Core XR8/XR8 LW Kite

by Core • SKU 684811517331
$1,859.95
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Product Information

REAL Review

Description

From CORE

THE ULTIMATE HIGH

    Supreme materials for unparalleled performance.
  • With its ultra-stiff 5-strut frame in a Deltabow shape, this exceptional kite allows you to achieve breathtaking jumps and the longest hang time. Experience an unprecedented level of high ride comfort and control with the XR8's effortless and forgiving handling.
  • Explosive jump forces and superior upwind performance guaranteed. Thanks to the significantly stiffer ExoTex 2 material the kite's entire airframe has been fine-tuned and enables smaller leading edge and strut diameters - making the kite more agile and responsive with better bar feedback
  • When we say you'll reach new heights, we mean it. - the XR8 will take your kiting to extraordinary levels. You’ll find that loops are more efficient with an earlier and smoother catch. The CoreTex 2 canopy is both highly durable and has an extremely low-stretch. These two features work together to give the canopy unparalleled flight stability, power, and control.
  • Designed to perform and built to last. Crafted with top-notch durability and strength in mind, the materials excel beyond their predecessors and industry standards. ExoTex 2 gives an 80% increase in tear resistance, while CoreTex 2 an impressive 300%. This ensures that the XR8 delivers first-class performance in every session

NEW! EXOTEX® 2 LEADING EDGE

STRONGER MATERIAL. STIFFER AIR FRAME

The XR8 meets the Exotex 2 leading edge for the first time. This leading edge is stiffer and lighter than previous generations, and it also boasts an impressive 80% increase in tear resistance, making it more durable and reliable. Exotex 2 represents a thoughtful and advanced development in polyester weaving, through both the warp and weft. Through every inch of the XR8's air frame you'll find the use of ultra-strong yarns resulting in a tight woven structure that undergoes a unique heating and shrinking process.


CORETEX® 2 TRIPLE RIPSTOP CANOPY

MAXIMUM STABILITY AND DURABILITY

Combined with our highly refined CoreTex 2 canopy cloth, we've accelerated the development of light weight performance, dynamic handling, and core strength of the XR8. The significantly lighter canopy fabric features massively improved tear resistance, stiffness and durability. A new coating process aids stability in higher winds and jumps. CoreTex 2 sets the standard in breaking strength, tear resistance, longevity, UV protection, and elongation. Experience the tight, crisp, and signature feel that only a CoreTex kite delivers.


5 STRUT FRAME

THIS KIND OF MUSCLE NEEDS FIVE STRUTS

The five-strut exoskeleton frame is a crucial component of the XR8 design, providing exceptional stability to manage the increased power generated by our Intelligent Arc system. This bombproof frame also significantly enhances the kite's performance in high wind conditions.


HIGH TURNING SPEED

LOOPS BETTER. CATCHES EARLIER

By reducing the diameter of both the leading edge and strut, we were able to achieve an optimal stiffness and twist ratio when controlling the kite. As a result, the XR8 kite has become much more agile

GRINTEX® PATCHES

CORE TOUGH LEADING EDGE

Anti-wear patches where you need them most. The extreme abrasion-resistant patches located on the leading edge segment seams and strut tips offer another layer of security against any potential beach hazards.

Package Includes
  • Kite
  • Backpack
  • Repair Kit

Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
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(12)
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J
Josh S
Super fun kite

Core did a great job with the XR8. It feels so quick and responsive while still being crazy stable. The bar pressure is really nice in my opinion and I found the kite super intuitive and easy to know where it is and what it’s doing. I’m still learning to send bigger jumps and I’ve just found this thing so confidence inspiring which is awesome for where I’m at right now.

M
Mark S
That Good

I have been saving my review of the XR8 because my first impression of it was that it was too good. It was the first “new” kite that I flew after learning, like seemingly everyone else, on old Cabrinha Switchblades. In that moment I realized just how far kiting had progressed in the 20ish years since my kites were new. It reacted quicker, moved faster, felt 1000x more connected through the bar, and most definitely jumped higher. At that time for me as a relatively beginner kiter who was just throwing my first jumps and hopelessly botching the landing nearly every time the XR was the perfect kite. On my old kites I had to throw the kite across 12 o’clock as fast as I could and yank in the bar as hard as possible to get not much more than an “eh” of a jump out of it. With the XR8 you just casually drift it across 12, pull in the bar just enough to ask it nicely to jump, and it turns into a rocket ship. The mega boostability is one thing but what made it perfect for a beginner/intermediate rider was that if you just completely give up while you’re in the air, as long as you hold the bar all the way in and don’t steer, it will gently float you back down to the water. And when you do finally resurface, the XR8 is so stable overhead that it’s just sitting at 12 o’clock waiting for you like a loyal little puppy dog ready to go again.

As I got better at kiting and began to ride more kites, I found myself asking “Is this kite good enough for me to choose it over the XR?”. For most kites no, but for some the answer was yes. The XR has its limitations, mainly that it’s slow, heavy, and expensive. But what it comes down to for me is that, in my mind, it is the benchmark for excellence in the kiting industry. It seems that when you talk to kiters every other kite is judged by how it compares to the XR. “This kite jumps almost as well as an XR” or “This kite turns faster than an XR” and of course “This kite is cheaper than an XR but not quite as good”. I can say in all honesty that I catch myself doing this as well. When someone asks me my thoughts on a kite, I always end up speaking about it in terms relative to an XR simply because it is an excellent kite. Are there kites that I personally like better? Yes, but at the end of the workday when it’s blowing 20+ mph SW and everyone at REAL comes through the rental shop to grab kites for an after work slick session, 95% of people are grabbing XR8’s and that tells me that it really is that good.

M
M.T.
Great Kite

Started riding the XR8 with the 6m and this is now my favorite small kite. It is incredibly stable for a small kite, don't find it twitchy at all. Sheet in and boost, and the hang time as you come down is so nice. For a smaller rider the 6m and 8m have become two of my go to kites, loving the XR8 for progression sessions.

A
A.C.
Great Kite

The XR boosts and has a hang time like no other. It doesn't catch from loops super well but it does everything else so good, that it makes up for that.

S
S.C.
Great kite.

The XR8 is an epic kite and is extremely popular for that reason. It’s user friendly for beginners and really durable, which is why it’s a great lesson kite, but it is also a big air machine for the super advanced rider as well. In my experience, you notice how lofty it is through jumps right away and its quick steering response makes it super intuitive for steering into your landings and riding away. Fun kite all around!

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