Brand: Core
Kite Model: Nexus3
Sizes Tested(m): 7, 9, 12
Sizes Available(m): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.5
Control Bar: Sensor 3
Synopsis
New feel and improved high-end performance, the Nexus 3 ups its game with high levels of performance for any condition or riding style.
Likes
The Core Nexus 3 kite is the newest design that offers no compromise, all-around performance with quick turning speed, consistent jumps and top-level handling for any situation. Whether you want a kite for riding waves or foiling, learning to pop and jump for unhooked freestyle or for sending it for big air hang time, the Nexus 3 can adapt to most situations. Core has the advantage of using their own exclusive high-tech materials and build technology that push new levels of performance, durability and longevity into each new model. The new Nexus 3 reaps the benefits of both material upgrades as well as some design tweaks to their bridles, profile and wingtip shape. The result is that the Nexus 3 feels lighter and more responsive, with faster pivotal turns and overall, a more high end, performance oriented feel for 2023. Ultimately, the new Nexus 3 feels more like a true high-performance maverick that competes more directly against the industry’s long-standing three strut legends. The new light and crisp feel of the Nexus offers even better drift action and more precision control for riding waves, and even better stability in light air with quicker turn response and fast and reactive handling. The earlier versions had a bit more bar pressure and a more sluggish feel in the bar than this new Nexus 3. Any rider that wants to dabble in the full gamut of kiteboarding disciplines will appreciate the Nexus 3’s well-rounded performance levels. It was a great kite for foiling with quick pivotal turns and easy one-handed steering. Equipped with Core’s new Exotec2 Dacron, it’s well-balanced. It easily relaunches in light winds and also floats and responds nicely in underpowered riding conditions which are both essential performance elements for kite foiling. This was one of the test favourites in the all-around category and shows the most change and improvement from previous versions. The light three-strut frame drifts nicely for wave riding, and it feels quick and reactive with nice light touch steering for kite foiling and riding with lower line tension. The Nexus is also easy to relaunch, making it ideal for any level of rider that seeks to learn new skills.
Drawbacks
Slightly less low-end power and high gliding hang time than the flatter profiled, XR7 freeride kite.
Users
The modern multi-disciplined kiteboarder that wants a high-performing kite for any and every situation.
Control Bar: Sensor 3S
The Core Sensor 3 bar is packed with technical features and quality components. The quick-release cup features a push-away engagement and easy, single-handed reassembly. The rubberized bar ends are nice and grippy when the kite needs to be aggressively turned by grabbing one side of the bar. With the fold-away bar winders at the bar ends, the Sensor 3S’s very streamlined, low profile and is light in the hands. The main trim line features two lines coated with a soft PVC that protects the lines and also ensures that the front lines auto-untwist as the bar is sheeted out towards the kite. The Sensor 3 work perfectly with a Section kite in the waves, giving great feedback and response from the kite while at the same time it feels light in the hands and less clunky when there is less line tension while riding down the line.
