When deciding on the right kite for your kitesurfing needs, the Naish Triad and Naish Pivot often come up as contenders. Both kites come from Naish’s well-reputed lineup, but they cater to different preferences and skill levels. This article will break down their differences, performance capabilities, and which rider profiles they are best suited for.
Design & Build Quality
Naish Pivot: Key Features
- Design: A medium-aspect, two-strut hybrid kite, well-known for its power and hangtime. The Pivot’s design allows it to function well from steady winds to gusty environments.
- Materials: Constructed with Naish’s Quad-Tex ripstop fabric for durability and rigidity.
- Wind Range: Excels in a wide range of conditions, from steady winds to gusty environments.
- Overall Build: Sturdy construction focuses on boosting and big-air performance.
Naish Triad: Key Features
- Design: Three-strut hybrid design with a slightly deeper canopy profile for stability and versatility.
- Materials: Built with Quad-Tex fabric but optimized for lighter weight and easy handling.
- Wind Range: Ideal for freeride, wave riding, and lighter winds.
- Overall Build: Lightweight design emphasizes versatility across multiple disciplines.
Inflation Pressure
- The Naish Triad has a leading edge engineered to take a comfortable 11PSI, which enhances stability, gust handling, and relaunch capabilities.
Materials and Construction
- The Triad features a Shark Tooth canopy layup on the trailing edge, reducing flutter and the need for heavy Dacron framing.
Table: Key Design Differences
| Feature | Naish Pivot | Naish Triad |
| Strut Design | 2-Strut | 3-Strut |
| Aspect Ratio | Medium | Medium-Low |
| Primary Focus | Big Air, Hangtime | Freeride, Versatility |
| Material | Quad-Tex Fabric | Quad-Tex Fabric |
| Wind Range | Steady & Gusty | Light to Moderate |
Performance & Handling
Naish Pivot: Performance Insights
- Big Air & Hangtime: Known for delivering massive hangtime and slower descents, making it perfect for riders who love big air and boosting.
- Steering & Response: Offers slower, deliberate steering, giving heavier or power-focused riders more control during jumps.
- Bar Pressure: Heavier bar pressure provides a muscular, engaged feel, often preferred by advanced riders.
Naish Triad: Performance Insights
- Smooth Versatility: Delivers consistent, smooth steering suitable for a variety of styles, from freeride to small wave riding.
- Quicker Response: Reactive steering with lighter bar pressure makes transitions and directional changes seamless and intuitive.
- User-Friendly Power: Features a predictable power delivery (sheet-and-go), making it approachable for riders building their skills.
Turning Characteristics
- The Naish Triad has a quicker turning circle compared to the Pivot, making it more agile and responsive. However, it may require a bit more input to initiate turns compared to some other kites like the Pivot.
- The Triad’s smooth turns and shut-off power make it suitable for wave riding, although it may not offer the immediate spin of pure wave kites.
Boosting and Hangtime
- While the Pivot excels in big air and hangtime, the Triad offers a balanced approach with good jumping ability and moderate hangtime. The Triad’s hangtime is more aligned with the height of the boost, providing a consistent experience.
Unhooked Performance
- The Triad is not ideal for extensive unhooked maneuvers due to its sheeting range and design focus on hooked-in riding. For more technical unhooked progress, the Dash might be a better option.
Bulleted Comparison: Performance Highlights
- Naish Pivot:
- Excels in big air and hangtime.
- Slower steering that appeals to heavier or experienced riders.
- Heavier bar pressure for more controlled handling.
- Naish Triad:
- Perfect for freeride, wave riding, and light-wind foiling.
- Quick steering and light bar pressure reduce fatigue.
- Suitable for riders seeking a forgiving, adaptable experience.
Suitable User Profiles
Naish Pivot: Who Is It Built For?
- Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced riders seeking high performance in jumping and hangtime.
- Riding Style: Suited for big air enthusiasts and power riders who enjoy muscular handling.
- Weight Considerations: Works well for heavier riders who benefit from its slower steering and lift characteristics.
Naish Triad: Who Is It Built For?
- Skill Level: Beginners to intermediate riders who desire a user-friendly, all-purpose kite.
