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We've got a special appearance by Kristen Cooper today, and she's going to give us the scoop on the 2024 Lithium V13 and Lithium Team Series kites. What is the Lithium good at, how is the Team Series different, and who is each kite for? Lithium: A Legacy of Loft Airush has been part of the kiteboarding scene since 1999, and while a variety of kites have come and gone, the Lithium has long been a staple in their lineup. This year, the Lithium is in its 13th generation, and there ha …

Reedin has a fairly modest kite lineup with only 3 models, but they're essentially different versions of the same kite, so Dustin and Jake are here to explain what the differences are and which one might be right for you.Out with the Old, In with the New Although the Reedin kite range has been expanded for 2024, they did retire the original SuperModel in favor of the SuperModel HTF2. HTF stands for Hybrid Torsion Frame, and it's a significant upgrade to the leading edge that allows …

It's been a minute since we've heard from Jake. He's been busy getting some all-important daddy time with his two lovely daughters, but he recently got back on the water with the Harlem Force. It labels itself as a "game changer", but does it live up to that bold claim? What Makes the Force a Game Changer? While "game changer" may be a bit of a stretch, it is an interesting kite that's worth a look. Harlem is a European company with their own factory that's powered 100 percent by …

Dustin has been riding the new 2024 North Navigator Pro control bar, and he's super stoked on it. Is a control bar really something to get that excited about? What makes it so special?Auto-UnswivelThe auto-unswivel feature is absolutely amazing. The ceramic bearings are like butter, and nothing's going to get caught up there. There isn't going to be any wear and tear on it.Quick Release and LoopThe release is rock solid. It's got 20mm of travel before it releases, so you won't accidentally …

Dustin from MACkite got a chance to get out on the 2024 Reedin Supermodel HTF V2. It's had some tweaks and upgrades, but do they make a difference?What Is the Supermodel? The Supermodel is Reedin's 3-strut do-it-all kiteboarding kite. If you like to cross over disciplines but want just one kite, this is one you should look at. You can get big air, foil, it's fast, and it even drifts so well you can ride right at it, so you'll be very happy if you like to surf in the waves. Although Dust …

Let's dial-in a common mix-up that's as persistent as it is puzzling—the difference between kiteboarding and kitesurfing. Yes, they both involve harnessing the power of the wind with a kite, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. So, let’s dive in and untangle it. What’s in a Name?Kiteboarding | The All-Rounder First up, let's talk about kiteboarding. This sport typically involves a twin-tip kiteboard, which is somewhat similar in appearance to a wakeboard. It's designed to be rid …

Introduction to Strapless Airs Strapless kitesurfing offers a unique challenge compared to traditional strapped methods. It involves more balance, control, and technique, making it a rewarding experience for those who master it. According to Evan, performing a two-foot air on a surfboard can be as thrilling and rewarding as a 25-foot air on a twin tip.Choosing the Right GearLightweight Surfboards A lighter board is crucial for strapless airs, especially in light wind conditions. Here are …

Today's big air kite review from Jason focuses on the Harlem Force, comparing it to the North Orbit Pro, Duotone Evo D/LAB, and Cabrinha Nitro v2. As always, he'll highlight his favorite aspects of each while being as fair as possible.Harlem ForceI had the benefit of testing the Harlem Force over five sessions, but unfortunately four of them were under 30 knots due to the summer conditions here in Auckland not being very favorable for big air. In the end, some of us did a little road tri …

Jason is an excellent reviewer of kiteboarding gear, limited only by what he's able to get his hands on in New Zealand. He and MACkite have teamed up to get more gear in his hands, so hopefully you'll be able to enjoy even more of these in-depth reviews in the near future. Today Jason is talking about the North Navigator Pro control bar but, as is true of any of us, his perception of it is going to be influenced by what he's ridden in the past. So a little backstory will help bring …

Unparalleled Performance Meets Unmatched Sustainability The kiteboarding industry is on the brink of a revolutionary shift, spearheaded by the introduction of the Harlem Force, a product of Harlem Kitesurfing's innovative Game Changer Lineup. What sets the Harlem Force apart is its rare combination of high speed, exceptional hang time, and reliable performance in down loops. It's not just a kite; it's a testament to the possibilities of combining high performance with environmental conscio …

What You Need Before starting the replacement process, ensure you have all the necessary tools and parts. Here’s what you’ll need: Multi-grips 2.5 mm Allen key Drift punch (less than 4 mm or 1/4 inch, ideally 3 mm) A 3D-printed jig (optional, but helpful) Step-by-Step Replacement ProcessStep 1: Prepare the Control Bar First, lay out your control bar and run the lines out fully. Locate the end of the landing line, grasp it, and pull through until you reach the loop-to-loop connection wi …

Kristen and Rygo are headed down to Key West in the RV, where they'll hook up with the crew from Light Wind Watersports. They'll camp along the water at Curry Hammock in Marathon along the way to test out some fresh Airush gear. The wind was fairly light the next morning, so Kristen took out the 14m Lift and had a great session. That evening, Rygo got a turn as well for a fantastic sunset session. The next morning Rygo and Kristen completed their trip and met up with Bronza and Ros …

Today Aaron takes a look at a product he's been using for a long time, the Dakine Compression Bag. They used to come in multiple sizes for your different kite sizes, but now it's one size fits all. What does Aaron think about that and, more importantly, will these bags let him fit his entire quiver of three North Carves into a single Carve bag?Dakine Compression Bag FeaturesThe bag is made from a heavy duty nylon that holds up surprisingly well as a daily driver. It's a simple bag with o …

Today Tucker has something a bit different from his usual wing or hydrofoil review. Whether you're a winger or enjoy any other watersport, you may find this product interesting. The Drydor dry suit is made in Switzerland, and the quality is just what you'd expect. It's lightweight and feels like a high-end ski or snowboard parka.Although Tucker prefers wetsuits, he has tested a number of dry suits over the years. So far, none have changed his mind. After testing the Drydor suit for a coupl …

At MACkite, we're grateful to be part of the amazing watersports community. Sometimes we learn about a customer that we think other watersports enthusiasts might be interested in hearing about. Tyler and Valentina are a perfect example. They're living the dream, and they're making it possible for others to experience it as well.We asked Tyler and Valentina to tell us a little bit about themselves and their company, Vive L'Amour (Long Live Love), and how they can take your watersports adventure t …