve….Im debating between purchasing a Xr 9 or 8 pro for my smallest kite. I weigh 97k. And recommendations?

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Depends a bit on the type of winds you want to ride it in. I've been able to hold the 9m to a good 40 knots with 88kg.

[@joshvanstee-theTood]

@@stevenakkersdijk This helps…thanks for taking the time to respond

[@joshvanstee-theTood]

I mainly ride on Lake Michigan so anything over 40 knots is too dirty to ride…generally

[@joshvanstee-theTood]

@@stevenakkersdijk I weigh 99kg…I’m thinking 9m xr…thanks for input

[@joshvanstee-theTood]

@@stevenakkersdijk what wind max can u hold xr 8m down?

[@andreapiazzolla7081]

I think core noticed their mistake with the slow xr pro and now just redesigned a new model to solve the question.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I don't feel like the XR pro was a mistake as it is quite different to the PACE pro. But I do agree that this new model was something that's been missing in the CORE range.

[@huzcer]

Great kites I'm sure but a bit sad that kiting is at this point very much going the way of gear in road cycling and mountain biking in terms of the top end gear and market segmentation. except that in mountain biking and cycling there is still the budget end but not so much the case with kiting imo

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I understand what you're talking about, as a biker myself I also see this big price ranges of very similar products that have different specifications. I do enjoy that brands give the option to buy something that's high performance and basically a competition model, albeit with a hefty price tag. Looking at the general market there are kites available at many different price ranges, with some brands it's even possible to buy a "1 year old" model at 40% discount, which I find pretty crazy and similar to the biking industry at the moment.

[@huzcer]

​@@stevenakkersdijk I can see why with the business model adapting to the addressable market size and segments but yeah - coming up near 4000 for a kite and the special matching bar for people working jobs and paying taxes is beyond!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

@@huzcer Totally agree that prices are going wild and in all direction, where they used to be more stable across the brands. For most people the performance benefit won't be worth double the amount of money that you pay for a dacron model and that's totally understandable, luckily there are plenty dacron models to choose from that offer amazing value for money. I'm just stoked to see this kite on the market as it does provide a unique performance aspect that I haven't found in a dacron model. Don't you think it's nice to have the option to buy this kite rather than it being reserved for team riders and not available for the general public? Basically you're able to buy an ultra high performance race / competition machine, in many markets this will cost more than double the price of your consumer product. (think: cars, bikes etc.)

[@Plutoniummatt]

@@stevenakkersdijk have you tried an evo sls? xD

[@stevenakkersdijk]

@@Plutoniummatt I have tried a regular Evo, not the sls or dlab version.

[@alchemybuild]

Thanks for your review! What do you feel the New Nexus would be more multipurpose and better at? I am looking for a high performing foil and surf board kite (both in waves) with a bit more power then a single strut kite that can also twin tip when it’s super windy. Also fly in super light conditions for foil kiting. I have seen the Evo D lab Aluula fly in super light winds when no other kites could stay up in the air for foiling and I hope this will be a Core version of this (hopefully performing better then Duotone but they might be lighter?) At 85 kilo weight I am thinking 8m XR Pro, 9m Pace and a 10m XRPro for three kites that will do everything for travel. What do you think?

[@stevenakkersdijk]

The Nexus provides more depower so it's easier to switch the kite off when you're riding the wave. I think that's the main benefit of the Nexus, but I still need to fly the PACE in the waves which I haven't been able to do yet. The Pace is a little bit heavier than the Evo Dlab, Get high with mike actually has a very nice weight comparison in his video. In real life I think this makes about a knot difference in the ability to fly in low winds. Not sure where you usually ride, but I think I would rather go for 8m XR, 9/10m Pace and a 12m Pace this will basically be my setup as well. 8m XR and 9m Pace will have a similar amount of power, but both have their own way of riding on the twintip which can be interesting.

[@alexanderwheeler4827]

Love and respect your blind landing style in other video's. Feel priced and left out of the modern kite market. Got bored of big air a couple of years ago, peaked at jumps between 15- 20m. Peaked at kite loops at 9m in height. Went back to leanring handle passes. Now most big brands seem to be discontinuing their modern C kites for free style. Im never gona anything special. So why would I pay 2.5k for some insane kite when all i wana nail is a back to wrapped. Big airs cool, yeah i love BUT.... i dont need a sports car, ill just be sat in traffic anyway. Give hadlow a plastic bag and he could make a surf pass look more stylish than a triple wiple diple kite loop.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

The C kites are indeed being discontinued by most kite brands as the market is very small and there is little interest. They're one trick ponies with a very specific goal being unhooking (which they are damn good at) With that being said there has been very little advancement in the performance of those kites and I don't think it will be very hard to find a C kite lying on a dusty shelf somewhere that will cost way less than 2.5k. Hope you find a setup that works for you, the back to wrapped is a great trick!

