Core XR8 2024 Free Ride Kite Review

Core is releasing the eights version of the XR on the market. Already the past versions could set new standards in the Big Air and Freeride area. Also 2024 there are with the XR8 not only material updates, but also in design.

The Core XR range has been at the forefront of the best performing freeride kites for years. In the past, especially the balanced high top ratings in almost all test categories were praised. This made the XR series attractive to a wide audience.

For beginners as well as advanced riders, the Core XR series represents a great all-round kite. Also this year, the Core engineers have come up with a lot to further improve the evergreen.

What’s new on the Core XR8 kite?

The airframe was changed to a lighter material called Aluula. The CoreTex 2.0 Triple Riptstop Canopy developed by Core itself is used in the design. The triple ripstop fabric is extremely tear-resistant to external influences and deforms very little. This gives it even more power in its overall appearance. Optimal UV protection is also provided by an optimized coating.

In the GTS 6, the struts were built from the new ExoTex Light. The lighter but nevertheless stable material was already convincing there. Now the XR7 has also been equipped with ExoTex Light. To guarantee an ideal power transmission of the canvas to the front tube, it has a 5 Strut Frame. This also gives it additional stability.

The front tube has also received an update. This has been made slightly narrower and is made of ExoTex Ultra Ridgid Dacron, which further improves the lift.

Core also relies on the principle of the Intelligent Arc for the XR7. To illustrate it, Core also affectionately calls this the “flapping wings principle”. When you pull the bar, the kite spreads out in the air like a bird spreading its wings. This simply creates additional lift to raise you into the air. If you depower accordingly, the “wings” will tighten again.

Customize your Core XR8 with CIT Mode

Your XR8 – your CIT mode. With this motto, you can customize the XR8 according to your needs thanks to the CIT modes. You have the choice between 3 attachment points at 3 points:

• At the tips of the kite for its turning ability and pressure in the bar
• On the scales of the front tube for use in the wave (tighter turning sections and more depower), in freestyle (wide loop radius and stable pull) or as an all-rounder (combination of both)
• On the control lines for more or less line tension, i.e. reactivity

The new XR8 design

Something has also changed in the design. Core still uses their iconic black and white design, but the XR8 gets some color. The XR lettering has been designed in an orange gradient. The following pictures show you the new design. The Core XR8 is available in a black or white version.

The advantages of the Delta Bow Shape

The XR8 flies as if by itself at the edge of the wind window and allows you to run wonderfully upwind. So you never need to ride a few strokes to gain height again. Because it hardly touches down in the water, it has a fantastic relaunch. A little pull on the steering line and there he flies again.

In the air, he seems to be quite indifferent to the gusts. Thus, it is a reliable partner for cruising and freeriding, which responds precisely to steering impulses.