The Core XR has built a reputation as one of the most recognisable big air kites on the market.
Known for its massive sheet-and-go power, huge boosts and confidence-inspiring 5-strut platform, the XR has always been the kite riders turn to when they want reliable performance and serious hangtime.
For 2027, Core has made the biggest update to the XR platform in years with the all-new Core XRX.
The goal?
Keep everything riders love about the XR, but make it lighter, more responsive and a lot more fun to fly.
The best way we’ve heard it described?
“Less truck… more fun.”
After spending time testing the XRX, we think that description is pretty accurate.
🎥 Watch our full Core XRX review below.
What is the Core XRX?
The XRX is Core’s latest evolution of their flagship big air machine.
It still delivers the huge boosts, powerful sheet-and-go performance and predictable 5-strut stability that XR riders know and love, but the overall feeling has changed.
Compared to previous XR models, the XRX feels lighter on the bar, more playful and more responsive.
The biggest improvements we noticed were:
- Lighter bar pressure
- Better upwind performance
- More predictable kiteloop catch
- Improved hangtime and glide
- A larger usable wind range
- A more playful overall feel
It still has the power and confidence needed for big air, but it feels less like you’re controlling a machine and more like you’re flying a performance kite.
What’s changed from the XR8?
The biggest changes come from the materials.
Core has moved to the new Exotex 3 airframe, which delivers increased strength and stiffness compared to the previous Exotex 2 material.
The advantage of this extra strength is that Core has been able to reduce the thickness and profile of the leading edge and overall structure.
The result?
A weight saving of close to 10% depending on the size.
But it’s not just about reducing weight.
The thinner aerodynamic profile allows the kite to fly further forward in the window, improving efficiency, speed and upwind performance.
It also helps the kite climb faster through loops, making the catch phase more predictable and reliable.
And when you know the kite is going to catch you exactly where you expect, that’s when confidence grows and new tricks start happening.
Better performance through jumps and loops
The stiffer XRX frame also helps the kite maintain its shape when loaded heavily.
At the peak of your jump, as the kite is moving and reloading, it stays much more efficient instead of deforming.
This gives you:
- More glide
- Better hangtime
- More secondary lift
- A smoother feeling at the top of jumps
That extra predictability is a huge confidence boost, especially when progressing into bigger loops and more advanced tricks.
The biggest difference: bar pressure
The XR has always been known for its solid, powerful feel.
For some riders, that is exactly what they love.
But the XRX has moved in a more modern direction.
Bar pressure is noticeably lighter than the XR8, creating a much more sporty and playful feeling.
The fuller wingtips help contribute to this change, giving the kite a smoother, more responsive feel while still maintaining the stability the XR is known for.
It’s still powerful, but it no longer feels like you’re hanging onto a truck.
Team Rider Feedback
Our team rider Auke tested the XRX in some strong and gusty conditions at Rosebud, and his feedback matched a lot of what we noticed.
The biggest standout for him was how well the kite handled gusts.
The XRX absorbed changing conditions better than any kite he had ridden, staying composed instead of constantly pulling you around.
He also noticed the lighter bar pressure compared to previous XR models and loved how easy the kite was to jump.
The hangtime was excellent, and he felt the new XRX was actually more accessible for lighter riders and beginners than previous XR versions.
One thing worth mentioning is that Auke normally rides fixed bridle kites, so he prefers a very direct bar connection.
Compared to those kites, he felt the XRX had a slightly more muted feeling through the bar, especially during loops and heli loops where feeling the exact kite position is important.
That isn’t necessarily a negative—it comes down to personal preference and what you’re used to—but it’s something worth considering if you’re coming from a very direct-feeling kite.
Who is the Core XRX for?
The XRX is primarily designed for riders who want to push their big air riding.
If you’re chasing:
- Bigger jumps
- More confidence through loops
- Maximum hangtime
- Reliable power
- A kite that makes progressing easier
The XRX is right in its element.
It’s also a fantastic option for heavier riders who appreciate having plenty of power for the size and want to maximise average wind conditions.
The big difference for 2027 is that the XRX is no longer just a big air specialist—it has become much more enjoyable as an everyday freeride kite too.
Is the XRX the right Core kite for you?
The XRX is an incredible kite, but it isn’t the only option in the Core range.
If you’re looking for something lighter, quicker and more playful while still offering strong big air performance, the Core Pace is worth a look.
The three-strut design gives it a sportier feel and faster handling.
If your riding is more focused around freeride, waves and foiling, the Core NXS is likely the better fit. It combines the strengths of the Nexus, X-Lite and Section into one versatile all-round kite.
Final thoughts
The Core XRX is a seriously positive update.
Core has taken everything riders loved about the XR—power, stability and confidence—and brought it into a much more modern and playful package.
It jumps effortlessly, handles gusts better, loops more predictably and feels significantly more enjoyable to fly.
The XR reputation isn’t going anywhere, but the XRX proves that a powerful 5-strut big air kite doesn’t have to feel heavy or demanding.
Less truck. More fun.
If you’re chasing big air progression or simply want a kite that makes every session feel better, the Core XRX deserves to be on your shortlist.
Want to test one yourself? Get in touch with the team at Kite Republic and book a demo.