Great summary Jason, thanks for your reviews! Here´s to hoping for more wind in 2025. My personal top 3 kites are: 1. Overall - EVO Dlab, the 9m in particular is still my favourite kite overall 2. Boosting - Rebel Dlab 3. Loop Progression - Harlem Thrive
Amazing video again! I’m always curious about other kites but i also watch these for the scenery, NZ looks so amazing and i really appreciate footage from the surrounding like you did with this one!
Just off the water, perfect timing to watch ur video. Absolutely love these reviews. They are pretty much the only reviews I put any weight behind. Keep it up for 2025 mate. Really hope the channel keeps growing as you deserve it. All the best for 2025 !! 🎉
@@HEADLINESx I left them off because so many of my friends have already had to replace theirs, and not many places are still selling them new…. They still have the most potential performance but are more challenging to use… but I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4
Great round up Jason! - I was going to ask why I saw you using the vortex on your latest Instagram videos over the slingshot which you also loved - So this answered that question! Must have bee quite difficult to make this roundup since all the kites are great nowadays!
Great Videos Jason. I ride an Ozone Vortex 9 for big air, but would like a kite for big air tricks like looping I can use when wind is lower. I am thinking about size 12 perhaps. I also like it for numerous old school tricks like slides and board offs. The Vortex is made in maximum size 11, so that for me is to small to feel that low wind gap ( I am 100kg). If you ever feel interest in reviewing 12 size for looping, it would be quite awesome to see which big kites one could have the same fun with as with the smaller kites. Thanks again for very useful content. Jens
I sadly just don't have access to that many kites, but here are some 12 kites I have done powereed loops with, the wind I needed, and a the safe height I needed to loop them: 2020 North Pulse - 22 knots, 8m or higher 2023 North Orbit - 20 knots, 7-8m or higher 2024 Harlem Thrive - 17-18 knots, 4-5m or higher 2023 Duotone Evo D/Lab - 17-18 knots, 5m or higher
There is a video on my channel of me riding around looping my 12m dlab in about 17-20 knots, and some in the Thrive review, and of course a bunch of clips on my instagram of me looping those kites as well.
@@qatarmx I left them off because so many of my friends who bought them in 2023 have already had to replace theirs, and not many places are still selling them new…. They still have the most potential performance but are more challenging to use… but I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4 list
Great review as alway. thx for the good content. If your planning to go to Germany I'd suggest St Peter Ording. Would be a pleasure to show you around here. best time ist September to November.
@@sgerhager thanks for the suggestion, I’ve got a few spots in mind in Europe, I hadn’t considered Germany but it’s not a bad idea, it’s been years since I was last there and I love the country
Thx always for your content. great, differentiated revews. A bit surprising that Evo Dlab wouldnt make the list?! as it was always your top notch big air kite praised by you and compared to other leading big air kites in your vids. how come? anyways enjoy your tips in 2025 and make sure you come to northeast-brasil! Guriu and spots around is waiting for you!;)
I left evo dlabs off because so many of my friends who bought them in 2023 have already had to replace theirs (warranty or other durability issues), and there are not many places that are still selling them in all sizes new…. They still have the most potential performance imo, but are more challenging to use than some of these kites for most riders… so for me, I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4/5 for sure, where depends on the rider a bit (their level, style etc)
@ thx for the response. Now I just remember I got buddies which had endless problems with evo dlabs-they were constantly leaking air a bit in the LE, no matter how many fixes or replacements (super annoying imo)…
great vid very interesting to watch nice work, i think my XR7 7m is the best boosting kite I've had still not got anywhere near the height on my Xrpro but the pro is much more grunty and faster way better for looping and more fun but I can't hold down that much over highs of 45knt on it "I'm light" the xr7 is my go to storm kite loads more depower
@@swichkite it might also be that the XR pro is so fast it’s harder to hit the sweet spot with it…. I still have my XR7’s but never use them anymore as the Evo is way less work and jumps a bit higher
I agree Vortex is a super fun kite. I just wish it didn’t turn into the Edge when nuked. The bar pressure to initiate turns becomes brutal when lit- but I suppose flying a 10m in mid 30s isn’t what everyone is looking for😂😂. Cheers man 🤙
Try to trim the depower a few inches (trim by 1/3 to 1/2)... when I was riding the 9m in the most lit sessions I found this helped a LOT with the vortex.
i ride the Code NXT, coming from Code v1, instant confidence booster to try new stuff. Tried other Aluula Kites but Code still feels the better all rounder.
