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From team rider to salesperson to distributor, Eleveight’s Kevin Wade has been able to substantially grow the relative newcomer to the kiteboarding market in North America in just three short years. Now equipped with a complete arsenal of finely tuned products including their new WFS wingsurfer and big air kite, Eleveight has a specific product to meet every riding style and condition. Kevin fills is in on what we can expect from the Eleveight lineup for 2021.


WHAT IS NEW AT THE ORGANIZATIONAL LEVEL OF YOUR COMPANY FOR 2021?

Eleveight has continued to grow in all areas despite a challenging season. We have added new kites, twin tips, foils, and wings to our product offering. Our materials innovation continues with the new XT Light fabric. XT Light is used on the leading edge and strut of our 2021 OS and is 30% lighter than our standard version of XT. We also have exciting plans to expand our team for the upcoming season. Overall, we are very enthusiastic about our position in the market and are confident that our future is extremely bright.

IS THERE A SINGLE INNOVATION THAT YOU WOULD FIRST LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT?

For 2021 we added a new model to the lineup, the XSeries. The XS kites are the result of a two-year long design process to develop the best possible big air/ freeride kite out there. We are all stoked on the results and if you like powered big air sessions we think you will be too.


HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THE KITE MODELS IN YOUR 2021 LINEUP IN A NUTSHELL? FOR EACH KITE, WHAT IS THE INTENDED TYPE OF RIDING AND TARGET USER AND KEY CHANGES FOR 2021?

We have a full range of kites for 2021 with a kite for any style of riding. The RS is the most versatile freeride crossover kite out there with the ability to do any discipline well from big air boosting to wave riding, and even freestyle tricks. We reduced the bar pressure this year to make it a more comfortable ride and shortened the bridle for increased responsiveness for 2021. The RS is for riders looking for more out of a freeride kite and don’t want to sacrifice performance for versatility. The FS is our wakestyle/freestyle kite. This freestyle machine has a reworked canopy curve that greatly improves the load distribution, resulting in more low-end power and improved hangtime. The FS also received updates to the bridle and reworked struts to reduce drag and get the most direct bar feedback possible. The FS is for big air freestyle and unhooked riding. The WS is our wave/surf kite. The WS excels in the waves with incredible drift and an extremely comfortable ride. Along with all of the kites in the lineup, this year the WS is lighter making its low-end performance even better along with an increase in agility. The WS is designed for wave riding, foiling, and freeriding. The OS is our single strut light wind kite. The OS was developed for riders looking for the ultimate in low wind performance. New this year is a lowered aspect ratio along with upgraded XT leading-edge material, reducing weight and increasing durability. The OS is for riders who foil or are looking for a kite that relaunches well, even below 10 knots. The XS is our new big air freestyle kite. New for 2021 the XS is already gaining popularity among riders looking to push their limits on altitude, while still having a kite that is comfortable enough to ride every day.

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THE KITE MODELS IN YOUR 2021 LINEUP IN A NUTSHELL? FOR EACH KITE, WHAT IS THE INTENDED TYPE OF RIDING AND TARGET USER AND KEY CHANGES FOR 2021?

We have a full range of kites for 2021 with a kite for any style of riding. The RS is the most versatile freeride crossover kite out there with the ability to do any discipline well from big air boosting to wave riding, and even freestyle tricks. We reduced the bar pressure this year to make it a more comfortable ride and shortened the bridle for increased responsiveness for 2021. The RS is for riders looking for more out of a freeride kite and don’t want to sacrifice performance for versatility. The FS is our wakestyle/freestyle kite. This freestyle machine has a reworked canopy curve that greatly improves the load distribution, resulting in more low-end power and improved hangtime. The FS also received updates to the bridle and reworked struts to reduce drag and get the most direct bar feedback possible. The FS is for big air freestyle and unhooked riding. The WS is our wave/surf kite. The WS excels in the waves with incredible drift and an extremely comfortable ride. Along with all of the kites in the lineup, this year the WS is lighter making its low-end performance even better along with an increase in agility. The WS is designed for wave riding, foiling, and freeriding. The OS is our single strut light wind kite. The OS was developed for riders looking for the ultimate in low wind performance. New this year is a lowered aspect ratio along with upgraded XT leading-edge material, reducing weight and increasing durability. The OS is for riders who foil or are looking for a kite that relaunches well, even below 10 knots. The XS is our new big air freestyle kite. New for 2021 the XS is already gaining popularity among riders looking to push their limits on altitude, while still having a kite that is comfortable enough to ride every day.

IF YOU ARE RELEASING A WING PRODUCT THIS YEAR, WHAT IS THE TYPE OF RIDING THAT IS TARGETED AND WHAT ARE THE KEY FUNCTIONAL AND PERFORMANCE FEATURES INTRODUCED THIS YEAR TO YOUR WING?

The WFS is our wing foil series design. The WFS features a V-shape deep profile dihedral shape that keeps the wings sweptback and out of the water while you ride. Stiff integrated handles along the leading edge and center strut give you plenty of control options and window panels ensure you have full visibility while riding. Like all of our kites this year, the leading edge is made from XT fabric with an X4 ripstop canopy ensuring that your wing will be both extremely light and ultra-durable.

WHAT ARE THE NEW AND/OR THE MOST POPULAR MODELS IN YOUR SURFBOARD LINEUP? HOW HAS THAT CHANGED FOR 2021?

The Escape Pro remains at the top of the list for us in terms of popularity. We have added to the performance of the board by making slight changes based on customer feedback. All pro models are handmade in Portugal using eco-friendly resin and our proven carbon flex technology. The Pro Series is designed to give premium surfboard flex and performance with added durability for kiting.


 

Want more gear info? Get the latest product info from all the top brands all in one convenient place with Tkb’s 2021 Buyer’s Guide.