2025 Naish Psycho Review: Is it good for big air? How does it stack up?

The 2025 Naish Psycho is more than just Naish’s latest big air release—it’s a signal that they’re going all-in on high-performance, loop-driven riding. Built around a five-strut, high-aspect frame and offered in both Dacron and Aluula constructions, the Psycho is designed to launch higher, loop cleaner, and land smoother than anything Naish has released before.

But in a category crowded with heavy hitters like the North Orbit, Core XR Pro, and Duotone Evo SLS, does the Psycho truly deliver? And is the Dacron version a legitimate alternative to the more expensive Aluula?

At Elite Watersports, we put the Naish Psycho through its paces in real-world conditions—from powered jumps to intentional crashes, light drift to technical loops. What we found is a kite that stands out not just for its vertical performance, but for how approachable and well-balanced it feels—even in the Dacron version.

This in-depth review breaks down how the Psycho stacks up in big air conditions, where it sits in the 2025 kite landscape, and what kind of rider will benefit most from its design.

 

---

 

What Is the Naish Psycho Kite?

If you’re searching for a high-aspect, big air kite that blends power, control, and versatility, the 2025 Naish Psycho is one of the most talked-about releases this season. This kite is built from the ground up to perform in the world of big air—think loops, hangtime, and lofty jumps—while offering a refined feel that sets it apart from other five-strut kites.

So, what exactly is the Naish Psycho, and why is it gaining so much attention?

The Psycho is Naish’s latest entry into the high-performance kiteboarding category. It’s a five-strut, high-aspect kite designed to help riders go higher, stay in the air longer, and land with more control. Available in two construction options—standard Dacron and high-tech Aluula—it caters to riders looking for either durability and affordability (Dacron) or lightweight performance (Aluula).

At first glance, the Psycho seems to echo other big air kites on the market. But there are some key distinctions that separate it from both its competitors and its Naish siblings, like the Pivot or Dash.

Key Features of the Naish Psycho (2025 Dacron Edition):

• Five-strut high-aspect design for maximum lift and stability
  

• Reinforced Dacron frame for a responsive yet durable feel
  

• Designed for intermediate to advanced riders focused on jumping, loops, and powered landings
  

• Tuning options that allow you to adjust bar pressure and turning speed
  

• Available in multiple sizes, typically ranging from 7m to 12m for optimal big air conditions
  

Compared to the Pivot, which is a more well-rounded freeride and surf option, the Psycho is unapologetically purpose-built for height, power, and control in strong wind. It has a more aggressive feel, a deeper loop, and more vertical boost. Riders coming from the Naish Torch or Core XR lines will likely find themselves right at home with this kite.

What’s also unique is that Naish launched the Psycho in both Dacron and Aluula constructions, offering riders the ability to prioritize performance or cost-effectiveness. In our testing, we focused on the Dacron version, which provides a more accessible price point while still delivering surprising performance across multiple categories—including jump height, drift, and relaunch.

Based on our testing at Elite Watersports, this kite is a clear step up for riders who want a predictable, powerful loop with clean rebound and generous lift on landings.

It’s not just another big air kite—it’s Naish’s shot at competing directly with the Orbit, XR Pro, and Evo SLS in a serious way.

 

---

 

Is the Naish Psycho a Good Big Air Kite?

If you’re looking for a high-aspect kite specifically built for big air performance, you’re probably wondering: Is the Naish Psycho good for big air? That’s exactly what we set out to test in real-world conditions—and the short answer is yes. But let’s dive into the details that matter to big air-focused riders.

Tested in Real Conditions: 18–20 Knots in St. Petersburg

We tested the 12m Dacron version of the Naish Psycho in 18–20 knots of steady seabreeze at our home spot in St. Petersburg, Florida. While these weren’t nuclear conditions, they were strong enough to reveal how the kite behaves in the air, especially when looped aggressively or sent for height.

Here’s what stood out:

• Vertical lift is impressive, even in mid-range wind. The Psycho delivers a punchy, upward boost with a noticeable climb that doesn’t fade out too early.
  

• Hangtime is above average for a five-strut kite in this size. While not as floaty as an Aluula construction, the Dacron version still gave extended air time and smooth, forgiving landings.
  

