Eleveight OS Review

The Eleveight OS is another one-strut option designed for foil enthusiasts and light wind waveriders. The simple design is fast and, like all one-strut kites, it's extremely lightweight. The swept wing tips are designed to relaunch in light wind as well. This is a bit of a must for light wind hydrofoilers pushing threshold winds to the limit. My least favorite aspect of foiling, personally, is swimming back.

On the Hydrofoil

The OS is drifty, fast and powerful. The range is quite good for the limits of this style of kite. I felt the Contra One Strut also did a great job with this. Drift is a big deal when foiling; often I encourage foilers to check out surf kites for their superior drift. This is a case where you'll have to decide if light weight performance is more important than extra stability, range and more drift. The good news is that that margin has gotten smaller over the years and you are not giving up that much with either choice.

On the Waves

You would be surprised at what works well for a wave kite. Outside of specialty kites, anything fast, underpowered and agile gets the job done. In light wind situations, mainly for lighter riders, one-strut kites work quite well. An added benefit is the easy relaunch. The most difficult place to pop a kite back up is in the surf. Having a kite with swept wing tips will pay off in droves.

Limitations

It's not a secret that this style of kite is less refined than its three-strut counterparts. I don't find there to be any disadvantages among the OS, the Mono, and the Contra. All are slowly getting better, as far as this style can get. Truth be told, the simple design is appealing to advanced kiteboarders.

Ryan (Rygo) Goloversic

Many people dream of quitting their job, traveling the world and pursuing their passions. Rygo is one of those people who pulled the trigger. A few years into his career, he decided to change everything and travel as a kiteboarder, freelance videographer & writer. His mission is to share the stoke & help people put the boarding into their kiteboarding. Get outside and kite!

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Producer of: Ride with Blake I Sessions I Versus I Destinations I Foil Fridays