Online Kitesurfmagazine
by Leonie
Our regular reviewer Kris Sutherland managed to get hold of the 2020 Eleveight RS and has taken the kite seriously.
The time goes fast, the Eleveight RS 2020 is already the 3rd generation of this model. The RS is a 3-struts Delta hybrid kite. According to eleveight this is the most versatile high performance freeride kite on the market with a medium to high aspect ratio specially designed for big airs and a long hang time. The RS has an enormous wind range with a fast and smooth turning characteristic.
If you place the 2020 Eleveight RS next to the Eleveight FS, immediately see that these are “brothers” of each other. The materials used are the same and the looks are in line with each other. Eleveight is clearly continuing their 2020 product line here. The storage bag is the same (except for the print), the bar is the same bar that you use for the FS, the RS also has an adjustable bridle just like the FS.
For more detail regarding the construction and the materials used, I would like to refer you to my review about the eleveight FS 2020.
I mainly ride 5 struts kites, The RS is a 3 struts kite so I was curious how this kite works. The kite looks great and exudes class and quality. I tested the RS 10 meter (and never returned it 😊), my first ride was with 15 knots.
This first test was just super! After only having sailed 1 tak, there was already a big smile on my face. This kite feels good. The kite is fast, flies smooth, runs well and has a very pleasant lift. The kite feels incredibly stiff despite having only 3 struts. The low end of this kite is very good, much better than the FS. This is the ideal low wind kite. Everything also works with this kite, due to its pleasant hangtime, the kite gives you enough time to correct a mistake before you crash.
This is perhaps the best kite I have ever tested. I myself have a set of the eleveight FS, but as mentioned, I have not returned this 10 meter RS. I even hesitated to go all the way for the RS and probably this will happen in the future.
Last vacation I was in Leucatte (France) with the well-known tramontane wind. I only had this 10 meter with me. Tramontane wind is a gusty wind that comes from the mountains and goes up and down between 10 knots and 30 knots without any problems. I was therefore able to test the limits of the RS well. I have to say, I really enjoyed it, the gusts of wind were well absorbed by the kite. Tramontane wind is not the nicest wind there is because of the wind being on / off all the time but with the RS the sessions were easy to do.
The relaunch of the kite works like no other and the kite is easy to store. What I did experience when you get into the high wind range of the kite is that it keeps pulling, even if you place it in the ‘safe zone’ of the wind window. The FS does better in that regard. That’s why I prefer the FS over the RS in fierce conditions. In all other conditions, the RS is my first choice.
The 2020 Eleveight RS is a must have kite. Are you looking for a new kite, then it is definitely worth a try.
Both for the beginner and the advanced freerider who wants to do some oldschool tricks. If you want to break your PR in the big air, then the RS is the kite you need. With me the 10m stays in my set and I intend to take another 8 or 7m.
If you ask me which eleveight kite I would take RS or FS is my answer, If you like freestyle and megaloops, go for the FS. If you like freeriding and big air, then take the RS. I take a set that consists of both 😊, I like the aggressiveness that the FS has but the RS is the kite that you should definitely have in your set because this is such a blissful kite.
# 2020 Eleveight RS review
Hi
I am still a beginner, and I am looking for my first 2 kite quiver. I am hesitating beetween the RS and the Naish Pivot.
I don’t have a local spot so I ll have to travel to kite. So what do you think of picking a 7 and a 10?
I am a little worried in case of light wind. What do you think is the acceptable low end of the 10?
My weight is 80 kg.
Thanks a lot for the review!
Hi Tony, starting with a 7 and 10 sounds good to me. With light wind you can consider a 12 meter. The RS and Naish Pivot are both good kites. Enjoy your kitesurfing sessions!