Your original Vortex review peaked my interest, so I took a demo opportunity and was blown away by how sweet it was- ended up buying a quiver of 3 vortex’s. Thanks for pointing me down the path. My only gripe is that the tip shape has a tendency to allow the upper steering line to tangle behind the tip during launch- any suggestions anyone ? (I have to brief anyone assisting my launch more than any other kite I have ridden)
@TheSmallsAbroad I’ve tried to contact core but they just never replied, being based in Germany it’s probably not worth their while trying to get demo kites to NZ. I could only do a pace review because I had an overseas mate visiting, and I probably needed a lot more time on it to figure it out a bit better
Do you plan on doing any jumping tutorials. I know there are tons of videos but I like getting lots of different advice and perspectives on what is important.
@ Would be great to know what you are thinking about as you load up for a jump in terms of board positioning, foot pressure, whether or not to pre-load pop, kite position, flick etc.
thanks alot for your helpful reviews , i wanted to check if it's possible to review a vantage kite or at least give your opinion if you have tried one , thanks 😊
Great overall review Jason. I recently bought a 11m vortex…I have really enjoyed it. What would your ideal Vortex quiver be? I’m debating between 9 or 8m Vortex for smaller size
I've only ever tried the 9m, so it's hard to say.... rider level, weight and conditions are the most impactful elements.... for NZ I would go 8/10/12 probably, but if only 2 kites 9/12 or 8/11 I think
@@wazkiedi nz is very gusty at times, but I do try to talk about how kites handle harder conditions, but it’s tricky to test that because the winds rarely the same…
Awesome video as always! Could you maybe do a used kite test once? I think it would be interesting if you can tell if a kite really feels worn out. It might help to find out how old a kite can be and still feel nice. I can only kite about 25 days per year, so I can't really tell if my Orbits don't feel as crisp as a new one. For a perfect comparison, you'd obviously need the same kite brand new as well as fairly used, but I don't expect that. I'd just like to know how noticeable a kite ages. Would be good info for the ones of us who can only afford used kites, but no worries if you're not interested in this :)
@@jasonofmontreal You're right. I totally understand. I also feel like it's not worth it for you to do a whole objective video about it. If you ever get to ride an older kite, maybe do a quick Instagram story about how it hold up :) But do you think a heavily used Orbit/XR/Rebel/... will ever fly a lot worse than new or is the frame strong enough to keep it in shape either way?
@@moritzm2143 It depends how well they have been stored and looked after.... if you roll your kites up each time, that for example is horrible for long term storage, or if you tomahawk the kites into sure and they get dragged that can destroy the frames shelf life, or if you leave it on the beach in wind and sun flapping for hours each session.... My evo dlabs are 18 months old and still going moderately well despite some warranty issues and repairs for example.
@ rolling is fine for dakron short term storage, but from what I've been told, aluula needs to be softly folder, as you would a darkon kite you were planning to store for weeks or more between sessions
Great video, I always enjoy watching them. I would love to see one of the Gong Ayto kites in one of your Videos. I am very interested in this kite and I would like to know your opinion on it.
@@thomasjehle4389 they’re just tricky to get hold of in NZ, I’d need to crowd fund and actually buy one to do it, but I’ve still got other kites lined up first
Thank you so much for this review ! I saw that you only tried the Thrive in 12m size, but would you able to tell in size 11/12 which one has the better low end ? Are aluula or brainchild really better for lighter wind ? For a 2 kites quiver 8 & 11 or 12 i'm still looking for the perfect kite to enjoy light 14-18 knts session (i'm 70kg) but also for 20-25knts. Thanks Jason ! 🙏
@@damsou I tested the thrive in 9m mainly, but also included my thoughts on the 12. In the Thrive I concluded that the Evo dlab has more power and a better low end. But the thrive is definitely better than standard dakron
Nice vid and understandable list Jason! I only flew and owned the Nitro, Orbit and ERA myself of this list. I mean, not gonna spend close to 2k on a single kite (so any aluula or brainchild fall off). In my personal list I'd place the Nitro and ERA both together slightly above the Orbit. I would place the ERA above the Nitro on pure boosting and lift categories, but the durability of the kite is a huge factor for me and I found it is significantly less durable than the Nitro, so therefor I'd place it overall in the same rank.
That's interesting to hear, I've not heard of any durability issues with the FS kites so far... in NZ we basically have 60% of the local's on Ortbits, next most popular are Edge and Era (but no issues with anyones so far thankfully)
@jasonofmontreal yeah no specific issues - but the trailing edge does flap a bit in the loop and you can see the same white breaking lines in the coating rather quickly on the trailing edge, just like on the dlab within a couple sessions. I did see some of the coating just above the TE starting to 'break' like also happened on the pre '23 orbits (that was a thicker different material they changed in 23). This wasn't after many sessions - only 2 hands full. I wouldn't call it an issue - but I didn't see how these era's would last me 3 seasons. I hope in the v2 they change something in the coating or the trailing edge that does increase the lifespan of the kite.
