Reedin MasterModel vs F-One Trigger vs Harlem Peak | Brainchild Big Air Kites

This episode brings together three purpose-built five-strut big air kites and one of Brazil’s most exciting big air talents, Josue “Baby Shark” San Ferreira (Instagram @josuesanf), for a true side-by-side comparison. No hype, no marketing spin—just real feedback from a rider throwing powered tricks in challenging, gusty conditions.

The Brainchild lineup:

• Reedin MasterModel
• F-One Trigger
• Harlem Peak

All three are five-strut designs aimed squarely at big air riders who care about height, control, loop confidence, and precision when things get hectic.

The Test Conditions | Why This Comparison Matters

This was not a perfectly groomed demo day. Wind hovered around the mid-20-knot range, with noticeable lulls and gusts throughout the session. January temperatures, crowded water, and changing conditions added realism to the test. That matters because big air kites often feel amazing when everything is perfect.

The real question is how they behave when:

• The wind drops mid-run
• Gusts spike unexpectedly
• Timing has to be exact
• The rider is pushing unfamiliar gear

That’s where real differences start to show.

Reedin MasterModel | Fast, Technical, Loop-Focused

First Impressions in the Air

Right away, the MasterModel felt fast. Bar pressure was noticeably light in these conditions, especially compared to other big air kites Baby Shark has ridden. The kite moved quickly through the window and returned to twelve o’clock rapidly after aggressive steering inputs. That speed stood out immediately.

Jumping Performance | Speed Over Feedback

In lighter moments of the wind cycle, the MasterModel still delivered usable lift, but it required more rider input and precision. Baby Shark noted that with stronger wind, the kite’s jumping potential would be far more obvious.

Key observations:

• Fast climb back to twelve before takeoff
• Requires rider awareness due to lighter bar pressure
• Rewards precise timing rather than brute force

Looping Performance | Built for Double Loops

This is where the MasterModel really showed its personality.

• Extremely fast turning
• Quick recovery after loops
• Excellent positioning for consecutive rotations

Baby Shark repeatedly mentioned that this kite feels purpose-built for double loops. Riders who want speed, aggression, and technical control will feel at home here—assuming they’re comfortable without heavy bar feedback.

Ease of Use | Performance Comes First

This is not a “plug-and-play” kite for everyone. The MasterModel demands familiarity and intention.

• Light bar pressure can feel vague to some riders
• Best suited for experienced big air riders
• Needs time to unlock its full potential

Trigger Brainchild | Confidence, Balance, and Immediate Comfort

Setup Notes | High V+ Front Line Split

Before launching the Trigger Brainchild, the team adjusted the front line setup to match the kite’s high V+ configuration. Once dialed, the kite paired surprisingly well with a North bar—something Baby Shark did not expect. That compatibility mattered more than anticipated.

First Impressions | Instant Feedback

From the moment the kite went up, bar pressure and feedback were obvious.

• Solid, reassuring bar feel
• Immediate connection between rider and kite
• No guessing where the kite is in the window

Baby Shark repeatedly described the Trigger as feeling “right” from the first tack.

Jumping Performance | Effortless Takeoff

Jumping on the Trigger Brainchild stood out for one simple reason: consistency.

• Kite naturally sits at twelve during takeoff
• Minimal steering correction required
• Predictable lift even in inconsistent wind

This made timing jumps easier, especially when the wind was fluctuating.

Looping Performance | Controlled and Confidence-Building

While the Trigger did not produce the same heavy line tension as the Harlem Peak, it delivered balanced, predictable loops.

• Smooth pull through the loop
• Clean exit and easy repositioning
• Comfortable in both lighter and stronger wind

Baby Shark emphasized that the kite always seemed to be where he needed it for landing.

Ease of Use | Standout of the Test

This was the highest-rated category for the Trigger Brainchild.

• Felt natural immediately
• No adjustment period required
• Encouraged confident riding even in sketchy conditions

For a first session on unfamiliar gear, that says a lot.

Harlem Peak | Power, Line Tension, and Competition DNA

First Impressions | Similar Feel, Different Personality

At launch, the Harlem Peak felt comparable to the Trigger in terms of bar pressure and general handling. As the session progressed, however, the kite’s more technical nature became clear. This is a kite that wants commitment.

Jumping Performance | Proven Potential

Baby Shark acknowledged the Peak’s strong jumping pedigree, especially noting how well it performs under riders like Lorenzo.

• Big vertical potential
• Designed for high-level competition riding
• Rewards precise technique

That said, unlocking that performance clearly requires familiarity.

Looping Performance | Strong Pull, Occasional Stall

This category revealed the most mixed feedback.

• Excellent line tension through loops
• Strong pull when conditions aligned
• Occasional stalling in gusty or lighter moments

Baby Shark noted that with more wind, or more time on the kite, this behavior would likely smooth out.

Ease of Use | Performance-First Design

The Peak is not difficult, but it is demanding.

• Benefits from repeated sessions
• Less forgiving on first ride
• Designed for riders chasing podium-level performance

Given time, the kite clearly has the potential to shine.

Head-to-Head Summary | What Stood Out

Bar Pressure and Feedback

• Lightest: Reedin MasterModel
• Most Balanced: Trigger Brainchild
• Firm and Direct: Harlem Peak

Looping Characteristics

• Fastest Turning: Reedin MasterModel
• Most Predictable: Trigger Brainchild
• Strongest Line Tension: Harlem Peak

Ease of Use on First Session

• Best Overall: Trigger Brainchild
• Most Technical: Reedin MasterModel
• Most Demanding: Harlem Peak

Final Takeaway | There Is No “One Best Kite”

This session made one thing clear: big air kites are deeply personal tools.

• Riders who want speed, aggression, and technical looping will gravitate toward the Reedin MasterModel.
• Riders who value confidence, consistency, and immediate comfort will feel right at home on the Trigger Brainchild.
• Riders focused on competition-level performance and powerful kite angles will appreciate what the Harlem Peak offers once dialed in.

For Baby Shark, the Trigger Brainchild stood out as the easiest kite to perform on immediately—especially in less-than-perfect conditions. But every kite in this test proved it belongs in the top tier of modern big air design.

Conclusion | Riding and Feedback

This was not about declaring a universal winner. It was about giving a world-class rider time on three elite kites and letting honest feedback surface naturally. That’s what makes this comparison valuable.

Need some help making up your mind? Send us an email—we’re always happy to help!

Email: Kiteboarder@MACkite.com