Test of the Eleveight RS V6 12m kite

Louis, GlissEvolution rider, tested the  Eleveight RSv6 12m kite:

Rider experience: expert level. Body size 1.75m / 87kg.

Riding style: Focused on freestyle, Old School, Big Air, and strapless surf kite.

► Unboxing the Eleveight RS V6 kite:

First off, let's talk about the price of the Eleveight RS V6 2023 Allround surf kite. With its 3-strut delta shape, this kite is incredibly well-priced compared to its competitors. It's on average €200 cheaper, which is a huge bonus when you're looking to upgrade your quiver!

While color is always subjective, I found all the colorways this year to be absolutely stunning.

As we've come to expect from Eleveight Kite over the years, their products are always exceptionally well-finished. The RS V6 is no exception. It features the X4 quadruple ripstop. This advanced weave makes it the strongest ripstop available! It's a true benchmark for the Kite's durability. This also helps maintain its value on the second-hand market.

Built at Aqua in Sri Lanka, this kite truly delivers top-tier performance.

Finally, the bag has seen some nice improvements this year. It now features an almost complete opening. This is super convenient. Plus, it comes with two great zippered pockets. This might seem like a small detail, but it's extremely practical for travel or heading to the beach with your gear and the family!

► Inflating the RS V6:

The finish is perfect. This year brings a major evolution for the RS: the bridles have been modified, and this new version no longer uses pulleys. The goal is to achieve more direct steering.

► The Eleveight RS V6 kite in action:

With the light winds we've had this early season, I've only been able to test the 12m so far. I'll expand this review once I've had a chance to test the other sizes. The kite is extremely stable in the air, thanks to its delta profile and 3 struts. Bar pressure is good, without being too heavy. Removing the pulleys hasn't made the kite any more technical, so it remains a kite for everyone and for all riding styles.

The upwind performance is excellent, just like in previous years. Removing the pulleys makes this kite even livelier and more playful. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of riding a 12m (though my body size usually forces me to all summer!), but I have to admit, it really doesn't feel like you're flying a truck at the end of your lines. It feels more like piloting an 11m or even a 10m.

For jumps, the lift seems improved compared to the previous version, and the hang time remains very, very good for a kite not typically designed for big air. At the end of the jump, the descent is very smooth, and during the downloop, the kite turns very efficiently above your head. This allows you to land like a feather. For changes of direction and loops, the kite turns on its wingtips. This gives you C-kite sensations without the drawbacks.

For unhooked riding, although I hadn't done it in a while, I found that the slack in the lines was improved (certainly due to the pulley-less bridle).

For relaunching, there's nothing to say; the kite pivots on its wingtip. It moves to the edge of the window, ready to launch in no time.

The capabilities of this 12m make me anticipate the best for smaller sizes: the fact that the kite pivots on its wingtip will be very interesting for strapless riding. The drift also seems good from what I tested on the twin tip.

► The Eleveight RS V6: Our Verdict

Another excellent new version of the now well-known Eleveight RS V6 kite. After numerous tests, I set my sights on this kite starting with version 3. I've never been disappointed since: indeed, I'm looking for an all-around kite, but I want it to do everything well, which isn't always easy! For big air, this new version promises to be outstanding, with performance that certainly won't be too far off an XS. The loops will certainly be very smooth and accessible. For beginners, this kite is still perfect right out of the lesson. For surf kite, the kite seems to have very good capabilities. I'll confirm this once I've tested it!

So, for me, this will be my kite for the year: a family quiver of 8, 9, 10, and 12, just like last year. Don't hesitate to come see me on the beach to test it and discuss it!

 Contact Louis to discuss it with him

 Order your Eleveight RS V6

 Photo credits: James Kameda