With big guys like us me (110 kg in 23 kts avg gusting 30 kts would you take a 9m vortex or a 10 been looking for a kite between 23 to 35 a 40 kts i normally take out a 10m orbit in those winds but looking to upgrade
In 22-25avg gusting 30 I sometimes go 10 if I want to jump higher or do board offs, but I prefer to use a 9 and do loops. Basically once the avg hits 22 and up I go 9. If it’s 20-25 when I go Out I’ll go 10, and if it creeps up to gusts as much as 30-35 I can still stay on the 10, but I prefer 9 from there
It's somewhat redundant now with the Thrive and Peak from Harlem both offering higher performance overall, although I have not tried the Peak yet. It's still a great kite for looping though.
@@stefanlaabs Good to know thanks, we are not in our windy season right now (I haven't kited in 2 weeks), and there is nothing forecast for the next two, so it's not a great time for me to try to crowd fund 1200euro from the community to get one unfortunately. I'd feel a built guilty getting everyones money then taking months to do the review
@@Kommandor_Twix they tend to differ in most markets, in NZ we don’t have Harlem kites so any purchase would require international shipping… my guess is the ozone comes out 10-15% more?
Great vid as always! I'm looking to buy a 7m for those stronger winds. I already have 9m 24' orbit. Can't device between the 7m orbit and ERA. How do they compare?
@@jakubpar2910 I’ve not tried with 7m, but they’re very similar, the era is a little bit faster/gruntier, and likely slightly easier to control in super strong winds in that size
Maybe it is a good idea to also add pricing in mix. A 9m Harlem Thrive is listed for under 2k. All the other kites in the review are AT LEAST 600,- eur/usd more expensive. Brainchild is looked upon as super premium (because they perform really well), so people think it is also in the aluula price range... it is most definitely not. Yes, they are a tiny bit more expensive as the less performant dacron kites (North and Cabrihna), but these Brainchild kites are cheap, compared to their premium priced competitors. Best buy category: Harlem Thrive, without a doubt. Tell me i'm wrong?
As I’m into strapless freestyle progression I am wondering if any of these would actually be ok for wave riding, I’ve been guessing the Thrive, would you agree?
I've only ever tried strapless a few times on a holiday to Mauritius, and I used my 9m Orbit... so I'm not the best judge... but of them I'd probably say the Thrive is likely your best bet overall, with the top 3 all doing a solid job being all 3 strut.
Ayto DP. Fastest looping kite. Faster than vortex and Evo d lab. Maybe like thrive but I haven’t flown that one. Also has incredible low end power which is strange considering the loop speed. Can boost but requires good timing. Super fun kite. 🤙
@@jasonofmontreal I remember you tried to do a crowdfunding to get one. How is it going ? I would absolutely love to see you compare it to the others of your list. I'm in the market to replace my 2020 Orbit, being in France, right next to the Gong Space Center, I've narrowed it down to the Orbit Pro or the Ayto DP. But going for the Ayto means buying new and kinda going into the unknown ahah
Would love to know where on this list you would place the winner of last year, the Evo Dlab in comparison to all of these new kites that came out last year. Considering that a new Evo dlab is about to be released in '25 this would be the one I would be most interested in to be reviewed once it’s released.
I left them off because so many of my friends have already had to replace theirs, and there are not many places that are still selling them in all sizes new…. They still have the most potential performance imo, but are more challenging to use… so for me, I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4/5 for sure, where depends on the rider a bit (their level, style etc)
The standard orbit just isn't high enough performance to keep up, and I left the evo off because so many of my friends have already had to replace theirs, and not many places are still selling them new…. They still have the most potential performance but are also more challenging to use… but I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4
Orbit 2021 size 10m is epic. Orbit 8m 2023 is so solid and forgiving, but I feel it is losing in heights. And also you don't consider the durability in this review. I believe it's a matter for a decision.
Sorry, can't take such a review serious without the Evo Dlab being part of it. Still saw many Pros riding the Evo Dlab in Big Air last year even though the Rebel Dlab was already available
I left them off because so many of my friends who got them in 2023, have already had to replace theirs, and there are not many places that are still selling them in all sizes new…. They still have the most potential performance imo, but are more challenging to use… so for me, I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4/5 for sure, where depends on the rider a bit (their level, style etc)
Thanks a lot for all your reviews :) how would you rank your evo dlab ? Is it still your n1 kite even after all these kites lunched in 2024 ? Btw you should definitely get your hands on a Gong Ayto aramid DP, looping machine.
