Eleveight RS review with compare RS and Eleveight XS

As you know we like to test kitesurfing equipment. This time we took the opportunity to test the Eleveight RS v5. The previously published guest reviewyou have probably already seen the Eleveight RS. This time passed the chance to test the Eleveigth RS myself. We received a 9 and 12 meters with a CS Vary bar (CS+). No sooner said than done, we went into the water a few times with Eleveight kitesurfing equipment. In addition to the review about the RS, we had contact with Floris from Hooked Kiteboarding for a comparison with the Eleveight XS. You can read this comparison immediately after the RS review.

Good first impression Eleveight RS

A first impression of a kite starts with holding the bag and unpacking the kite.

When unpacking the kite, Eleveight immediately makes a very good first impression. For example, because of the large and strong kitebag with a plastic zipper, storage compartment and flap behind the zipper.

The latter is highly appreciated, because zipping a kite bag is always a point of attention. Of course, the canvas of the kite can easily get between the zipper. What a shame it is if a kite is damaged as a result. Eleveight has thought about these kinds of details.

Value for money

This is confirmed when I unpack and inflate the kite. The fabric is made of quad rip stop from Teijin, which is currently one of the best and strongest fabrics. Although I will not go too deeply into details, my assessment is that, apart from the points below and as far as I can judge, Eleveight comes along with the A-brands. Some of the points of attention that struck me are the following:

• The valve. That is not as I am used to with the A-brands that, for example, already use a SUP valve with a large inlet. You must also use a screw cap with the Eleveight. For me it was quite stuck after my sessions. This can be a challenge in the winter with cold hands.
• In addition, a so-called Racing Junior clamcleat has been mounted on the bar for trimming the kite. The brand is still on it and immediately reminded me of the past. Then we bought this at the nearest sailing shop for less than ten euros. Nothing wrong with that at all. My experience is, however, that A-brands embellish these kinds of details in-house or with partners.
• Anyway, an Eleveight is slightly cheaper. You currently have a 9 meter for 1.249 Euro. This is cheaper than a kite from an A-brand with the same size.

Elevight RS test

Below are the main findings during my kitesurfing sessions with the Eleveight RS. I have kitesurfed with both the 9 meters and the 12 meters.

• Good depower in combination with controllability. Walking towards the water, I notice that the Eleveight RS can be very depowered and yet remains steerable. That is wonderful and safe. The wind in the Netherlands is almost always gusty and that is why good depower ability in combination with remaining controllable is important.
• Easy elevation. I spray off on my kiteboard. I immediately notice that the Eleveight is a kite that speeds forward to the edge of the wind window. So easy walking.
• Absorption of gusts. At times the kite accelerates and when the wind drops for a while, the kite also sinks back into the wind window. Many kites have this, but there are also kites that dampen this process a little more, which gives peace of mind. It feels perfectly controllable with the Eleveight RS because these forces are transferred fairly gradually via the bar.
• Stability in waves. In gusty winds, the 9 meters gives more of an on/off experience. You can also hear this from the canvas that sometimes flaps when the kite has to deal with a gust. This was also easy to check via the kitebar.
• Fairly light bar pressure. The bar pressure is quite light and the transfer of force is gradual but very precise. That gives confidence and a wonderful feeling, even though I notice the kite has a lot of power ready. You notice that immediately when you jump.
• Predictable kite. I think you have a good connection with the kite. For example, I never had a moment when the kite was in a position where I did not expect it. This can be seen from my tricks in the video.
• Congenial high and far jumps. The Eleveight doesn't take you out of the water radically, but the jumps quickly go high and the hang time is wonderful. The kite can also be steered very friendly during a jump and that generally makes landing easy.
• Heliloops right above you. If you are a bit further advanced and make a heliloop on landing, the kite sparkles. At least for me. The heliloops make the Eleveight as light as a feather and right above your head. I've never experienced it like that.
• Good and direct pop for freestyle tricks. The Eleveight also generates power quickly when you need it. He can then respond immediately. Very fine pop as we call this. Jump over a wave with a grab, a single or even three double back roll or front roll with kiteloop. It all went well for me. There are kites that I have tested with which I did not dare to do the latter in such a short time frame.
• Beautiful curves. You make nice turns with the RS. For example from heelside to toeside. The kite and bar allow you to easily dose the forces to exactly the force you need.
• Large wind range. The so-called wind range of the Eleveight RS is large. During my session with the 12 meters the wind picked up quite a bit. Even without having to trim the kite I could sail for a long time with it. During the 9 meter session, the wind sometimes dropped. The kite then sinks back into the wind window and continues to generate power.
• Also for kite foiling and wave kite surfing. The kite is adjustable for different riding styles. For example, you can change settings on the wingtips for stronger wind versus less wind and for wave kite surfing versus big air and loops. In addition, you can also make some adjustments to the bridle. You can also adjust the setting there so that the kite makes a short turning circle and generates less power. Ideal for wave kite surfing and kite foiling. I have not tested this setting. I also like to take a wave kite surfing on my twintip. Then of course you can't change the setting on the water. As a result, wave kite surfing did not work out as well as I would have liked and expected with the Eleveight RS.

Eleveight XS vs RS

In addition to the Eleveight RS, there is also the Eleveight XS. We have not tested these ourselves. To give you a comparison, I was in contact with Floris van Hooked Kiteboarding. He kitesurfs with both the RS and the XS. All the more reason to ask Floris about the comparison.

Introducing Floris

“My name is Floris Mensonides, owner of kitesurfing school and shop Hooked Kiteboarding in Wijk aan Zee. I kitesurf fanatically on a recreational level and I also teach a lot. Eleveight has made our kite heart beat faster, which is why we have become a shop & test center for Eleveight.”

Who is the Eleveight RS or Eleveight XS more suitable for?

Eleveight RS

“The Eleveight RS is a real all-round kite, very accessible and playful. A great option for a beginner, but make no mistake! Despite the super user-friendly properties of the RS, the kite is really a "beast". The advanced kiter who is crazy about freestyle, big air & kiteloops will certainly not be disappointed, the kite has great power. Because of the familiar feeling that the kite gives you, both beginners and advanced kiters make giant steps. Are you a kiter who wants to enjoy different disciplines but does not want to sacrifice performance in terms of jumping? Then the Eleveight RS is your best friend!”

Eleveight XS

“Are you completely convinced that only one thing counts for you, keep flying as long and high as possible? Then the Eleveight XS is the better option for you. Apart from the fact that the RS already goes gigantic, you notice that the XS wants to keep you in the air for even longer. The Eleveight XS has 1 struts and still feels super steady in the toughest conditions, so you will undoubtedly break your altitude record. The XS turns less quickly than the RS but feels super robust. This gives a reliable lift so you can focus. For example on a high board-off. Kiteloops also feel controlled where you can trust the XS to gently put you on the water with a well-timed heliloop.”

Conclusion Eleveight XS vs RS

When we ask Floris for his conclusion, he is resolute. “Do you like a playful kite that can swing you into the air enormously and helps you to make a lot of progress? Then I recommend the RS. Are you the storm chaser who mainly wants to storm the woo leaderboards or just loves to fly long and high? Then I recommend the XS. If you are still in doubt, come and test it yourself and get to know these gems from Eleveight.” Floris, thanks for the comparison and good luck with Hooked Kiteboarding.