• Loop recovery was predictable and confidence-inspiring. Even if you over-sent it or lost track mid-loop, the kite was quick to return and catch you. This gives intermediate riders a bigger margin of error and helps prevent harsh landings.
  

Bar Feedback: Heavier but Consistent

One of the things we noticed right away was the heavier bar pressure—particularly on the default tuning setting. While some riders might prefer a lighter feel for freestyle, the added pressure here gives more bar feedback, which is helpful when sending loops or needing to feel exactly where the kite is in the window. Riders transitioning from the Pivot or other freeride kites will likely feel more connected to the kite’s movement, especially in powered takeoffs and recoveries.

For big air progression, this connection is a key factor. You want the kite to tell you where it is without guessing—and the Psycho delivers that tactile feedback.

How It Compares to Other Big Air Kites

The Naish Psycho sits confidently in the same category as the Duotone Evo SLS, Core XR Pro, and North Orbit, with a few distinct characteristics:

• Boost: Matches or exceeds other five-strut models in this category
  

• Loop Power: Strong, with a deeper arc than the Pivot or Evo
  

• Catch: Smooth recovery post-loop makes it forgiving for progression
  

• Speed Through the Window: Not as quick as the Aluula version, but fast enough to reposition in a pinch
  

The Bottom Line

If your goal is to jump higher, loop with more confidence, and get a kite that feels solid in gusty wind, the 2025 Naish Psycho is a strong choice. It’s not just a rebranded Pivot. This is a kite designed with purpose—and it shows in how it performs off the water and in the sky.

 

---

 

Naish Psycho Dacron vs Aluula: Which Build Makes Sense for You?

The 2025 Naish Psycho comes in two distinct construction options: Dacron and Aluula. While the kite’s core design remains the same across both builds, the materials create very different experiences on the water. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right setup for your riding style, conditions, and goals.

Weight, Speed, and Responsiveness

The most noticeable difference is weight—and how that affects performance.

• Aluula Construction: Lighter, crisper, and faster through the wind window. The Aluula Psycho turns more quickly, loops tighter, and recovers faster during maneuvers. It’s especially responsive during kite loops and directional changes mid-air.
  

• Dacron Construction: Heavier by comparison, but delivers a more grounded feel. The kite moves slightly slower through the window, which adds stability during gusty sessions or aggressive boosts. It’s easier to track and manage, especially when sending big air in less-than-perfect wind.
  

While the Aluula version offers quicker reactions and more vertical lift, the Dacron build brings confidence through control and consistency.

Drift and Free-Ride Capability

Despite being a five-strut kite designed for big air, the Dacron Psycho handles surprisingly well when drifting. During our sessions, it stayed balanced and composed even when the lines went slack—something that’s uncommon in this category.

• The Aluula model, with its thinner leading edge and lighter frame, is more prone to racing forward when depowered.
  

• The Dacron version sits a bit deeper in the window and holds steady, making it more forgiving for downwind maneuvers or occasional foil use.
  

This trait makes the Dacron Psycho a strong contender for riders who want big air performance with some crossover capability for freeride or foil sessions.

Bar Pressure and Kite Feel

The Dacron Psycho delivers a noticeably firmer bar pressure out of the bag. For many riders, this results in better kite awareness—especially useful when building loop confidence or riding in gusty conditions. The increased feedback lets you know exactly where the kite is at all times.

The Aluula model, on the other hand, feels lighter and more agile at the bar. It's ideal for riders who prefer minimal input and faster steering, especially those who already have solid timing with kite loops and rotations.

Durability and Long-Term Value

Both versions are built to last, but they cater to different priorities.

• Aluula is a high-performance material with cutting-edge weight savings, but it comes with a higher price tag and requires a bit more care when packing or traveling.
  

• Dacron is proven, durable, and less sensitive to wear. It’s the more practical choice for riders who want to push hard, ride often, and not stress about every crease or scuff.
  

For those looking to stretch their investment over multiple seasons or sessions in a variety of conditions, Dacron often makes more sense.

Which One Is Right for You?

The takeaway: Both versions of the Naish Psycho are capable big air machines—but they serve different types of riders. If you're chasing the lightest feel and fastest response, the Aluula delivers. If you want stability, durability, and a better price-to-performance ratio, the Dacron model is a standout.

 

---

 

Relaunch and Ease of Use: How Does the Naish Psycho Handle When Things Go Sideways?