I left the evos off because so many of my friends have already had to replace theirs, and not many places are still selling them new…. They still have the most potential performance but are more challenging to use… but I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4
I'll try to cover kiting in general around Auckland and NZ in the series, but there are some local website for this if you ever come to NZ I can also share
Great summary Jason, thanks for your reviews! Here´s to hoping for more wind in 2025.
My personal top 3 kites are:
1. Overall - EVO Dlab, the 9m in particular is still my favourite kite overall
2. Boosting - Rebel Dlab
3. Loop Progression - Harlem Thrive
@@jenokuper great list!
Would love to see a review of the trigger!
Hope to soon...
@@jasonofmontrealthat would be amazing!
And new brainchild reedin!
Amazing video again! I’m always curious about other kites but i also watch these for the scenery, NZ looks so amazing and i really appreciate footage from the surrounding like you did with this one!
Thanks mate!
Just off the water, perfect timing to watch ur video.
Absolutely love these reviews.
They are pretty much the only reviews I put any weight behind. Keep it up for 2025 mate.
Really hope the channel keeps growing as you deserve it.
All the best for 2025 !! 🎉
@@ImpossibleOne thanks mate!
The video we've all been waiting for!
@@Yarco 🤘
Thanks for the review!
I would love to see a test of the new reedin hypermodel.
@@christianr8898 thanks, trying to get one soon!
The winner is...
Ozone vortex 👌👌👌.
Thanks Jason 👋
my pleasure, they're all excellent kites
Awesome video as usual ! Thanks for all this good content !
@@MiP_MiP396 thanks
Great Video 🎉
How do you compare to your quiver of EVO dlab? Do you wanna switch? Or do you wait for the new evos to release soon?
Good question, also very interested to know if the EVO Dlab would still make it on the list (and on what spot) if you hadn't owned them 😂
@@HEADLINESx I left them off because so many of my friends have already had to replace theirs, and not many places are still selling them new…. They still have the most potential performance but are more challenging to use… but I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4
Great round up Jason! - I was going to ask why I saw you using the vortex on your latest Instagram videos over the slingshot which you also loved - So this answered that question!
Must have bee quite difficult to make this roundup since all the kites are great nowadays!
@@moffmo certainly was 😂
Vortex 😎
It's a fun one!
Great Videos Jason. I ride an Ozone Vortex 9 for big air, but would like a kite for big air tricks like looping I can use when wind is lower. I am thinking about size 12 perhaps. I also like it for numerous old school tricks like slides and board offs. The Vortex is made in maximum size 11, so that for me is to small to feel that low wind gap ( I am 100kg). If you ever feel interest in reviewing 12 size for looping, it would be quite awesome to see which big kites one could have the same fun with as with the smaller kites. Thanks again for very useful content. Jens
I sadly just don't have access to that many kites, but here are some 12 kites I have done powereed loops with, the wind I needed, and a the safe height I needed to loop them:
2020 North Pulse - 22 knots, 8m or higher
2023 North Orbit - 20 knots, 7-8m or higher
2024 Harlem Thrive - 17-18 knots, 4-5m or higher
2023 Duotone Evo D/Lab - 17-18 knots, 5m or higher
There is a video on my channel of me riding around looping my 12m dlab in about 17-20 knots, and some in the Thrive review, and of course a bunch of clips on my instagram of me looping those kites as well.
Excellent video as usual … another vote for adding the evo dlab next time as a performance baseline comparison.
@@qatarmx I left them off because so many of my friends who bought them in 2023 have already had to replace theirs, and not many places are still selling them new…. They still have the most potential performance but are more challenging to use… but I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4 list
Great review as alway. thx for the good content. If your planning to go to Germany I'd suggest St Peter Ording. Would be a pleasure to show you around here. best time ist September to November.
@@sgerhager thanks for the suggestion, I’ve got a few spots in mind in Europe, I hadn’t considered Germany but it’s not a bad idea, it’s been years since I was last there and I love the country
Another banger 💥
thanks mate
Thx always for your content. great, differentiated revews. A bit surprising that Evo Dlab wouldnt make the list?! as it was always your top notch big air kite praised by you and compared to other leading big air kites in your vids. how come? anyways enjoy your tips in 2025 and make sure you come to northeast-brasil! Guriu and spots around is waiting for you!;)
I left evo dlabs off because so many of my friends who bought them in 2023 have already had to replace theirs (warranty or other durability issues), and there are not many places that are still selling them in all sizes new…. They still have the most potential performance imo, but are more challenging to use than some of these kites for most riders… so for me, I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4/5 for sure, where depends on the rider a bit (their level, style etc)
@ thx for the response. Now I just remember I got buddies which had endless problems with evo dlabs-they were constantly leaking air a bit in the LE, no matter how many fixes or replacements (super annoying imo)…
@ Lambo performance doesn't give you Toyota reliability...
nice jason amazing !
