Thursday, March 28, 2024

NAISH SLASH REVIEW

SIZES TESTED(m): 7, 9 / SIZES AVAILABLE (m): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 / CONTROL SYSTEM: Fusion Control Bar BTB 

SYNOPSIS 

Smooth depower, with quick, reactive and controlled pivots, ideal for surf, foil or freeride action. 

Slash was a new model in the Naish lineup last season and was admired for its great drift and consistent pull desired from a pure wave kite. While the Pivot can work well in waves, the added drift and wave specific handling of the Slash made it a great wave kite for dedicated surf kiters and strapless riders. The newest version has some solid performance tweaks that make it a bit more versatile while maintaining its core wave roots. The all-around performance of the Slash has been improved by its slightly faster pivots and turn initiation, opening up the doors for more aggressive handling. With improvements to the speed and reactivity, the new Slash also has better boost with more lift and hang time than last year’s version. The leading edge has been narrowed which allows the Slash to push upwind with better drive and faster pull speed over last season’s version. Overall low end power on the Slash is solid, but less low grunt compared with some of the wave kites that can be downsized, the Slash remains true to its size for power delivery. Premium construction materials keep the Slash at the top of its game. Naish uses an exclusive Quad Tex rip stop nylon that is framed with their Octopus inflation system. This combo keeps the kite crisp and durable through heavy gusts and pounding surf. The Slash is designed to have smooth pulling pivots through the whole turn and is smooth and controlled across the window. Its smooth and solid handling is up there with the best in the test. The Slash can be flown aggressively and best suits the more aspiring wave and foil board riders. 

DRAWBACKS 

If you are used to the extra power of the Pivot, the Slash doesn’t have quite as munch punch. It’s not as snappy and quick turning as some of the wave kites but the refinement of its smooth and consistent pull through the turn keeps it toward the top of the leaderboard in the waves. 

USERS 
Wave enthusiasts and multi-discipline freeriders that want a high performance, high depower kite that drifts well in the waves and can be used aggressively in any situation. 

Naish Kites

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

A Curated Collection of Videos and Articles

Core Era Review

Sizes Available: 134x40, 136x40.5, 138x41, 142x42, 146x44, 152x48 The Core Era introduces a fresh perspective to the twintip lineup, designed to elevate the freeriding experience...

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...