Tkb Review: 2018 AIRUSH Lithium Core and SPS

Sizes Available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 17m
Sizes Tested: 7, 9m

Airush Says:

Lithium Core – The most premium construction in the Lithium range, the Lithium Core uses the Teijin Technoforce D2 Double Rip Stop Canopy and our exclusive Dyneema Load Frame with WebTech, a combination that makes this kite by far the strongest kite we have ever designed. For riders who spend countless hours on the water, the Lithium Core construction is ideal. While the V3.2 Bridle improves the steering when overpowered or sheeted out, ideal for Wave riding or riding more powered up, the focus of wingtip and strut layout in conjunction with the Delta Hybrid design ensures the quickest response through the air as well as instant relaunch. With amazing park power, stability, and ease of use, the Lithium is simply the perfect kite.

Visit for more info: www.airush.com/kites/lithium-8

Lithium Progression SPS – Utilizing our Single Pump System, the Lithium SPS construction is the perfect blend of quality and value. Using our premium Teijin Technoforce D2 Double Rip Stop Canopy, the kite has an increased durability throughout the kite, higher resistance to stretch and tearing while still remaining light in weight.This combination of strength and reduced weight enhances the overall characteristics of the kite, making it faster and agile.

The V2.1 Bridle System on the Lithium Progression SPS offers a functional and stable setup when working together with the Delta Hybrid Design. This combination of shape and bridle technology enhances the wind range capabilities and the speed of relaunching extremely fast. Keeping true to simplicity, the Lithium Progression SPS includes a durable stuff sack bag with strut extension for easier pack downs and set ups.

Visit for more info: www.airush.com/kites/lithium-progression-sps

Our Testers Say:

“Super stable with heavier bar pressure and decent turning speed, this kite offers sublime downwind drift. Bred and raised for the waves as much at home in the surf as Batman is in the Batcave.” // Ivano Stellato

“Pleasantly surprised by the bar and kite with super stable flying, stronger bar pressure, good boost and hangtime in the 12m size.” // Max Mackendrick

“Great all around kite, very smooth and predictable with fairly quick performance, medium bar pressure and good turning speed, lift and hangtime.” // Paul Holcomb

“Chose this kite for the island crossing. Well powered, predictable, nice for jumping with good upwind ability and handled gusts well. Stable, agile, solid power, friendly turning radius. Bar was a bit hectic for wrapping up.” // Tom Curley

Lithium Core

TKB Says:

The Lithium is one of the longest running models in the industry, marketed as an entry level all around freeride platform good for progression. This year Airush is offering the Lithium in three different trim levels that vary a bit on construction materials, bridling and probably most appealing, price. The Core is the premium level with the highest quality canopy construction and bridle options, but it’s worth noting that while the Progression SPS and Progression share the Progression name, they use different canopy fabric and the regular Progression requires all struts and the leading edge to be inflated separately via a 9mm valve.

The Lithium’s 3-strut delta shape sports a low/medium aspect platform. Both the Core and Progression SPS options give you three wingtip settings for adjusting bar pressure, but the Core offers you two settings for the front bridle while the Progression SPS model has a single setting non-adjustable bridle. Both models have a large flow Boston valve that requires the larger inflation nozzle for a quick inflate. The bar’s lines feature center lines that end in knots and outside lines that end in loops. The Lithium features medium plus bar pressure, not the lightest but certainly not the heaviest, along with middle of the road turning speed””we found the response was good, not lightning quick scary, yet not slow by any means. The Lithium has very good relaunch with an almost automatic launch from the bottom of the window which is great for someone who is a little tentative when it comes to crashing kites and the basics of relaunch.

In terms of comparison between the Progression against the Core, it seems as if the Core model with its extra Dacron and load bearing frame is a little bit more responsive. While it may not be apparent to all kiters, there is an argument to be made that the Core canopy seems to offer a slight improvement in turning response and a sheeting feel that is a hair bit more crisp with better acceleration. While opinions may differ, we found the Core to be a little more fine-tuned for performance. While the Lithium shape is by no means an advanced performance kite, if someone wants a little more performance out of Airush’s all around user-friendly freeride kite, the Core might be a good upgrade. Generally, the Lithium offers solid lift, turning and upwind ability in a very predictable and user-friendly package. The Lithium is a very intuitive and fun all around kite that will work for entry level riders as well as all around freeride kiters that cross between the world of cruise, waves and big air freestyle.

Our Lithiums came with three types of bars. First, the Core Bar which comes with the above the bar power straps for adjusting depower (pictured in the gallery) and the Core Cleat Bar (pictured above) which features an above the bar cleat for adjusting power. The bars are largely the same except for the power management mechanism for powering and depowering the kite. The center lines end in knots and the outside lines end in loops. The Core Bar features a single center-line depower with a low V and a reduced diameter PU-coated depower/throw line for durability and longevity. This bar features a sliding stopper to adjust travel, but there is no adjustment for changing the overall length between the quick release and power control. The depower strap has Velcro to keep it put in place while riding. These bars feature a below the bar hand swivel integrated into a push away quick release with QR travel shield. While the swivel is easy to access and turn, it doesn’t have the same ease of spin you might find in some other models. The bar diameter is thin and with medium density cushiness got good reviews from testers for comfort. With new molded bar ends, the Core Bar features 10cm of width adjustment that you can access with an allen key and integrated floats but no retractable bar bungees. We like the new bar ends with new integrated floats; the bar offers something for everyone and for those that are sensitive to bar length they can make the change with the use of a common tool.

The Progression version of the Core Bar features last year’s bar ends and floats except that the 24meter lines are divided into different extension lengths such that the Progression version offers 9meter lengths closest to the bar so schools and beginners can fly a kite with exceptionally short lines to reveal a much smaller wind window.

Visit for more info on the bar: https://www.airush.com/kites/#kite-bars

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