[@joshvanstee-theTood]

What wind ranges (low and high) would you ride 8m xr pro vs 9m xr pro?

[@stevenakkersdijk]

That all depends on your weight. I believe that CORE has a wind range finder on their website. Personally I like power so for big air: 9m XR pro: 25 to 35 knots 8m XR pro: 30 to 45 knots

[@Nilz4FR]

Any insight on the 12m Pace Pro? - I love oldschool strictly hooked tricks and love fast kites - 1,90m 85KG

[@stevenakkersdijk]

You'll love the 12m, been riding it quite a bit lately and really enjoy the speed, pop and hangtime of the kite.

[@supermeiki]

Thx steve….. am i wrong to buy 8m pace now for my cape town fun ?

[@stevenakkersdijk]

That all depends on your weight and riding preference. If you want a fast big air focussed kite you're great with and 8m PACE, if you prefer a slightly slower and easier kite the XR is your best bet.

[@MazinSaleh-h7p]

Over priced kites. China will make a better kite and much cheaper

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Looking forward to see it!

[@kitingholger9826]

Great comparison, Steven! And congrats to Core team for these awesome kites! What I just thought that I would love to have the budget available today to purchase the range of Pro kites you just laid out…😅😉 Still riding xr4 on my smaller sizes🤥

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks Holger! I’m also very stoked with the outcome of this team effort. I can totally imagine what you’re talking about, these kites are getting in a different price range.

[@gisangroupsas9839]

I want to know how the core pace vs xr pro behaves in upwind for kite race

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I think the PACE will be slightly faster in an upwind race as it tends to sit more at the edge of the wind window. But I haven't tested this.

[@kakax9557]

gonna buy the 10 pace, but debating on 8-9 pace or xr pro. i have a 9 xr pro now with 22m lines but it requiers a lot more wind than the 10 xr pro

[@stevenakkersdijk]

How are you enjoying the 9m XR pro? If you're happy with the speed and lift this might be the better choice for you in the smaller sizes. Side note: the power of the 9m XR pro will be quite similar to the 10m Pace pro I think.

[@kakax9557]

@@stevenakkersdijk yes the power of the xr pro size 9 is perfect , and the overpowerd situation even more, the only thing i sometimes dont like is so much bar pressure , Im looking for i think 10 pace and a 12 for my father(debating on nexus or something for him) The only thing is that i need to sell the xr pro in a couple of months because when the new version comes out then this kite is worth nothing anymore.. therefor also debating on the 8-9 pace

[@witoldczartoryski1308]

How does the Pacr compare to the GTS?

[@stevenakkersdijk]

More lift making it easier to jump and land your tricks with greater height and hangtime. Turning speed they're about equal.

[@erbartlett]

I started on a quiver of XRs (19m, 15m,12m,9m,7m) and after 4-5 years I found myself wanting faster kites that were more versatile for waves and for kiting. I got a 12m and a 9m Nexus and they definitely are more versatile, they just ride a size or two smaller than when you expect. I’m 235lbs and I feel like I could take the 12m nexus out when I would take the 9m XR :) Maybe I bought the wrong sizes? But now I’m kind a confused and not sure what direction to take the quiver. I bought a 12m , 8m, 6m xlite quiver to have a super small foiling setup :)

[@stevenakkersdijk]

You've tried a lot of kites! The XR is an amazing kite with the most power of all the kites in our range, it also the slowest when it comes to steering. The Pace will have more power than the Nexus but slightly less than the XR in the same size, it is insanely fast hough and speed wise I would compare it to the nexus, but with way more lift. The Nexus is the fastest of the bunch but as you mentioned it does ride a couple sizes smaller than the XR when it comes to power. Xlite is great for foiling and you'll enjoy them in the lighter winds. Depending on your level and what you're searching for the XR pro and Pace pro might deliver what you want, you could have a look to get 1 key size, the Pace is really fun in 12 10 and 9m for us heavier guys

