Eleveight RS V8: test and review

Are you looking for a versatile kitethat can handle freeride and freestyle, with capabilities for wave riding? The Eleveight RS V8 2024 sets a new benchmark for crossover kites. With its 4-point pulley-less bridle, reinforced Spi X4 and Dacron construction, and optimized safety system, it caters to both beginners and advanced riders.

To give you a comprehensive review, we gathered feedback from three testers: Julien (a passionate rider with 3 detailed sessions), the GlissEvolution team (who tested multiple sizes including 9, 12, and 14 m²), and One Launch Kiteboarding (who focused on accessibility and progression).

Session 1: Noirmoutier, Light Wind

In very light and inconsistent wind, Julien picked an ultra-flat spot at the Noirmoutier dike. On the tiki, the kite felt super solid and reassuring. It responded instantly with great handling for a 12 m² kite. It turned well on the wingtip, was stable, accelerated strongly, and was very playful. You could feel the gusts in the harness, but you were never ripped off.

Julien immediately found the timing to send tacks, even on this first outing. And checking his stats, he'd broken his instantaneous speed record.

Session 2: Pont Mahé, Freeride

On a twintip, Julien noticed really well-balanced bar pressure. In gusts, the kite didn't flinch, with no flapping. It's an ideal kite for fun because it's so solid. Even when it pulls hard, you don't lose control.

The pulley-less design makes it very responsive. For a crossover kite, it drifts well if you handle it smoothly. The hangtime is really impressive; you'll feel like you can glide for a long time if you "play the kite."

Session 3: Barbâtre, Upwind Performance

At Barbâtre (Boucholeurs beach), a spot with a noticeable shortbreak, Julien realized on the tiki that the kite goes upwind really well. He found himself going upwind without too much effort, nearly 1 km upwind. The tiki helped, but it wouldn't be possible without the kite. This is a real asset for thermal conditions.

Construction and Safety

As soon as you get your hands on the Eleveight RS V8, you immediately feel the quality of its construction. The Leading Edge is well supported by a four-point pulley-less bridle system, which allows for precise steering. The materials are high quality: X4 Spi (quadruple-grid), Dacron for reinforcements, and internally reinforced seams. The result is a kite that resists wear well while offering lightness and responsiveness.

For safety, the bar system releases under a 120 kg load with only 6 kg of pressure, ensuring maximum safety. Relaunching is simple and efficient, even in light wind.

Versatility and Performance

You can adjust the bar pressure and turning speed to your preferences. The RS V8 is suitable for a wide range of conditions and styles. Whether you're in relaxed freeride mode or committed freestyle, the kite adapts.

What impresses most is its stability and comfort while riding. Whether on a twintip, a Surf, or a foil, the kite generates uniform traction. We tested the 14 m², 12 m², and 9 m² sizes, and in each case, the kite showed excellent planing ability and good hold in strong wind. Even in tight turns, the kite maintains exemplary stability without requiring constant corrections.

GlissEvolution Verdict

The Eleveight RS V8 is an extremely versatile kite that excels in almost all conditions. Whether you're a beginner looking for an easy-to-handle kite or a more experienced rider seeking a kite that can keep up with your progress, the RS V8 is a solid choice. Its robust construction, stable performance, and great adaptability make it a kite that will satisfy you, regardless of your level or riding conditions. The GlissEvolution team highly recommends it.

Accessibility and progression

One Launch Kiteboarding primarily highlights the RS V8's accessibility.Whether you're a beginner or have several years of experience, this kite supports you at every stage of your progression. Its strong point: an excellent balance between stability and responsiveness. You always know where your kite is, which is crucial for feeling confident.

For jumps, the RS V8 offers incredible hangtime, giving you time to perfect your tricks with peace of mind. Whether it's a tic-tac or an inverted rotation, you always feel supported by the kite.

Kite Loops and Versatility

Kite loops can be intimidating, especially for less experienced riders. But with the RS V8, those fears disappear. The kite is fast and smooth, ideal for learning kite loops without feeling overwhelmed. And for experienced riders, it remains an excellent choice for pushing kite loops even further.

Whether you're into old-school aerial tricks, want to venture into waves, or prefer a more freestyle approach, this kite will meet your expectations. It's versatile enough to accompany you in all conditions.

The Eleveight RS V8 2024 confirms its status as a versatile kitesurf benchmark. Its 4-point pulley-less bridle, reinforced Spi X4 and Dacron construction, and optimized safety system make it a kite that inspires confidence in all conditions. Stable, responsive, with exceptional hangtime and excellent upwind performance, it supports riders in their progression from freeride to freestyle and waves. Three testers with different profiles are unanimous: it is the essential crossover kite of 2024, accessible to all levels.