SIZES TESTED (M): 9 Sizes: 2.8, 3.4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16
SYNOPSIS : The 2023 Naish Boxer is a premier one-strut kite that is lightweight, ultra-durable and responsive. The Boxer’s smaller sizes have increased turning speed and are mainly focused on foiling. These kites now sit deeper in the window, giving you a more solid feel while foiling. The panel count is also optimized by size, meaning all kites in the range have a similar feel due to the larger sizes having more panels and the smaller sizes having fewer. The Dacron layout has also been redesigned to keep weight down. Along with Naish’s new lightweight/streamlined TLS 500 bridle lines, the Boxer now flies better than ever in light air. The Boxer also shines at light wind and down-the-line wave riding and is perfect for those looking to enjoy regular/marginal winds or take their foiling to the next level.
THE GOOD STUFF A couple of years ago the Kitesurfing Magazine’s test team conducted an in-depth head-to-head test of single strut kites in Cape Hatteras and the Naish Boxer was a clear stand-out then. The 2023 Naish Boxer is even better now! Multiple Kitesurfing Magazine testers commented that the new 2023 Naish 9-meter Boxer is the best single strut they have ever flown! The Boxer offers fantastic positional feedback and grunty power to get up foiling in as little as 7-8 knots. It sits deep in the power window so it doesn’t overfly and fall out of the sky in marginal conditions. Near effortless relaunching in light winds was also reported by the test team. The Boxer’s light wind prowess is approaching and surpassing some models that cost twice as much! The Boxer also has less flutter than most other single-strut models. With no battens, the Naish Boxer is also easy to pack up. The 2023 Naish Boxer sets the standard as one of the best 9-meter foiling kites ever tested by Kitesurfing Magazine’s test team.
The huge size range from 2.8-16 m means the Boxer has the largest range in the Naish lineup, with the bigger sizes being great light wind twin tip options, the middle sizes being great for all-around light wind riding (surfboard, foil, twin tip) and the smaller sizes excelling at kite foiling. The Boxer also shines in the surf, being at home in light wind and down-the-line wave riding, drifting better than almost anything due to its lightweight single luff strut design.
TRADE OFF One drawback of the Boxer is that because it sits back in the window it’s not as good at jumping. The Boxer is also ultra responsive, making it slightly less suited to riders that lack kite control. (We recently noted the Boxer 9m leading edge doesn’t site perfectly flat on the beach requiring a little extra sand during rest breaks.)
GOOD FOR The Naish Boxer is perfect for those looking for an all-around freeride/foiling kite that excels in light to moderate wind conditions. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced rider looking to take your skills to the next level, the Boxer offers a versatile and efficient option for any level of rider to advance their skills in almost every discipline of kiteboarding. The 2023 Naish Boxer is the best traditional construction light wind foil and surf kite the Kitesurfing Magazine team have ever flown.