@@victorrodrigobogeadeolivei5559 thanks
i want them all! bring on the 25 gear!!!
@@southernskip haha, cleaned out the garage just in time
great vid very interesting to watch nice work, i think my XR7 7m is the best boosting kite I've had still not got anywhere near the height on my Xrpro but the pro is much more grunty and faster way better for looping and more fun but I can't hold down that much over highs of 45knt on it "I'm light" the xr7 is my go to storm kite loads more depower
@@swichkite it might also be that the XR pro is so fast it’s harder to hit the sweet spot with it…. I still have my XR7’s but never use them anymore as the Evo is way less work and jumps a bit higher
Amazing video mate - did I catch a look at Woodman Point in perth at 9:39???
@@dachampion_9993 you did, was there for a few weeks over new years
I agree Vortex is a super fun kite. I just wish it didn’t turn into the Edge when nuked. The bar pressure to initiate turns becomes brutal when lit- but I suppose flying a 10m in mid 30s isn’t what everyone is looking for😂😂. Cheers man 🤙
Try to trim the depower a few inches (trim by 1/3 to 1/2)... when I was riding the 9m in the most lit sessions I found this helped a LOT with the vortex.
i ride the Code NXT, coming from Code v1, instant confidence booster to try new stuff. Tried other Aluula Kites but Code still feels the better all rounder.
@@ridewithandrei it’s one of the top few that really seems to benefit the most from aluula
Awesome vid! Still waiting for the Reedin brainchild review :)
I'm still trying to get one of them!
Jason, what type of watch do you use to measure your heights? Maybe could make a brief video on that tech (if you haven’t already)
@@sumomi it’s just an Apple Watch (7 or 9) with either woo or surfr app
Your original Vortex review peaked my interest, so I took a demo opportunity and was blown away by how sweet it was- ended up buying a quiver of 3 vortex’s. Thanks for pointing me down the path.
My only gripe is that the tip shape has a tendency to allow the upper steering line to tangle behind the tip during launch- any suggestions anyone ? (I have to brief anyone assisting my launch more than any other kite I have ridden)
@@deeearnshaw9551 I haven’t noticed that yet but good tip!
I have Ozone Vortex 8,9,11. I have never had any problems with the tip catching by the line. This problem was often in Eleveight XS and RS.
I have 7, 10, 13,. Maybe it’s me, but it happens 1 in 3 times if I am not super careful - Any advice how to avoid?
@@deeearnshaw9551 sounds like you might be standing too far upwind when they turn the kite over?
@@jasonofmontreal Thx- will pay more attention to that in future.
You're a beast at 100Kgs !
cheers
Can’t wait to see a review of the 2025 duotone evo dlab when ever that gets released which I believe is around Q2.
looking forward to it as well... hopefully the performance is comparable and they look a bit nicer in terms of design :P
@@jasonofmontreal Yeah I hope they do a better job with it durability and graphic wise.....other than that, they are insanely nice kites.
@@j.b.7525 If they make it more durable that will of course impact the weight and performance to some degree...
Best kite of 2024 for me was the XR Pro, and I'd love to see you test the new upcoming Pace (non-Aluula)
@TheSmallsAbroad I’ve tried to contact core but they just never replied, being based in Germany it’s probably not worth their while trying to get demo kites to NZ. I could only do a pace review because I had an overseas mate visiting, and I probably needed a lot more time on it to figure it out a bit better
@@jasonofmontreal Their loss - I think they are missing out on a key reviewer!
@ never know, perhaps this year we can work something out or a local gets one I can borrow 😂
Hi Jason, i love your work. I am still really curious on the performance of the gong kites. I would love to see a video about one of those kites!
@@gijswolles6672 hopefully I can get one this year
I agree. Alex Soto absolutely going nuts on his Gong..
Do you plan on doing any jumping tutorials. I know there are tons of videos but I like getting lots of different advice and perspectives on what is important.
@@amugos1212 It’s hard to beat the ones @gethighwithmike is doing
@ Would be great to know what you are thinking about as you load up for a jump in terms of board positioning, foot pressure, whether or not to pre-load pop, kite position, flick etc.
Maybe a viewer submitted jump review/commentary like the Kitehomiez did in Squamish
thanks alot for your helpful reviews , i wanted to check if it's possible to review a vantage kite or at least give your opinion if you have tried one , thanks 😊
@@HosamAyman-n5l I have only tried the vulture 3 and I struggled with it sadly. It’s got some great power for sure.
