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Airush Varial X
Sizes Available: 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16m
Sizes Tested: 10, 12m

Airush Says:

Introducing the SL-C concept. The Varial X is known for C-Kite performance on a 4 line high depower platform, the SL-C has been designed with a C-shape arc outline for direct response and great unhooking characteristics while the swept back wingtips and V3 bridle give great range and relaunch capabilities. This year, the Varial X has extended from offering predictability, depower and 4-line ease of use with an increased focus on unhook, pop and boosting characteristics. An important part to its improvement, the Varial X design has added even more structural support to greatly maximize the direct feel and performance. Ideal for riders with aggressive handling in the waves, freestyle and freeride, the Varial X will give you that C kite feel that you have been looking for in an SLE design.

Our Testers Say:

“Had a lot of low-end power. The 10m felt like plenty of power in conditions I would usually ride a 12m in,” Marko Bartscherer.

“Rode the 12m in overpowered conditions and the kite was not as well behaved as the Lithium when fully depowered. Fast turning and really easy to relaunch, but I didn’t like the grip on the bar,” Kirstin O’Brien.

“Fast turning speed and a good all-around kite, especially for riders who want to unhook. Bar pressure was a little high for my liking,” Andy Sologub.

Meet the 2013 TKB Test Team.

TKB Says:

The Varial X is a medium-high aspect five-strut kite marketed as high-performance bridled-C design (Airush calls it a SL-C). Like the Lithium the Varial X has adjustments to change the kite’s bar pressure and turning speed. Compared to the Airush Lithium, our testers felt the Varial X had better upwind and jumping performance.

The TKB Testers liked the quick sweeping turns, great stability, easy relaunch, and great jumping performance. Some testers commented that the bar pressure was a little high for their liking. We think the Varial X is best suited for riders looking for more performance than the Lithium who are willing to give up all-around ease of use for better upwind, jumping, and unhooking performance.

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The Varial X uses the Airush Smartbar 4 which features a push-away quick release, below-bar swivel, double plastic-covered depower line, adjustable stopper, and multiple line length options. It also features an above-bar depower strap that some testers felt was a little difficult to use.

The Smartbar 4 is adjustable from 45-62cm and adjusts by way of a unique quick release as well as adjustable bar ends. To extend the bar, you remove both ends and add extensions to the bar itself before reattaching the ends.

Pros:

  • Great upwind and jumping performance.
  • Great stability, even when unhooked.
  • Extremely adjustable bar is able to be configured for almost any kite of any size.

Cons:

  • Bar pressure might be too high for some users.
  • According to some testers the trim system was difficult to make small adjustments with.
  • The adjustable bar is a great feature, but adds additional parts to maintain.