SYNOPSIS: THE DO-IT-ALL MASTER THAT SETS THE BAR IN VERSATILITY WITH AMAZING BOOSTING ABILITY AND THE POWER BAND CONTROL AND MANOEUVRABILITY THAT CAN CATER TO ALMOST EVERY DISCIPLINE AND SKILL LEVEL.
Likes: The Naish Pivot continues to set the bar for versatile performance across disciplines with refined power delivery and handling that can suit big air freeride to waves and foiling. Another top three podium finish at the Red Bull King of the Air Competition makes the Pivot a top model for big air with more podium finishes than any other kite model. It is one of the true legendary, high performance, Swiss-Army-knives of kites. It allows any rider to adapt its magical pull, lift and handling to almost any situation. Truly refined over the years, the Pivot has great low-end power that’s easy to find and combines very linear, easy on-and-off sheeting power that makes it easy for anyone to figure out and advance their skills. The fast and efficient pull with the narrow leading edge and stiff reactive frame, the Pivot provides great upwind drive which is important as the jump and hang time can be incredible with this kite. This year the 12 meter tested seemed lighter and more responsive than previous versions with better low-end power and more control. With the addition of a high wind bridle setting incorporated a couple of years ago, the Pivot has more upper end wind range and even better big air capability than ever. The light and responsive three strut canopy, packed with Naish quality build and materials, is great for waves and foil riding as well. With easy sheet-in-and-go riding and lots of useable depower, the Pivot is well balanced and responsive to steering input from the rider. The highly evolved and refined shape also means smooth, medium-pull pivotal turns and fast reactivity to steering input at all angles of attack. The Pivot is a kite that is stable, with smooth and predictable handling and the ability to recover from odd angles like no other. This is what makes it a great kite for any level or rider; it has well balanced and intuitive controls, great power and a drives smooth. It’s a kite that any rider can rely on with very little compromise in every condition from waves to boosting to foil riding. The Pivot is the one kite model that any level of rider can rely on not only to learn the basics but to progress into higher levels of riding in any discipline of kiteboarding.
Minus: Control system needs upgrading to keep pace with the high-end performance of this award-winning kite design. (After our gear tests, Naish released an updated control system. —Ed.) The only thing the Pivot doesn’t do exceptionally well is unhooked freestyle.
Best For: The kiter that enjoys crossing all disciplines and having three or more types of board and foils in their quiver. The Pivot performance can be adapted for every session that presents itself.