[@JorgeEgrejasFrancisco]

Nice comparison. Nevertheless there is a contradictory statement to what @gethighwithMike expressed (which I mostly agree with): a 5-strut kite will not be as good as a 3-strut one in light winds; and in strong winds the 5-strut will rule due to a greater stability (a bit like windsurf sails with more battens…). And your conclusion/choice seems to agree with that: Pace Pro to lighter winds, XR8 Pro to stronger winds.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Hey Jorge, thanks for your comment. The 3 strut vs 5 strut is a very interesting talk, but there are soo many points that affect which is better and for what and then there is personal opinion that might differ as well. Below is my view on it: In the light winds the 3 strut kite will "fly" earlier as it's lighter, but this doesn't mean you'll be able to ride it as it might not provide the power needed to get you going on a twintip. When riding a foil it's a huge help to have the lighter 3 strut kite as you can ride it almost instantly when the kite is able to fly and stay in the sky. To my opinion the shape of the 5 strut XR creates more power and therefor it allows you to ride with lighter winds providing a better low end on a twintip (this does not apply to the foil) When it comes to stability in strong winds both these kites are great, one has 5 struts and the other has a fixed bridle to keep the arc in check. For me the choice of the XR over the pace in sizes below the 9m, purely is in the power that the XR provides and the easier landings that come with a slightly slower flying and moving kite. Mike has a great video by the way, loads of info in there.

[@JorgeEgrejasFrancisco]

@@stevenakkersdijk Hi Steven. Thanks for your reply and personal opinion. We all have different experiences (yours for sure better, due to your higher level) and it is always enriching to know about others findings. Even if my personal experience gives me a different one, at least with kites of other brands. And I have a XR7 10m, which I’m selling because I found it tremendously slow and not at all good at lighter winds (when compared to other 3-strut 9-10m kites I have). Note: I refer to twintip riding

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I think everyone's experience is unique and there are a lot of kites out there on the market which makes each case very different. Happy to hear you're finding your way through it and you must do what feels right for you. 🤙

[@vikingh3008]

⁠@@JorgeEgrejasFranciscoxr8 and xr pro significantly faster than xr7, it’s almost like they have jumped 2 or 3 generations of kites not just one, I had an xr8 9m, at moment 8 and 10m xr pro, the 10m xr pro is faster than a 9m xr8, can’t wait to get my 10m pace

[@JorgeEgrejasFrancisco]

@@vikingh3008 Thank you for your comments. That’s what I thought could happen. I have Aluula original kites from Ocean Rodeo and they are really fast when compared to other kites, like the XR7 I mentioned. And also the Duotone Penta TX Neo SLS I have. Now that all brands are making kites with Aluula things are more even… and expensive.

[@roo8274]

Easy answer get both haha

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Easier said than done for some I guess 🙈

[@vikingh3008]

8m xr pro 10m pace 12m pace

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Great Choice!

[@vikingh3008]

@@stevenakkersdijk and now probably keep my 13.5m xr8 aswell after what we talked about

[@aljazmacus1109]

Hi i would appreciate if you could answer my question: I have a friend which dad makes carbon boards at his shop for way less than on the market since they are off brand. I dont know if branded wooden boards ( for a similar price) are better just because of a brand. What do you think is it better to buy normal branded wooden board or these carbon board which is inspired by Duotone jamie. Hope to receive a reply... thanks

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I can't really answer this question for you as it really depends on how far your friends dad is with his boards. If it's a custom board you're maybe able to give it a test ride. Board design isn't easy and there is a lot of trial and error in the design process. The big brands have gone through this and their products will be tried and tested, this might not be the case for your custom carbon boards. In the end the shape is still more important than the materials used.

[@peternieuwenhuizen7441]

I hear different stories about the amount of PSI you pump into the aluula XR Pro and The Pace, whats your take on psi pressure when riding normal wind ? psi and when it’s nuking ? psi 🙏🤙

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Hey Peter, this is a very good question and my best suggestion would be to have a look at the little number written next to the the inflate valve of your kite. Generally I stick to this number unless I know I'll be putting the kite through a lot more stress (for instance when taking a 9m in 35-40 knots). In those cases I might add 1-2 PSI on top, this is also very size and ktie specific. Follow the recommended pressure and when you find the kite behaves weird you can add a bit extra.