Great overall review Jason. I recently bought a 11m vortex…I have really enjoyed it. What would your ideal Vortex quiver be? I’m debating between 9 or 8m Vortex for smaller size
I've only ever tried the 9m, so it's hard to say.... rider level, weight and conditions are the most impactful elements.... for NZ I would go 8/10/12 probably, but if only 2 kites 9/12 or 8/11 I think
Great review, it would be nice to have another category "gust handling" unless NZ has only smooth winds 😅
@@wazkiedi nz is very gusty at times, but I do try to talk about how kites handle harder conditions, but it’s tricky to test that because the winds rarely the same…
Awesome video as always!
Could you maybe do a used kite test once? I think it would be interesting if you can tell if a kite really feels worn out. It might help to find out how old a kite can be and still feel nice. I can only kite about 25 days per year, so I can't really tell if my Orbits don't feel as crisp as a new one.
For a perfect comparison, you'd obviously need the same kite brand new as well as fairly used, but I don't expect that. I'd just like to know how noticeable a kite ages. Would be good info for the ones of us who can only afford used kites, but no worries if you're not interested in this :)
@@moritzm2143 I think there’s just too many variables I wouldn’t be able to account for with old gear and what kind of life it’s had sadly
@@jasonofmontreal You're right. I totally understand. I also feel like it's not worth it for you to do a whole objective video about it. If you ever get to ride an older kite, maybe do a quick Instagram story about how it hold up :)
But do you think a heavily used Orbit/XR/Rebel/... will ever fly a lot worse than new or is the frame strong enough to keep it in shape either way?
@@moritzm2143 It depends how well they have been stored and looked after.... if you roll your kites up each time, that for example is horrible for long term storage, or if you tomahawk the kites into sure and they get dragged that can destroy the frames shelf life, or if you leave it on the beach in wind and sun flapping for hours each session.... My evo dlabs are 18 months old and still going moderately well despite some warranty issues and repairs for example.
@@jasonofmontrealwhat do you mean by rolling kites is horrible for them? What do you do?
@ rolling is fine for dakron short term storage, but from what I've been told, aluula needs to be softly folder, as you would a darkon kite you were planning to store for weeks or more between sessions
Great video, I always enjoy watching them.
I would love to see one of the Gong Ayto kites in one of your Videos. I am very interested in this kite and I would like to know your opinion on it.
@@thomasjehle4389 they’re just tricky to get hold of in NZ, I’d need to crowd fund and actually buy one to do it, but I’ve still got other kites lined up first
Nice video ! Thanks a lot ! Did you try the new reedin hypermodel?
not yet but im gunning for it
Hood River and the Oregon Coast!
@@mikhailgurtovoy6950 would love to do that road trip again, great suggestion
Come to the West coast of Ireland 🇮🇪 to paddyintheelements in Galway.
We get super winter storms for big air
@@patrickdunne1508 great suggestion, and I can sneak in a few nips of Redbreast after to warm back up 🥃
@jasonofmontreal definitely 👍
Hi! nice rewiews! Is navigator pro your favourite bar? And what size do you use for 8 or 9m?
I like the North Nav Pro for Low V, and the Harlem Lead bar for High Y. I always use the medium bar for all sizes
Thank you so much for this review !
I saw that you only tried the Thrive in 12m size, but would you able to tell in size 11/12 which one has the better low end ? Are aluula or brainchild really better for lighter wind ?
For a 2 kites quiver 8 & 11 or 12 i'm still looking for the perfect kite to enjoy light 14-18 knts session (i'm 70kg) but also for 20-25knts.
Thanks Jason ! 🙏
@@damsou I tested the thrive in 9m mainly, but also included my thoughts on the 12. In the Thrive I concluded that the Evo dlab has more power and a better low end. But the thrive is definitely better than standard dakron
Nice vid and understandable list Jason!
I only flew and owned the Nitro, Orbit and ERA myself of this list. I mean, not gonna spend close to 2k on a single kite (so any aluula or brainchild fall off). In my personal list I'd place the Nitro and ERA both together slightly above the Orbit. I would place the ERA above the Nitro on pure boosting and lift categories, but the durability of the kite is a huge factor for me and I found it is significantly less durable than the Nitro, so therefor I'd place it overall in the same rank.
That's interesting to hear, I've not heard of any durability issues with the FS kites so far... in NZ we basically have 60% of the local's on Ortbits, next most popular are Edge and Era (but no issues with anyones so far thankfully)
@jasonofmontreal yeah no specific issues - but the trailing edge does flap a bit in the loop and you can see the same white breaking lines in the coating rather quickly on the trailing edge, just like on the dlab within a couple sessions. I did see some of the coating just above the TE starting to 'break' like also happened on the pre '23 orbits (that was a thicker different material they changed in 23). This wasn't after many sessions - only 2 hands full.
