CORE Kiteboarding releases its highly anticipated eighth-generation flagship kite, the XR8 and XR8 LW – With a focus on high-performance freeriding, the XR8 features a newly designed airframe and upgraded high-performance dacron, resulting in improved performance values across the board.

Fehmarn, 09.05.2023

In CORE's model range, the XR8 stands for great performance combined with high riding comfort, making it a highly sought-after model in the market. This does not change in the latest generation. However, some flight characteristics have changed noticeably: Through targeted material and constructive revisions to the airframe, the development team has significantly 

ExoTex 2 increases agility and explosiveness 

Thanks to the significantly stiffer ExoTex 2 the entire airframe of the XR8 has been optimized. The high-performance dacron allows for a smaller leading-edge diameter, making the kite more agile and responsive with better bar feedback. In addition, the kite loops cleaner and catches the rider more reliably.  
The secret behind Exotex 2: Even under the influence of extreme forces, a new fabric structure can effectively counteract stretching of the fiber in all directions. This stiffness increases upwind performance and explosive lift while also providing outstanding durability: Through an elaborate tempering and coating process, ExoTex 2 achieves an 80% increase in tear resistance while still being lighter than the previous material. The flight cloth is the particularly low-stretch CoreTex 2, just like in the predecessor model. With its improved properties compared to the previous cloth, it generates high flight stability, power, and control and high durability and robustness values. 

Lighter yet more robust struts made of ExoTex Light 

For the XR's decisive 5-frame frame, the development team chose ExoTex Light, a particularly lightweight yet robust version of ExoTex. The diameter has also been reduced here, noticeably improving agility. Thanks to an optimized bladder material, weight savings of an average of 150g compared to the predecessor could be achieved. The CIT attachment points have been revised and prevent bridles or lines from getting tangled.