The Kiteboarder Magazine

The 2013 Airush Switch features a bottom that is a single concave in the middle and flat in the tips.

The 2013 Vanguard is a well-finished twin tip with a moderately wide outline, quad bottom concave, and a prominent center spine running down the middle of the board.

The 2013 RRD Obsession is a 5-strut medium-high-aspect kite.

The 2013 RRD Vision is a 3-strut medium-aspect kite. It has a relatively large leading edge and unique graphics.

For 2013 the CrazyFly Sculp is a medium-aspect 3-strut kite. Compared to the 2012 version it is higher aspect and has a new bridle configuration.

While many riders are not familiar with JN Kites they are a long-time brand that did not have a presence in the US until just recently.

Both the 2013 Core XR2 and the 2013 Core GTS2 are 5-strut kites with a unique large-diameter inflation valve, but they look very different in the sky.

The 2013 Best Armada is a relatively lightweight and beautifully finished twin tip.

For the 2013 Freeride Gear Test TKB trucked 28 kite models and 12 board models to La Ventana, Mexico, one of the best locations for reliable wind in North America during the winter months.

The Wainman Hawaii Rabbit 2.0 White Edition kites are low-aspect three-strut kites. These kites feature an adjustable bridle that can drastically change the feel and responsiveness of the kites.

The 2013 Slingshot Z looks very similar to the 2012 version and is a 3-strut low-aspect kite.

While overall the 2013 Rally looks very similar to the 2012 model it has received a big redesign for this year. The most obvious changes are the addition of two thin struts and a new bridle configuration.

The Ozone Edge is best known as a performance racing kite and for 2013 the Edge remains a high-aspect 5-strut kite.

Now reentering the US market after an almost 10-year hiatus, we received a 2013 Gaastra Jekyll to test.

The 2012 Ocean Rodeo Prodigy is a 3-strut low-aspect kite that Ocean Rodeo markets as an all-around freeride kite.