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Sizes Available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14m
Sizes Tested: 8, 11, 14m

Naish Says:

Predictable power development, direct bar feel, intuitive steering and plenty of “sheet-in-and-go” are just a few characteristics that make the Pivot one of the most sought-after kites on the market. Adapting to a wide variety of wind and wave conditions, this kite features a medium aspect ratio for substantial low-end power, easy jumping and great upwind performance. Dynamic and responsive, it pivots quickly and easily on a small axis of rotation””with minimal power increase through turns””for super-smooth carving through waves and enhanced control going into and out of kiteloops.

The Pivot continues its subtle evolution with an adapted profile, making it more balanced, reliable and predictable. Incorporating the Shark Teeth feature on the trailing edge gives the Pivot an even more aerodynamic profile. This makes the Pivot lighter while keeping it forgiving, with outstanding low-end power and direct bar feel.

Easy-handling, well-rounded and incredibly versatile, it’s clear to see how the Pivot has become the all-around choice.

Visit for more info: www.naishkites.com/product/pivot-freeride-wave

Our Testers Say:

“Bar pressure and the response time was wonderful. Loved it for jumping, (jump jump jump) great hangtime, never wanted to stall. Great all around progression kite, easy to fly and can be used in all conditions.” // Chris Myles

“Flies forward in the window, quick yet predictable, know where it is at all times. Excellent bar design both comfortable and functional.” // Tom Turley

“Great medium aspect kite; has the smooth power delivery, range and boosts like a high-aspect kite but reacts quickly with nice tight turns for remarkable all around performance.” // Dray Murray

Meet Our Testers

TKB Says:

The Pivot is Naish’s medium aspect 3-strut platform with sweptback wingtips that is marketed as a general freeride kite that works in everything from surf to freestyle and particularly for comfortable freeride cruising. The Pivot has a high flow Boston valve that requires the larger inflation nozzle on standard pump hoses and Naish’s proprietary internal check valve for easy inflation of the strut without the clunky distribution hose. This system does require that you open the 9mm check valves on the struts when deflating the kite that you need to remember to close before your next inflation. The Pivot uses a single setting front bridle with a single pulley for changing the angle of attack and the wingtip offers three settings for adjusting bar pressure. The front bridle attachments end in loops and the wingtip attachments end in knots. The first impression that stands out with the Pivot is its super comfortable light bar pressure and smooth power delivery over the course of the bar’s throw. The turning response is crisp and the steering arc is given away by the kite’s name: the Pivot yields tight turns on a pivot style path and turns at a relatively quick pace. While in the midst of turns the Pivot doesn’t build a ton of power but it does overall have a good sheet in and go feel to its power generation. The Pivot delivers some really solid lift for big boosts and good hangtime and with the light bar pressure testers seemed to get enough kite input to be very confident with this kite at all times. The Pivot in the larger sizes might not deliver quite as much low-end pull as the Boxer, but it’s easy enough to generate good power through its agile steering and quick movement through the window. Testers seemed to think the Pivot struck an excellent balance between flying forward in the window for good upwind ability and drifting for off the wind carving. The relaunch was very reliable, it just required a bit of input from the bar before rolling over and taxiing to the side of the window where it released into the sky. Overall, the Pivot is a very comfortable choice as a performance freeride option for the big air specialists that valus lighter bar pressure as well as excellent choice for freeride foilboarding.

The Pivot came with Naish’s Naish’s Torque ATB (Above the Bar power adjustment) control bar. This bar features a dual adjustable length bar (45-50cm) with a single center-line safety depower, low V, spectra sheeting/throw line, replaceable insert, no sliding stopper, and above the bar Clam cleat power adjustment with adjustable length throw. The quick release integrates a below the bar swivel which keeps the rigging above the bar refreshingly simple and doubles as quick release guard. The molded foam floats are integrated into the bar ends and are flexible enough to fold down easy for quick and painless wrap jobs. The retractable bungees have an easy to grab tab and a solid clip to ensure your lines stay on the bar between sessions. The adjustable bar ends make it easy to adjust the effective length of the bar and also allow you to tune the outside lines for length in the event of line stretch. The chicken finger is a rigid material that ensures against foul hooks and can be rotated out of position for easy hooked in and unhooking for the more aggressive freestyle riders out there. The grip has a nice rubber feel with solid texture and an ergonomic shape that accommodates both riders with wide and narrow grip stances (smaller bar diameter in the center for narrow grip stance riders). Overall, the Torque has the unique distinction of packing a ton of useful features into a lightweight and well-designed package.

Visit for more info on the bar: https://www.naishkites.com/product/torque-atb-55


 

Want more gear reviews all in one place? Read detailed and objective reviews on the 30 kite models and 33 board models that Tkb and freeride testers reviewed for the 2018 Freeride Gear Review Guide.