Slingshot Code NXT V2 Review: Big Air Performance in Brazil

First Impressions in Windy Brazil

The Brazilian Brothers are reporting from a very windy Brazil to share their first impressions of the brand-new Slingshot Code NXT V2. The conditions are perfect for testing a big air machine, with the wind blowing 25 knots and gusting up to 30.

Rubens stands on the beach, ready to enter the water with the Slingshot Code NXT V2 kite.

Aluula Construction and Design

The Slingshot NXT is a three-strut big air machine featuring Aluula construction. When the NXT first entered the industry a couple of years ago, it was immediately considered a masterpiece. Riders were stoked on the kite because it offered a significant amount of second lift and excellent vertical ability.

Gold Aluula leading edge and struts on the Code NXT V2.

Insights from Co-Designer Jeremy Burlando

Jeremy Burlando, a Slingshot Pro Rider and co-designer, has been taking this kite to the next level with design input and testing on the world stage of competitions. Jeremy highlights several upgrades he made for the NXT V2:

Faster movement in the loop.
Optimized lift for better performance.
Better pop in strong winds, ensuring the kite does not rip you off your edge like the V1 sometimes could.
Improved feedback on the bar, allowing you to feel the kite at all times while in the air.
Increased hangtime.
Reduced drag in the air, allowing the kite to float longer.

Jeremy is excited that the kite is performing well and will be his go-to for upcoming competitions. He feels that it's the best kite he has ridden to date.

A portrait of Jeremy Burlando superimposed over the wingtip of the Code NXT V2.

On-Water Performance and Bar Pressure

While testing the 8-meter NXT V2 in 25 to 30 knots, the bar pressure remained nice and light. You will notice light sheeting pressure and steering pressure, which is a hallmark of the NXT series, though in the previous generation the bar pressure could become heavy once the wind started to crank up. The V2 feels amazing even in high-wind conditions.

First-person view of the Code NXT V2 during a jump.

Big Air and Looping Characteristics

After coming off the water, Rubens' first impression is that the kite remains a rocket. It delivers a ton of vertical lift, massive hangtime, and that crucial second lift after the loop. This NXT V2 proves to the world that a three-strut kite with Aluula can compete directly against five-strut big air kites.

A kiteboarder jumps extremely high with the Code NXT V2.

Technical Looping and Yank

In terms of looping, the kite has become a little more technical. You have to crank the bar to get the kite around, and it provides a decent amount of yank. While you can still get all your loops done, it requires more effort and engagement with the bar to ensure a tight loop. If you do not engage the bar fully, you get a rounder loop that travels further into the power zone. This results in a slower catch, which is excellent for anyone looking for a thrill or riders who have dialed in their rotations and want more style and points in big air competitions.

Rubens loops the kite during a jump.

Ease of Use and Final Verdict

The ease of use remains high; it is an easy kite to go up and to come down. The primary change is the kiteloop, which has become more challenging and rewarding. The NXT V2 is a high-performance tool that continues to push the boundaries of what a three-strut kite can achieve in the big air arena.

A kiteboarder zips across the water behind the Slingshot Code NXT V2 kite.