Core Nexus 2023 -Comprehensive testing on 6m, 7m, 9m
So I have road tested the SST Slingy, Ozone Reo & Neo quite extensively over the last 4 years
Ok so was interested to try the latest Wave kites out an Action Sports where they stock a demo fleet of Slingshot, Duotone, Ozone and Core Kites. Yes kids try before you buy.
About me- I have a Dad bod around 95kg and still hate long walks on the beach. I ride Perth year round and outa town for last 13 years mostly on surfboards unstrapped and love a beer at floz.
The Pump Up - classic to Core kites is a well balanced feel its slightly lighter with new stronger materials. Looks well made as you expect from z germans. I like the Velcro bridle holders and also they have simplified the valve release set up which I like.
The Ride - my fave kites last 3 years have been the Nexus. Its like a Porsche track car very aggressive and precise. This year I had fear they would fk this formula up as so many companies make to many changes to great kites.
The main difference is the kite is smoother on the turns with less of a snap when turning. Previously the kite need precise input and timing which could be harder for newer riders. NOW its a smoother more forgiving turn which also means you can hang onto longer carves and affects the surfing aspect less. Power is slightly down on the swing and slightly up on the just riding along vibe, which will be appealing to your more park and ride styles. Relaunch is also noticeably better
6M- Last year my 6m was a little on/off at times so it was my least fave out of y quiver. This year with changes its my fave.its easily flyable downwind from 17kn and the upper end suits 30knots allot better. It just feels smoother and safer. Love it
7m- Last year this was my one kite quiver it eliminated my 9m to 13kn-15kn days as the 7M could cover the range from 16-22kn . Its still similar again its more well rounded and a touch less snappy on the turns but more forgiving for timing. This I think they did on purpose as this opens this kite up as NOT just a an amazing Wave kite but a true all rounder.
9M- This is smooth and relaxing allowing some nice power and flow on the waves. The Nexus is one of the most stable kites I have ever flown. Its very difficult to pull it out of the air. In fact its held its own and been more stable than some other well known Light weight kites on the market.
Do you need 3 kites>??? Hell NO. The Nexus I would recommend just 2 kites AND go 1m smaller than you think. If you can only get 1 KITE Just buy the 7M
The Bar - this year I went the Carbon Bar.its light, strong, better foam grip. I like the line winding tabs also. Another trick is with the split centre lines when self landing you put straight over a post and it holds it secure
For wave riding
OVER 95kg 7 & 9
UNDER 90kg 6 & 8
Drift 9/10
Construction 10/10
Upwind 9/10
Responsiveness 9/10
Turning on Wave 9/10
Ease of use 10/10
Low End 10/10
Wind Range/depower 9/10
Relaunch 9/10 
My Karen moments - the unique valve connection is annoying if you forget your pump. You can still pump up with a normal connection but u have to hold it. Lack of colour choice I guess..but alt least its not a pastel euro unicorn
Conclusion. IMO Hands down best Wave kites I have ever flown. PS That's not said lightly. My recommendation is to demo one and provide feedback
PS. I will do a back to back review soon including this years REO/NEO..just so the ozone scientology cult don't lose their minds. (Hi Steve
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Happy riding !!
See selfies below Dad bods can fly too!
Just some updates or forgot mentions
High Wind Range has increased and the kite feels more smooth and stable at high winds. The violence in the swing is slightly down so the low end is slightly less but lighter riders wont get swung around or off edge as easy...I am liking this for longer botter turns and loading up for turns. Works well in bigger waves where you need a rail locked down for longer. Being that i have been kiting a 7m in 14 knots this isnt a loss.
I think the 6m is just brilliant as its engaged and doesn't fly to quick ...so its no look flying. I think the 5m will be the same.
Appreciating improved re launch been able to get out of sticky wave situations quickly.
If you havnt flown a Core kite before I would 100% demo this kite...it will surprise you as its a level above the other kites I have flown