I wouldn't call it an issue - but I didn't see how these era's would last me 3 seasons. I hope in the v2 they change something in the coating or the trailing edge that does increase the lifespan of the kite.
@ good feedback
Would be nice to know how you compare Eleveight RS Pro and XS Pro with them
I've never tried them I'm afraid but hopefully can in 25
Would love to see an Evo Dlab 2025 model when that launches
definitely on the hit list for 25
Nice mate
@@AdrianKerr cheers
With big guys like us me (110 kg in 23 kts avg gusting 30 kts would you take a 9m vortex or a 10 been looking for a kite between 23 to 35 a 40 kts i normally take out a 10m orbit in those winds but looking to upgrade
A 10, maybe even an 11 xD
Guys wind is lacking we need to put ourself on diet and lose one or two dozens of kg xD
In 22-25avg gusting 30 I sometimes go 10 if I want to jump higher or do board offs, but I prefer to use a 9 and do loops. Basically once the avg hits 22 and up I go 9. If it’s 20-25 when I go
Out I’ll go 10, and if it creeps up to gusts as much as 30-35 I can still stay on the 10, but I prefer 9 from there
Thanks for your awesome review.
I didn’t see any mention about Harlem Force, which it should relevant for big air kites?What do you think ?
It's somewhat redundant now with the Thrive and Peak from Harlem both offering higher performance overall, although I have not tried the Peak yet. It's still a great kite for looping though.
Whats about the GONG Ayto DP?
@@stefanlaabs I’ve not tried one, they don’t do demos or currently have 9m sizes availed to purchase
@@jasonofmontreal the white and skyblue model in 9m is available. maybe an option for the next test...
@@stefanlaabs Good to know thanks, we are not in our windy season right now (I haven't kited in 2 weeks), and there is nothing forecast for the next two, so it's not a great time for me to try to crowd fund 1200euro from the community to get one unfortunately. I'd feel a built guilty getting everyones money then taking months to do the review
Déjà vu? 😅 I'll finish watching it! Great reviews as always.
technical issues
Thanks a lot for this review!!! Could you compare price for Vortex vs Thrive?
@@Kommandor_Twix they tend to differ in most markets, in NZ we don’t have Harlem kites so any purchase would require international shipping… my guess is the ozone comes out 10-15% more?
Can you do a ranking on all kites you’ve tested?
1. Evo Dlab
2. Ozone Vortex
3. North Orbit
or something like that? all time ranking not only 2024?
I thought about trying to do something like that, but as you change over time so does your riding style and preferences...
Great vid as always!
I'm looking to buy a 7m for those stronger winds. I already have 9m 24' orbit. Can't device between the 7m orbit and ERA.
How do they compare?
@@jakubpar2910 I’ve not tried with 7m, but they’re very similar, the era is a little bit faster/gruntier, and likely slightly easier to control in super strong winds in that size
Mykonos and that crazy windy spot in Taiwan
Penghu islands and Mykonos are definitely on the hit list.... perfect spots for Louise to progress ;)
Maybe it is a good idea to also add pricing in mix. A 9m Harlem Thrive is listed for under 2k. All the other kites in the review are AT LEAST 600,- eur/usd more expensive. Brainchild is looked upon as super premium (because they perform really well), so people think it is also in the aluula price range... it is most definitely not.
Yes, they are a tiny bit more expensive as the less performant dacron kites (North and Cabrihna), but these Brainchild kites are cheap, compared to their premium priced competitors.
Best buy category: Harlem Thrive, without a doubt. Tell me i'm wrong?
@@Woutergerritsen prices are a bit different in each market, for us the north orbit pro or flysurfer era are 20% cheaper again than the Harlem
As I’m into strapless freestyle progression I am wondering if any of these would actually be ok for wave riding, I’ve been guessing the Thrive, would you agree?
I've only ever tried strapless a few times on a holiday to Mauritius, and I used my 9m Orbit... so I'm not the best judge... but of them I'd probably say the Thrive is likely your best bet overall, with the top 3 all doing a solid job being all 3 strut.
GONG AYTO ?