Any kite that’s built for performance needs to be equally capable of handling real-world mistakes—missed landings, crashes, or getting caught on the wrong edge of the wind window. So, how does the Naish Psycho relaunch when the pressure’s off and the kite’s in the water?

Relaunch Performance in Testing

During testing in moderate conditions (18–20 knots on flat water), we intentionally crashed the 12m Dacron Psycho to see how it would behave. The results were reassuring: the kite relaunches cleanly, without hesitation, and does so in a way that doesn’t demand perfect technique from the rider.

Even after a minor wingtip tumble, the kite rotated back into position with minimal bar input. That’s a strong indicator of solid bridle tuning and leading-edge balance. For a five-strut, high-aspect kite, this level of responsiveness is worth noting.

Predictability Matters

What sets the Psycho apart from some other high-aspect kites is how predictable the relaunch feels. Some performance-oriented kites can feel twitchy or get stuck in light wind when the canopy folds. The Psycho, by contrast, lifts from the water smoothly and stabilizes quickly once airborne.

• Wingtip catch is clean, even if the kite lands backward
  

• Standard rear line tension was enough to roll it into relaunch
  

• The kite never felt “locked” on the surface, even after slack-line crashes
  

That reliability gives riders more confidence to push tricks, loops, or late landings—knowing the kite will still come back around if things go sideways.

Is It Beginner Friendly?

This kite is not designed for beginners, but riders with a solid foundation will appreciate how easy it is to recover. Relaunch performance makes it viable for intermediate riders looking to move into more advanced aerials or kite loops without fearing an unrecoverable crash.

If you’ve ever hesitated to loop a five-strut kite because of relaunch anxiety, the Psycho might change that equation. It offers the structure of a big air kite with the user-friendly characteristics of a freeride model when it comes to getting off the water.

Summary: What to Expect

• Solid relaunch, even in suboptimal wingtip-down landings
  

• Stable during crashes; no excessive flaring or flopping
  

• Minimal rider input required to relaunch in steady wind
  

• Performs reliably for intermediate and up-level riders
  

In short, the Psycho checks the boxes you want from a high-performance kite that doesn’t punish you when you miss the mark. Whether you're trying a new trick or recovering from a mistimed loop, this kite gets back in the air with less drama.

 

---

 

Drift and Freeride Handling: More Versatile Than You’d Expect?

When you think of a five-strut, high-aspect kite like the Naish Psycho, drift and freeride control usually aren’t the first traits that come to mind. But during testing, the Psycho showed that it can do more than just boost.

How It Handles in Freeride Conditions

While the Psycho is designed for powered riding and vertical lift, it holds up surprisingly well during downwind cruising, carving turns, and slack-line scenarios. It’s not a wave kite by design, but the balance between structure and bar feedback gives it more range than many other big air-focused models.

• Stability through turns: Even with relaxed line tension, the kite stays composed rather than stalling or falling forward.
  

• Balanced drift: When depowered during carving or toe-side riding, it drifts evenly and doesn’t surge unpredictably.
  

• Window positioning: The kite sits deep enough to stay engaged but not so far back that it slows you down.
  

In short: You don’t have to be sending it every session to enjoy what this kite has to offer.

Why the Dacron Version Enhances Drift

One of the key differences here comes down to material choice. The Dacron Psycho has a slightly thicker leading edge than the Aluula version, which helps with drift control and canopy support. It won’t race to the edge of the window, which gives it a more forgiving feel during freeride-style sessions.

This is especially valuable for:

• Riders who mix in foiling, cruising, or playful sessions between big air days
  

• Those who want a kite that can handle variable wind conditions
  

• Kiters still refining their transitions or toe-side riding who want a kite that stays with them without stalling
  

Can You Use the Psycho for Foiling or Lightwind Riding?

It’s not marketed as a foil-specific kite, but lightwind drift is serviceable—especially on the Dacron version in larger sizes. The steering remains responsive, and the canopy tension stays consistent even at low angles of attack.

If you're looking for a crossover kite that can loop one day and cruise the next, the Psycho has more to offer than most five-strut kites in this category.