- Riding Style: Ideal for freeride, small wave riding, and riders experimenting with light-wind sessions or foiling.
- Fatigue Factor: Riders who prioritize extended sessions will appreciate its light bar pressure.
Additional Comparisons: Pivot vs Triad vs Other Popular Kites
Although the Naish Pivot and Triad cater to specific needs, riders often compare them to similar models, such as the North Reach or F-One Bandit.
Pivot vs North Reach
- North Reach: User-friendly, versatile, and beginner-friendly, with excellent relaunch capabilities. It’s less specialized for big air compared to the Pivot.
- Suitable for: Freeriders and progressing riders seeking balance across disciplines.
Triad vs F-One Bandit
- F-One Bandit: Offers smooth power delivery with a forgiving structure, ideal for progressing riders. However, its performance ceiling is less aggressive than the Triad.
- Suitable for: Flexible riders looking to switch between freeriding and wave riding with ease.
Naish Triad vs Reedin Supermodel V3
- The Reedin Supermodel V3 is known for higher performance, strong gust handling, and lift, making it a better choice for intermediate to advanced riders seeking more aggressive performance. In contrast, the Triad is more balanced and user-friendly.
Naish Triad vs F-One Bandit
- The F-One Bandit offers smooth power delivery and a forgiving structure, similar to the Triad. However, the Bandit’s performance ceiling is generally less aggressive, and it may not be as versatile in wave riding and foiling as the Triad.
Explore more insights on popular kitesurfing gear at Kiteworld Magazine and The Kite Mag.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Triad and Pivot
When deciding between the two kites, keep the following in mind:
- Skill Level:
- Beginners: Naish Triad for its forgiving design and sheet-and-go ease.
- Advanced: Naish Pivot for big air focus and controlled handling.
- Riding Goals:
- Big Air/Boosting Focus: Naish Pivot.
- All-Around Versatility: Naish Triad.
- Bar Pressure:
- Light: Naish Triad for fatigue-free sessions.
- Heavy: Naish Pivot for power-oriented performance.
- Kite Responsiveness:
- Quick Steering: Naish Triad for freeride and wave riders.
- Slower Steering: Naish Pivot for stability during jumps.
- Wind Conditions
- The Naish Triad excels in lighter to moderate winds, making it ideal for freeride, wave riding, and foiling in such conditions. The Pivot, however, can handle a wider range of wind conditions, including gusty environments.
- Relaunch and Water Start
- Both kites have excellent relaunch capabilities, but the Triad’s ease of steering and zero stall characteristics make it particularly easy to relaunch and water start.
Table: Comparison Highlights
| Factor | Naish Pivot | Naish Triad |
| Skill Level | Intermediate/Advanced | Beginner/Intermediate |
| Riding Goals | Big Air, Hangtime | Freeride, Wave Riding |
| Bar Pressure | Heavy | Light |
| Steering | Slower/Deliberate | Quick/Reactive |
Where to Buy and What to Consider
Once you’ve decided on the right kite, it’s important to purchase from a trusted retailer or demo it first to confirm your choice. Look into:
- Local kite shops offering demo options.
- Online retailers with return policies.
- Seasonal discounts or secondhand deals for budget considerations.
Accessories and Compatibility
Control Bar and Harness
- Ensure compatibility with the chosen kite by selecting a control bar and harness that match the kite’s specifications. Naish often recommends specific setups for optimal performance.
Final Thoughts: Which Kite Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Naish Pivot and Triad ultimately comes down to your riding style, skill level, and goals. If you’re looking to chase big air and maximize your hangtime, the Naish Pivot is the clear winner. On the other hand, if you prioritize versatility, user-friendliness, and a well-rounded kite for various conditions, the Naish Triad is your ideal companion. Consider also factors such as:
- Budget and Value: Consider the overall value and budget when choosing between the two kites. The Naish Triad, with its versatility and ease of use, might offer better value for riders who engage in multiple disciplines.
- Resale and Secondhand Market: The resale value of kites can be an important factor. Both the Naish Triad and Pivot generally hold their value well, but the Triad’s broader appeal might make it easier to sell or trade in the future.
Pair your purchase with the right accessories (control bar, harness, etc.) and seek guidance from your local kitesurfing community to enhance your experience.