Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Kitesurfing ReviewsKite Reviews2015/16 Naish Ride Review

2015/16 Naish Ride Review

Kitesurfing Magazine Sizes tested (m): 6, 7, 9, 12

Review Synopsis: Top level beginner/intermediate qualities packaged in a very refined, and surprisingly high-performance package.

Part of Naish’s spring/summer release, the Ride returns for a fourth season positioned as a, “great kite for everyday kiteboarders looking for ease and simplicity.” While the Kitesurfing Magazine test team certainly can’t disagree with that, we feel this sells the kite short and would rather say, “a great high-performance kite that happens to offer ease-of-use and simplicity”. The 2015/16 Ride returns as a two-strut design. Wing tips are visibly more swept than previous models, and the new Ride features Naish’s excellent new High Flow valve combined with their exclusive Octopus one-point inflation system. Build quality is high with extensive but not over-done use of aramid patches and molded reinforcements in high wear areas. A simple bag and Naish’s very well-refined Base Control System bar complete the package. Testers were really stoked with the 2014/15 Ride, feeling it had taken a significant step forward in performance toward Naish’s Park. Given the kite’s position as an “all-around/beginner-friendly” kite we were really surprised to see it take another major step forward in performance. For 2015/16 steering is noticeably more precise and overall the kite feels a step more solid. Naish PR material references a new Canopy Stabilizer trailing edge reinforcement that makes the kite feel noticeably tighter and much less prone to flutter when sheeting in and out and through hard turns. The Ride is truly a high-performance kite dressed up in a beginner’s package, especially in the smaller sizes (9 meter and under), where the kite feels especially tight and nimble. For the kite’s targeted rider, relaunch ability is exceptional, and both low-end power and depower are both very accessible and substantial. As compared to the Park, the closest kite in the Naish line to the Ride, the Ride feels a little more “grunty” particularly in larger sizes, and it does have a slightly softer feel.

The Trade Off:
As with last year’s Ride, we prefer the Universal Control System bar that comes with the Park and Pivot (equipped with front-line spinner) but Naish is offering the Ride as a value package. Presumably, riders can upgrade the bar if desired.

Best for:
Beginner, intermediate, or advanced riders looking for a value-oriented kite that offers a lots of performance, will not be easily outgrown, and works well in a wide range of conditions.

Sizes Available (m): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

A Curated Collection of Videos and Articles

2024 Naish Triad Review

Sizes Tested(m): 10 Synopsis The 2024 Naish Triad has been significantly upgraded to offer enhanced handling and performance while retaining the accessible plug-and-play nature that has...

2024 Eleveight WS V7 Review

Size Tested: 9m Synopsis The Eleveight WS V7 is a dynamic and versatile wave kite designed to offer smooth handling and responsive steering across a range...

2024 Ozone Reo V7 Ultra-X Review

Size Tested: 8m Synopsis The Ozone Reo V7 Ultra-X represents a pinnacle in wave kite technology, specifically designed for offshore down-the-line riding. Renowned for its exceptional...

2024 Duotone Neo SLS Review

Sizes Tested(m): 9, 12 m Synopsis The 2024 Duotone Neo SLS continues to dominate the wave-riding sector, now with added enhancements that bolster its reputation for...

2024 Airush Ultra Team V5 Review

Size Tested: 8m Synopsis The Airush Ultra Team V5 represents the zenith of refinement in kite performance, notably excelling in light wind conditions and offering a...

2024 F-ONE Breeze V4 Review 

Synopsis The F-ONE Breeze V4 is recognized for its lightweight design and exceptional handling, making it an excellent choice for light-wind freeriding and foiling. The...

2024  North Code Zero Review

Sizes tested: 9m, 14m Synopsis The North Code Zero emerges as a distinctive single-strut kite, characterized by its fuller, deeper position in the wind window and...

2024 Cabrinha Switchblade Review

Size Tested: 9 mSynopsis The Cabrinha Switchblade 2024 edition continues the kite's legacy as a high-performance model in the kiteboarding industry, introducing significant material and...

2024 North Reach Review

Size Tested: 9, 12, 15 m Synopsis The North Reach 9m is distinguished as a versatile all-rounder in the kiteboarding world, offering a light and...

2024 Ocean Rodeo Gen  Flite A Series Review

Size Tested: 10 m Synopsis The Ocean Rodeo Gen 9 Flite A Series represents a significant advancement in kiteboarding technology, leading the charge in the Aluula...