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CORE-XR3-2014-GEAR-REVIEW-01

CORE Riot XR3
Sizes Available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.5, 15, 17, 19m
Sizes Tested: 9, 12m

Core Says:

The new generation of our cross ride kite, the XR3, has even more hang time, power and agility for waves. Comfort and safety are, as always, of the highest standard but for this year we further optimized both the kite profile and the intelligent ARC for noticeable improvements in the hang time and jump height of the Riot XR3 as well as early planing and easy upwind ability. The Riot XR3 is the first kite to benefit from the use of the exclusive CoreTex Triple Ripstop fabric. It not only increased the durability, tensile strength and air permeability but also infuses the kite with a very crisp ride. The intuitive safety release is activated by turning the ROTOR-Quick Release with a minimum level of effort. In contrast to the conventional push-out system it requires no power against the flow of the water giving you an extra level of safety.

Visit for more info: https://corekites.com/us/riot-xr3

Our Testers Say:

“Nice stable quick turning kite, great all around performance for freeride and freestyle,” Marko Barsscherer.

“This is an extreme kite, fast turning and accelerates quickly to the edge of the window with big boost, and excellent hangtime,” Davey Beard.

“Well tuned efficient kite that flies great with amazing upwind abilities. Bar is lightweight, but grip was hard on my hands,” Frank Russo.

Meet the 2014 TKB Test Team.

TKB Says:

The XR3 remains a 5-strut delta like shape with swept back wingtips. This year’s kite features a redesigned front bridle which is significantly shorter in length as well as an improved large diameter inflation valve which uses the standard pump hose without a nozzle, allowing for simple and quick inflation and deflation. The XR3 comes with multiple settings for the front and rear attachment points that are well labeled on the leading edge. Riders can set the bar pressure / feedback with three front bridal settings, and the turning speed with three rear settings. Testers found the bar pressure lighter but praised the steering response and reported impressive upwind ability, big boosting and solid hangtime. They also commented that the XR3 generated predictable user-friendly power, with good range and easy relaunch. Overall our testers agreed that the XR3 is a very good kite for freeride and boosting freestyle that received high marks in all categories.

CORE-XR3-CONTROL-BAR-2014-GEAR-REVIEW

The XR3 came with the Sensor bar which features a twisting quick release, above bar tuning cleat, double center line depower, adjustable bar ends (47, 52cm), and double depower/throw line which untwists the center lines as the bar is pulled towards the quick release. Testers praised the bar’s overall lightweight and clean layout. Some testers criticized Core’s quick release for using a twisting motion instead of the industry standard push away. As Core suggests, twist mechanisms may prove easier to release in certain powered situations and although we find this a valid design concept, the unique twisting motion requires riders to thoroughly familiarize themselves with this mechanism for proper usage in emergency situations.

Visit for more info on the bar: https://corekites.com/us/sensor-bar