2020/2021 Airush Lift Kite Review (Tested 10m and 12m)
Test Conditions
A couple of 15-30 knot sessions (so far!)
Three Word Summary
Hi-Performance Big-Air Freeride
First Impressions:
The Airush Lift is a new kite in the range this year, but its name come from a classic kite from way back in the day!
It's a medium-high aspect ratio, 5 strutter with a moderate diameter LE to give a good balance between power and high-wind stability.
It comes with web-tech which is standard on all Airush premium kites, a standard single inflation via the oversized boston valve, 3 point wingtip and 2 LE tuning options for adjusting turning and bar pressure.
The lift can be ridden with any of the 4-line Airush bars, allowing choice between pull-pull strap depower, cleat or access bar for smaller riders. It can also be ridden with a Y in the front lines, opposed to the standard V which the majority of the Airush range use. The Lift comes with a small stainless steel ring which can be inserted where the front line extensions join, with the other front line (the one with the safety on) going through the ring to form the 'Y'.
In The Air
The 5 strut platform, moderate LE and medium high aspect give the kite excellent stability - yielding a kite which flies with ease in variable conditions and gives a very solid platform combined with the load frame for when the wind really turns up! The 'Y' conversion kit takes that one step further should you ever feel the need for extra stability when the kite is used at the very top of its windrange or in turbulent wind conditions.
The lift sits back a little in the window compared to the Vantage or Union to really benefit from where the power lies, and feels super refined in the air with good bar feedback via the medium bar pressure, which can be reduced by changing the bridle attachment point.
On The Water:
The lift brings very assured handling with its 5 strut structure, and higher aspect geometry and is a kite which takes no time at all to get used to. The medium bar pressure gives plenty of feedback and turns in a pivotal fashion, whipping round more quickly the more assertive you are in your steering input.
For general free-riding the Lift is a pleasure to use - with a very wide wind range and snappy turning. Relaunching is an absolute doddle with its curved leading edge - allowing it to roll on the surface of the water, being ready to get airborne again in no time. Upwind performance is excellent, especially when you're sufficiently powered to push the bar out somewhat.
With a name like the lift, of course it has a special party trick - which is of course boosting!
Compared to Airush Vantage, which was gave incredible height at the lower end of the wind range, the Lift really starts registering big numbers at medium to high power levels. For those who haven't tried the lift before, its jumping capability can take really take you by surprise; this was especially the case for me when i tried the 12m in 20mph or so. I was riding along, not expecting much at all when I sent it, and was astounded when I found myself landing again 7-8 seconds later after 2 floaty downloops, 80m or so downwind - totally unexpected from a 12m!
The Lift is a great big air package with huge vertical acceleration when its edged against and sent hard, feedback to keep you aware of where it is at all times and excellent float when airborne or when heli-looped to increase those airtime numbers even higher, or to help soften those landings. I think there's going to be a lot of people breaking their PB's on this when the autumn and winter winds arrive!
In Summary:
Big air has become huge in recent years, and Airush have shifted their focus to match this. The Vantage which was a firm favourite for those in-the-know in past years has shown great pedigree as a big air kite, but the Lift takes matters to the next level with a much greater big-air focus.
The 5 struts give a stable and reliable platform and brings a kite with incredible potential for crazy high boosts, pushing every rider's personal limits. Additionally the kite is super user friendly with a very wide wind range and is one which will attract the majority of kiters, be it for freeride, foiling or taking things to another level with your big-air game!
For more info get all the details at Airush HQ
A couple of 15-30 knot sessions (so far!)
Three Word Summary
Hi-Performance Big-Air Freeride
First Impressions:
The Airush Lift is a new kite in the range this year, but its name come from a classic kite from way back in the day!
It's a medium-high aspect ratio, 5 strutter with a moderate diameter LE to give a good balance between power and high-wind stability.
It comes with web-tech which is standard on all Airush premium kites, a standard single inflation via the oversized boston valve, 3 point wingtip and 2 LE tuning options for adjusting turning and bar pressure.
The lift can be ridden with any of the 4-line Airush bars, allowing choice between pull-pull strap depower, cleat or access bar for smaller riders. It can also be ridden with a Y in the front lines, opposed to the standard V which the majority of the Airush range use. The Lift comes with a small stainless steel ring which can be inserted where the front line extensions join, with the other front line (the one with the safety on) going through the ring to form the 'Y'.
In The Air
The 5 strut platform, moderate LE and medium high aspect give the kite excellent stability - yielding a kite which flies with ease in variable conditions and gives a very solid platform combined with the load frame for when the wind really turns up! The 'Y' conversion kit takes that one step further should you ever feel the need for extra stability when the kite is used at the very top of its windrange or in turbulent wind conditions.
The lift sits back a little in the window compared to the Vantage or Union to really benefit from where the power lies, and feels super refined in the air with good bar feedback via the medium bar pressure, which can be reduced by changing the bridle attachment point.
On The Water:
The lift brings very assured handling with its 5 strut structure, and higher aspect geometry and is a kite which takes no time at all to get used to. The medium bar pressure gives plenty of feedback and turns in a pivotal fashion, whipping round more quickly the more assertive you are in your steering input.
For general free-riding the Lift is a pleasure to use - with a very wide wind range and snappy turning. Relaunching is an absolute doddle with its curved leading edge - allowing it to roll on the surface of the water, being ready to get airborne again in no time. Upwind performance is excellent, especially when you're sufficiently powered to push the bar out somewhat.
With a name like the lift, of course it has a special party trick - which is of course boosting!
Compared to Airush Vantage, which was gave incredible height at the lower end of the wind range, the Lift really starts registering big numbers at medium to high power levels. For those who haven't tried the lift before, its jumping capability can take really take you by surprise; this was especially the case for me when i tried the 12m in 20mph or so. I was riding along, not expecting much at all when I sent it, and was astounded when I found myself landing again 7-8 seconds later after 2 floaty downloops, 80m or so downwind - totally unexpected from a 12m!
The Lift is a great big air package with huge vertical acceleration when its edged against and sent hard, feedback to keep you aware of where it is at all times and excellent float when airborne or when heli-looped to increase those airtime numbers even higher, or to help soften those landings. I think there's going to be a lot of people breaking their PB's on this when the autumn and winter winds arrive!
In Summary:
Big air has become huge in recent years, and Airush have shifted their focus to match this. The Vantage which was a firm favourite for those in-the-know in past years has shown great pedigree as a big air kite, but the Lift takes matters to the next level with a much greater big-air focus.
The 5 struts give a stable and reliable platform and brings a kite with incredible potential for crazy high boosts, pushing every rider's personal limits. Additionally the kite is super user friendly with a very wide wind range and is one which will attract the majority of kiters, be it for freeride, foiling or taking things to another level with your big-air game!
For more info get all the details at Airush HQ
|
Kite Style
Struts Inflation Front connection Rear connection Tuning options Depower Safety Low End High End Bar Pressure Turning Freestyle Unhooked Upwind Boosting Relaunch |
Hybrid
5 One Pump (Single valve) Bridled with pulleys Direct 3 rear and 2 front connection options Tested with cleat bar, but other options are available. Flag onto front line. Very Good Excellent Medium (tested on higher bar pressure setting) Medium-Fast Good Untested Excellent Exceptional Excellent |
