SYNOPSIS: A LEGEND THAT MAKES EVERY LEVEL OF RIDER BETTER AT BOOSTING BIG AIRS WITH A HUGE SWEET SPOT, SMOOTH DRIVING PULL AND TONS OF STABILITY AND OVERALL WIND RANGE.
Likes: The legendary XR7 is the latest version of Core’s high performance, big air freeride kite. As one of three models in Core’s Universal Series of kites, the XR7 has performance that lets it cater to the full gamut of kite disciplines, conditions and skill levels. This kite has more emphasis on massive jumping and hang time ability over freestyle or waver riding disciplines. The XR7 features a hybrid design that marries a five strut bow canopy shape with Delta swept wingtips. The design provides amazing wind range with lots of low end and quick depower, as well as, easy, sheet-in-and-go performance that the progressing riders will appreciate. The three pulley bridle system is also a key to the XR7 magic as it flattens out the kite’s central canopy when sheeted in, giving exceptional low end power as well as formidable lift and extra hang time and float. Conversely, when the bar is sheeted out the kite’s arc is tightened, eliminating some power and enhancing steering input. The XR7 is always a test favourite, especially for the riders with less experience at boosting big air. The ease with which the XR7 can lift and hang the rider in the air is unmatched. This XR7 is one model of kite that you could learn to kite with and never really outgrow. It’s a very stable kite with less tendency to back stall or the need to be constantly directed by the rider, like some big air, higher aspect models. In addition to having a massive wind range with good low-end power, the five strut structure helps give it that additional control in the upper end. The timing for sending the XR7 for lift off to get some big floaty airs is not as crucial as some kites in this category. All Core kites are built with the company’s proprietary line of high-tech canopy and framing materials that ensure long life and high levels of performance. The XR7 features their newest canopy material Coretex 2.0 and tweaks to the bridles. Another feature that really set the XR7 apart is the added bridle setting which can change the kite’s steering and depower performance to better suit for waves or freestyle. Overall a very versatile and easy to use kite that has unmatched wind range and is one of the easiest big air kites to handle.
Minus: With three pulleys in the bridles the Core XR7 doesn’t feel as instantly connected to rider input.
Best For: Any level of rider that wants a big air freeride kite that’s easy to use, can adapt to huge jumps and has a massive wind range.