[@clement6494]

Great vid! Was thinking the same about taking pace for bigger kites and XR for the smaller ones

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Good choice! you'll love it!

[@andrewp1075]

Looks very similar to the Ozone Vortex.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I think the vortex has more arc and a higher aspect ratio, so I imagine they'll be quite different.

[@louislahayepht2137]

Very nice review Steven. I am interested in the pace for foiling and TT when the wind pick up. How is the relaunch?can you reverse launch ( by pulling on the back lines) the Pace in ligth wind?

[@stevenakkersdijk]

That's a very good question! I haven't crashed the Pace yet in light wind, so I honestly don't know (this is something I'll include for future tests) I imagine it relaunches fairly easily due to the swept wingtips and light weight. Unfortunately I'll only be able to take my setup out for a foil session toward the end of July, otherwise I could have tested it for you. I'll be taking the Pace with for foiling and twintipping on my next trip.

[@louislahayepht2137]

@@stevenakkersdijk Perfect. I'll look forward to hear more about it.

[@Perfcthit]

Only being compatible with the new bar seems really like trying to sell it. As someone who has tried many kites with bars of different brands I feel like core could have designed it so it works with the other ones too sorry to say and still looking forward to test it. Thanks for the review 😊

[@stevenakkersdijk]

There is a very big safety concern behind this and it's also one of the reasons why CORE hasn't released any fixed bridle kites in the last years. The Sensor 3 bar doesn not provide enough difference in power line lenght upon release to fully flag out a fixed bridle kite (PACE). The pulleys on previous kites help in this regard and allow the kite to flag out. So even when testing this kite with the sensor 3 bar, it will work completely fine, but in that rare case that you want to release... the kite is very likely to continue pulling and might even go in to some kind of loop. Therefor I highly recommend to fly it only on the Sensor 4 bar.

[@didiilcheva8639]

I was driving the Evo Dlab with my Sensor 3SPro and happened just that - when released the safety- the kite didn’t totally flagged and was make very strange movements all the time. Didn’t calm down. The Evo Dlab has fix bridle too. I think that the Pace will works well with rheumatoid arthritis clickbar too

[@yulinerinwang]

How to demo one of these?

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Best to contact one of the shops close to your spot. If you live in or near Germany corekites has demo days over there

[@yucelparalik]

🔥🔥🔥

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Well done mate, you got some sick shots in the release video!

[@yessicavidal7315]

Xr 8 va Rebel 2024 pleasr

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I don’t really do any cross brand reviews, but one of the bigger kite shops might do a review like that

[@yessicavidal7315]

​@@stevenakkersdijkpodrías aconsejarme? Estoy en duda entre un xr8 de 12m y un Rebel sls 2024. Más que nada cual te párese que sea de mejor calidad?

[@didiilcheva8639]

@@yessicavidal7315si vas a usar el lite solo unos meses al año - the Rebel te va a durar suficiente. Pero si navegas en un lugar con viento todo los dias - XR8 te va a durar mucho mas tiempo. Me encanta Rebel, pero sin duda la calidad de CORE es mucho mejor. I have the both kites

[@bahamaskitesurfing]

Great review!!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks! Hope you get to try it yourself very soon.

[@mbkiteboarding]

Nice Evo Dlab 😏

[@bahamaskitesurfing]

@@stevenakkersdijk That would be a dream!

[@fabianmoser6018]

Awsome comparison, can’t agree more! The Pace helped me progress a lot lately 🎉

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I saw that, sending it!

[@rationalthinker9181]

I love when a company does what another has then its as if they invented the idea. Duotone Evo Dlab riders yawn nice kite there oh and you need a click bar LOL

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I'm very curious which "idea" you're talking about because I can't recall a moment like this from my video. The Duotone Evo Dlab has been out there for a while and it's and amazing kite, so of course other brands take that as an example and try to make their own version. I'm super excited that CORE now has a similar kite in their range, but we had to change the safety release on our bar to make it compatible with a fixed bridle that we found to provide slightly more performance for this model.

[@rationalthinker9181]

@@stevenakkersdijk 3 strut performance kite. I'm happy that core has made one I hope others make some also the more there is the better they will become the more choice kiters have the cheaper it becomes we all win

[@stevenakkersdijk]

@@rationalthinker9181 More kites = more competition = better R&D I'm also excited to see what all this brings.