Pro Rider Alessa Mensch Naish Gear Review: Pivot vs. Psycho & More

The Brazilian Brothers were hanging out with Naish pro rider Alessa Mensch for a Tech Talk on her current gear setup. If you’ve ever wondered what a Big Air pro uses to stay in control while pushing the limits, you’re in the right place.

The Naish Pivot Q Series: The All-Around Staple

First up is the Naish Pivot Q Series. Alessa calls this her go-to kite because it simply does everything well. Whether she’s riding waves on smaller sizes or boosting 20-meter jumps, the Pivot remains a forgiving and easy entry into high-performance kiting. It’s fast, climbs quickly, and catches you reliably during loops.

When asked why she prefers the Q Series over the Allula version, Alessa highlighted the difference in bar pressure. While the Allula offers a bit more lift and a "second loft" during downloops, Alessa mentioned that the 8m Q Series provides lower bar pressure, making it easier for her to loop and maintain control during long sessions. If the winds are strong, she goes for the 7m but noticed that the bar pressure can be a bit much.

You don't always need five struts to go massive—the three-strut Pivot is more than capable of handling the heat. The Pivot Q Series is a versatile option if you want a kite that does different disciplines well.

The Naish Psycho Q Series: The Boosting Machine

For those days when she wants even more hangtime and boost, Alessa reaches for the Naish Psycho Q Series. This five-strut beast is surprisingly fast for its size. Alessa finds it particularly effective in lighter winds where she needs that extra explosive lift and longer hangtime.

Much like the Pivot, the Q Series version of the Psycho offers manageable bar pressure compared to the Allula, which suits her riding style perfectly for Big Air progression.

The Naish Alana: High Performance in Pink

Don't let the color fool you—the Naish Alana board is a high-performance weapon. Alessa loves that Naish didn't sacrifice performance for a "women's specific" design. It features a stable core with enough flex to handle fast, hard landings.

Interestingly, Alessa often opts for the standard version over the carbon Nvision model. The slightly heavier build helps keep the board from being blown out of position by 40+ knot winds while she’s inverted mid-air.

Alessa also appreciated the channeling on the Alana. You're able to keep your grip in strong winds, which is pivotal in Big Air riding.

The Secret Weapon: The Orca Fin

One of the coolest parts of Alessa’s setup is her asymmetric fin configuration. She runs a Naish Orca fin on her "weak side" (the left side for her regular stance).

This large, curved fin provides extra grip on the face of a wave and helps her build maximum line tension for takeoffs in flat water. It’s a small tweak that makes a huge difference in her consistency and power.

From the new Naish bar with its upgraded grip and quick release to her unique fin setup, Alessa’s gear is dialed for success.

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