@@rule56 haven’t been able to get hold of one
Ayto DP. Fastest looping kite. Faster than vortex and Evo d lab. Maybe like thrive but I haven’t flown that one. Also has incredible low end power which is strange considering the loop speed. Can boost but requires good timing. Super fun kite. 🤙
I just bought one, super excited to see what it can do :)
@@corpuskitercan’t believe at that pricepoint
@@jasonofmontreal I remember you tried to do a crowdfunding to get one. How is it going ? I would absolutely love to see you compare it to the others of your list. I'm in the market to replace my 2020 Orbit, being in France, right next to the Gong Space Center, I've narrowed it down to the Orbit Pro or the Ayto DP. But going for the Ayto means buying new and kinda going into the unknown ahah
Would love to know where on this list you would place the winner of last year, the Evo Dlab in comparison to all of these new kites that came out last year. Considering that a new Evo dlab is about to be released in '25 this would be the one I would be most interested in to be reviewed once it’s released.
I left them off because so many of my friends have already had to replace theirs, and there are not many places that are still selling them in all sizes new…. They still have the most potential performance imo, but are more challenging to use… so for me, I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4/5 for sure, where depends on the rider a bit (their level, style etc)
would you prefer the vortex over the evo d/lab?
For progression for sure, although overall it isn't the same level top performance for a more experienced rider... check out the ozone vortex review
Psycho Nvision from Naish (5 struts alula)
@@charlesbels800 haven’t tried one as yet but hopefully this year
No evo dlab in top 6? And no standard orbit?
The standard orbit just isn't high enough performance to keep up, and I left the evo off because so many of my friends have already had to replace theirs, and not many places are still selling them new…. They still have the most potential performance but are also more challenging to use… but I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4
Hi, what about the Naish Psycho?
I haven't tried one yet, hopefully in 2025
Come to Dakhla- Morocco 🇲🇦 💨
@@amineroussafi it’s definitely one of the finalists!
spot guide would be very appreciated
@@federicovangelista2574 nice
Eleveight not available in your country?
@@ffffadsf I’ve only tried the XS v3 and the RS+ v2 thus far
@@jasonofmontreal and some rev about them?
@@ffffadsf I did, the first review covered v3, and earlier this year the rs+
Which Kite would you recommend in bigger size (12/13)? Focus is on jumping in lighter to medium winds
The Harlem Thrive is the only kite of these that I have tried in a 12, and it was great, check out the Thrive review.
What would you say is the highest boosting kite in the 12m range? (around 20knots)
Orbit/ Rebel Sls/ XR8/…
@@till_l7908 I’d bet the Evo dlab has that crown in most winds and kite sizes… but it gets harder to time perfectly in smaller sizes
@ thank you!
No Naish Pivot in the list?
I did try the Nvision pivot but wasn't a huge fan sadly
Suprice No.1. Expect North Orbit with 5 struts but in low end not the best.
@ they’re still amazing kites but just lack the power vs the rest of the top 5
🔝🔝🔝💯!
Ozone arriving with a surprise in the next weeks!
@@GaetanoCrisci new vortex?👀
@@GaetanoCrisci nice 🤘
@@ozii560 😄 no, but in my opinion deserve for sure a Jason test!
Gold Enduro
Vortex v2 coming out this year?
Orbit 2021 size 10m is epic. Orbit 8m 2023 is so solid and forgiving, but I feel it is losing in heights.
And also you don't consider the durability in this review. I believe it's a matter for a decision.
@@viktorshvets9914 it’s impossible to consider durability as I only ride demo kids for a few sessions
Sorry, can't take such a review serious without the Evo Dlab being part of it. Still saw many Pros riding the Evo Dlab in Big Air last year even though the Rebel Dlab was already available
I left them off because so many of my friends who got them in 2023, have already had to replace theirs, and there are not many places that are still selling them in all sizes new…. They still have the most potential performance imo, but are more challenging to use… so for me, I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4/5 for sure, where depends on the rider a bit (their level, style etc)
Go to Soma Bay in Egipt! Its a kitesurfing paradise, especially if you go to the kitespot Surfmotion!
It looks so beautiful but I've heard the wind can shut off for sometimes days (possible a week) at a time, when is the best time to go there?
Thanks a lot for all your reviews :) how would you rank your evo dlab ? Is it still your n1 kite even after all these kites lunched in 2024 ?
Btw you should definitely get your hands on a Gong Ayto aramid DP, looping machine.
I left the evos off because so many of my friends have already had to replace theirs, and not many places are still selling them new…. They still have the most potential performance but are more challenging to use… but I’d say you could mix them in with that top 4
thank you! Nice Videos! Please make some Spotguides about your homespots! Greatings from Germany!
I'll try to cover kiting in general around Auckland and NZ in the series, but there are some local website for this if you ever come to NZ I can also share
If you call it „the best …“ then you have to test all. So you have to call it „my best tested…“ or Mackitebordings best…
@@andreaspoke8273 for sure, but I do say in the video’s description that it is based on what I have rode in 2024….
Karen
@@rhysflor haha