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When two kites share the same name, the same designer, and the same big air DNA, but are built on completely different platforms, it’s worth slowing down and taking a deeper look. After spending weeks riding both models in strong Brazilian conditions, the Brazilian Brothers set out to answer one key question: “Which version of the Trigger truly delivers when it comes to big air, hang time, and kite loop progression?” In this detailed breakdown, we’ll unpack the dif …

The Naish Hatch is Naish’s performance-driven entry into the evolving parawing category, positioned as a more upwind-capable, speed-oriented option compared to the brand’s earlier Morph model. Where the Morph leaned toward a downwind glide and a beginner-friendly grunt, the Hatch shifts focus toward better upwind angles, a broader usable wind range, and a lighter, more refined feel. If you’re building a multi-wing quiver or looking for strong price-to-performance value, …

Aaron catches up with Kevin Wade to break down two of Eleveight’s most popular wings—the WFS and the WFS Pro. The conversation blends real-world learning with performance-driven design details, offering a clear view of why these wings have become standouts in the freeride and progression categories. WFS | The Bread-and-Butter Progression Wing The WFS has been in Eleveight’s lineup for six years and continues to be one of the most accessible and widely used wings in their …

Brainchild DNA | Two Very Different Big Air Personalities The Brazilian Brothers are back with another high-level big air showdown—this time comparing two of the most hyped five-strut kites in the game. Both are built at the Brainchild Production facility and designed by Ralf Groesel, but that’s where the similarities start to diverge. On paper, they look like close cousins. In the sky, they feel radically different. This breakdown covers: Jump performance Loop characteristics B …

Ryan and Hunter have been quietly battling over this mast—and that alone says something. The new North Integrated Ultra High Mod Carbon Mast isn’t just another accessory in the Foil Drive ecosystem. It’s a purpose-built, performance-focused solution for riders who are already pushing their limits in waves, downwinders, and pump sessions. After significant time on the water, their takeaway is clear: this setup changes how a Foil Drive feels underfoot. Tech Specs | What You …

Ryan and Hunter from MACkite have been logging serious sessions this summer and fall on the Appletree Zapple S, and it’s quickly become one of their standout Foil Drive setups. If you’re looking at trench boards and wondering whether going smaller actually improves performance, this board makes a strong case. Let’s break down why. What Is the Zapple S? The Zapple S is closely related to Appletree’s Apple Slice prone board, but with one major difference: a built-in tr …

The Brazilian Brothers are back with a comparison that many riders have been waiting for—a direct breakdown of the Trigger Brainchild versus the Bandit Brainchild. While both kites share the same design lineage and manufacturing DNA, they deliver drastically different experiences on the water. This is not a subtle tuning difference. These are two kites built for different missions. If you are deciding between explosive big air performance and all-around versatility, this breakdown will …

F-One has officially introduced the biggest structural update to its foil system in six years. After a week of riding in La Ventana alongside the F-One crew, customers, and the MACkite team, one thing became clear — the new T2 connection is not a cosmetic tweak. It’s a foundational shift in how the front wing connects to the mast. If you’ve been riding F-One for years, you already know the Titan T1 system has been incredibly reliable. Many riders have put serious miles on i …

Choosing between the North Reach and the North Orbit is one of the most common questions riders ask when building or refining their quiver. On paper, both kites come from the same design DNA, share North’s build quality, and cover overlapping size ranges. In practice, they are built for very different riding styles, wind ranges, and priorities. This comparison breaks down how each kite actually performs on the water, where each one shines, where each one falls short, and how to spend y …

Foil Drive riding has pushed board design in a very specific direction. Efficiency, foil feel, and clean integration now matter more than ever, and few brands have leaned into that reality as effectively as Appletree Surfboards. After riding both the Appletree Zapple and the Appletree Zapple S back-to-back for a full season, Ryan and Hunter from MACkiteboarding break down where these two boards overlap, where they clearly diverge, and, most importantly, who each board is actually for. This i …

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 wh …

Foil Drive has opened the door to a new category of riding—one that blends the accessibility of e-foiling with the performance and progression of traditional hydrofoiling. To make that leap even easier, we have curated a turnkey setup built around proven North hardware: the Foil Drive North Boost Foil Drive Package. In this breakdown, Ryan from MACkiteboarding explains why this package works so well for first-time foilers, experienced wing and kite foilers, and anyone looking for a hig …

The Brazilian Brothers from MACkiteboarding got their hands on the Eleveight Kiteboarding RS Pro V2 and wasted no time putting it straight into real conditions for a true first-impressions session. With winter wind delivering a rare January opportunity, this was a chance to see how Eleveight’s flagship freeride kite feels right out of the bag, before any long-term tuning or familiarity sets in. This session focused on setup, build quality, bar feel, jumping, looping, and overall usabil …

Riding the Foil Drive Max opens up an entirely different way to approach foiling—especially in a place like the Great Lakes, where conditions can swing wildly from glassy summer days to fast-moving, overhead windswell. In this discussion, Ryan and Hunter break down how they think about foil selection based on real sessions on Lake Michigan, covering everything from one-foil solutions to full quiver setups. Rather than chasing theory, this guide is rooted in what actually works when you …

The RS platform has long been the backbone of the Eleveight kite lineup, serving as the brand’s benchmark all-around freeride design. Now entering its second generation, the RS Pro V2 represents the most refined, no-compromise interpretation of that platform to date. In a beachside conversation at MACkiteboarding, Eleveight’s Kevin Wade breaks down how the RS Pro V2 came to life, why certain material decisions were made, and who this kite is ultimately designed for. Rather than c …