Specialized Series, Core’s line of highly focused, single-purpose gear adds a new kite. The XLITE answers the call for a dedicated, high-performance foil kite. A no-compromise, all in, one strut inflatable with features unique to the niche discipline of foiling.
One of foiling’s defining attributes is the ability to go kiting when traditional kiters can’t. Hydrofoils are so efficient that they need a kite that flies in virtually no wind. “We set a very high bar when we release a new Specialized Series product and our new foil kite is no exception” comments Philip Schinnagel, CORE’s managing director. XLITE, an offspring from the Nexus and Section kites, went through a comprehensive lightweight program which shed 20% in weight. Foiling the XLITE in 8-10 knots has never been easier.
CORE experimented with new leading-edge materials, bridles and one strut designs to achieve mass reduction. After exhaustive R&D, Core’s designers zeroed in on CoreTex for the canopy and new ExoTex Light for the leading edge. “CoreTex brings power and support to our single strut canopy” explains Frank Ilfrich, CORE’s chief designer. “And our testing found ExoTex Light is as similar in strength as our current ExoTex leading edge dacron yet is 10% lighter.” New, lighter bridles (and redesigned attachment points) prevent line snag when relaunching. No detail was too small to lighten the weight. In the end, CORE’s 20% mass reduction target was achieved. 