AIRUSH Varial X
Sizes Available: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14m
Sizes Tested: 7, 9, 12m
Airush Says:
For 2015, the Varial X has a complete redesign while maintaining its character of quick, powerful and versatile. The SL-C concept behind the Varial X has remained while everything else has changed to meet a more demanding customer. A focus on wider wind range, a secure gust response, and easier relaunch was the outcome of a newer tip to chord ratio, a dynamic new wingtip layout and strut placement.
The changes we have made to the Varial X in 2015 will please a broader group of intermediate to advanced aggressive riders. Therefore the 2015 Varial X has been improved in low-end, relaunching, stability and power delivery. Bridging the gap between high-end performance and everyday riding, the Varial X is the kite to choose.
Visit for more info: https://www.airush.com/2015/kites/varial-x/
Our Testers Say:
“Grunty good pull for size which felt like a more wakestyle ride with excellent relaunch and good boost/hangtime,” Davey Beard.
“Fairly quick turning kite with boosting that pulled me off the water kinda easy with smooth power delivery and predictable turns,” Aaron Stephens.
“Very responsive to small control inputs, yet smooth flying kite for all around performance,” John Steimle.
TKB Says:
This year the Varial X has undergone a very obvious redesign in the wingtips and profile of the kite for 2015. In addition to the canopy changes, the Varial X received a large flow Boston valve that requires the larger inflation nozzle, medium length 2-setting front bridles with pulleys, 3 wingtip steering settings and knotted center line connections. The construction is solid with Airush’s Aramid reinforced airframe and Teijin double ripstop canopy. Testers gave the Varial X solid points in the relaunch department, likely an improvement over last year and compared to the Lithium, testers felt the Varial X had slightly more bar pressure, and went upwind slightly better with faster steering response. Compared to last year, the Varial X has a more pivot style turning arc, a notable increase in stability with impressive boost and hangtime that requires a little more skill than the Lithium. Testers recommend the Varial X as an excellent intermediate/advanced freeride kite for big jumping, the occasional unhooked trick and wave riding capability.
The VarialX comes with the Smart Bar 6 which offers 4 telescoping length settings (62-55-52-45cm) in one bar, a plastic depower/throw line, sliding stopper, single center-line safety depower, low V, above the bar depower strap with extension handles and a compact push away quick release with a below the bar hand swivel that doubles as a Quick release guard. The Tkb testers like the durability of the plastic coated depower/throw line that integrates an adjustable stopper for cruise control. A few reviewers commented on the busy depower handles, but the tuning controls and strap worked very well and allow for the winning combo of larger adjustable length throw and above the bar tuning. The telescoping bar is incredibly easy to adjust but we recommend making changes when you’re on land as the bar ends can be completely removed. The Tkb testers liked the density of the bar grip with raised bumps, and while one tester commented on the smaller size of the hand swivel, this compact quick releases design keeps the throw close to the rider. Overall, this bar received very high marks for its features, function and comfort.
Visit for more info on the bar: https://www.airush.com/2015/kites/smartbar-6/
