Brazilian Brothers Review the Record-Breaking Harlem Peak

The Peak is a big air/freeride kite from Harlem, and there was quite a bit of buzz around its release when Lorenzo Casati pulled off the highest kiteloop in history with a prototype. Of course, he's a pro rider, so what does that mean for your sessions? Rubens of the Brazilian Brothers has the breakdown on the Peak's performance.

What Is the Harlem Peak?

Like all Brainchild designs, the Peak was developed by Ralf Groesel, and he brought his years of experience to the table. Here's what the Peak is, in his own words: "It is very intuitive, easy to sheet-and-go, which is more boosting orientated than full-on playful handling orientated like the Thrive. The Peak is able to fly out of the wind window, depowered, extremely far forward, and it's very easy to cope with a lot of wind. So that means you can handle an 8m easily in 45 knots of wind- easily!"

Of course, the Peak includes Brainchild's signature tech like ProWeld seams and a digitally printed canopy. The welded seams allow the leading edge to be thinner and stiffer, which translates into a lighter, faster, and more responsive kite. The printed sail is more sustainable, lighter, and opens up unlimited possibilities for the graphics, making for an epic-looking kite out on the water.

How Does the Peak Feel?

As soon as you get the Peak in the air, you'll notice the bar pressure. It's heavier than other Brainchild kites. If you've flown the Rebel, it has a similar bar pressure. It's also got a bit of vibration coming down the lines. It doesn't affect performance, but it might take some getting used to.

How Does the Peak Jump?

As we mentioned, the Peak has unmatched jumping ability, but just as importantly, it's got a huge sweet spot and awesome hangtime thanks to its five-strut platform. When you edge hard and you go for that jump, this kite will get you nice and high and keep you up there for a while.

How Does the Peak Loop?

The Peak is a good looper but the heavier bar pressure does make it a little more technical and a bit scary to loop in overpowered conditions. It's got a bigger yank, and you can bring it lower than the Thrive. If you're looking for a boost of adrenaline and like to ride like Lorenzo Casati, that's a good thing.

Is the Peak User Friendly?

While the Peak is a sheet-and-go kite and has a big sweet spot for jumping, it is definitely a high-performance big air kite. Intermediate riders should have no trouble getting big air, but you'll need to be quite an advanced looper because the Peak is not particularly forgiving for kiteloops. It's slower than the Thrive and takes longer to recover after each loop. That said, it is a fun looper; you just need to know what you're doing.

Is the Harlem Peak Right for Me?

If you've got some experience jumping, are very comfortable with looping, and you don't mind a thrilling ride, the Peak will boost your big air game to the next level. It will give you the incredible height and hangtime you need to pull off any big air trick in the book.

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