Summary: Where It Surprises

• Better-than-expected drift for a kite in this category
  

• Freeride-friendly feel, especially in the Dacron build
  

• Controlled, stable performance during slack-line turns and low-tension riding
  

• Not a pure wave kite—but more forgiving than many other big air models
  

The bottom line: You don’t have to be maxing out your jump height to get value from the Psycho. It handles slower, more playful sessions with a surprising degree of comfort—and that versatility gives it year-round appeal.

 

---

 

How Does the Naish Psycho Compare to Other Top Big Air Kites?

In the current landscape of performance-driven kites, there’s no shortage of strong contenders built for height, hangtime, and loops. So how does the 2025 Naish Psycho stack up against other well-known big air machines like the North Orbit, Duotone Evo SLS, and Core XR Pro?

We’ve put these kites through real-world testing in similar conditions and rider levels to bring clarity to your decision.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Naish Psycho vs Orbit, XR Pro, Evo SLS

Key Differences Worth Noting

• Naish Psycho vs North Orbit: The Orbit is known for its massive vertical boost and fast loops, but it can feel twitchier for intermediate riders. The Psycho offers more bar feedback and a more manageable loop path, especially in the Dacron version.
  

• Naish Psycho vs Duotone Evo SLS: The Evo SLS is incredibly versatile—almost a performance hybrid between freeride and big air. The Psycho, however, feels more deliberate and tuned for height and power, with a more planted feel through loops.
  

• Naish Psycho vs Core XR Pro: The XR Pro has a more locked-in, glider-style ride and excels in ultra-high boost scenarios. The Psycho is more reactive and loop-friendly with a less aggressive pull through rotations—ideal for riders still dialing in technical loops.
  

Which Riders Will Prefer the Naish Psycho?

The Psycho is best suited for riders who:

• Want a confidence-inspiring loop with a clean catch
  

• Prefer strong bar feedback over feather-light steering
  

• Are progressing from freeride into structured big air and looking for predictability
  

• Value construction options (Dacron vs Aluula) to fit their budget or performance goals
  

While the Orbit may be slightly better for advanced loopers chasing megaloops in 30+ knots, and the XR Pro might edge ahead in pure glide and lift, the Naish Psycho offers a more well-rounded experience with better loop forgiveness and tuning options straight out of the bag.

 

---

 

Tuning Tips: How to Dial In the Naish Psycho for Your Riding Style

Out of the bag, the Psycho is tuned for direct power and predictable handling. But with a few simple adjustments, you can make this kite feel tailored to your exact preferences.

Bar Pressure Settings

The Psycho offers multiple tuning points on the wingtips to adjust bar pressure:

• Default setting (factory): Delivers medium-heavy feedback—great for learning loops or when you want to feel the kite’s position.
  

• Lighter setting: Reduces bar tension, improves steering speed, and gives a looser feel. Best for experienced riders who want faster handling or less arm fatigue on long sessions.
  

Line Length & Bar Size Pairing

• A 50–55cm bar is ideal for most Psycho sizes (10m–12m), giving a balance of leverage and control.
  

• For smaller kite sizes (8m or less), a shorter bar (42–48cm) may provide better precision during powered loops.
  

• Pairing the kite with shorter lines (20–22m) will make loops tighter and more aggressive; longer lines (24m+) will extend hangtime and soft landings.
  

Quick Tip from Our Team

If you're still progressing in big air or just getting into kite loops, stick with the heavier bar pressure setting for a few sessions. It helps you develop timing and awareness, while the kite remains forgiving during recovery.

 

---

 

Final Verdict: Is the Naish Psycho Worth It?

The 2025 Naish Psycho brings big air performance into a more versatile, confidence-building package. It’s a kite that rewards power and progression but doesn’t punish you for pushing your limits. Whether you choose the Dacron or Aluula version, you’re getting a high-aspect kite with smooth loops, stable lift, and surprising crossover potential.

What makes it stand out:

• Predictable loop recovery for progressing riders
  

• Tunable bar feedback that helps you build control
  

• Strong relaunch and balance in the window
  

• A Dacron version that performs above its price point
  

If you’re looking for a kite that’s purpose-built for height but still manageable for everyday riding, the Naish Psycho should be at the top of your list.

Want to test one or see which model is right for your local conditions? Reach out to Elite Watersports—we’ll get you on the right size and build.

 

---

 

FAQ: Naish Psycho Kite 2025

Is the Naish Psycho good for big air?
Yes. The Psycho is a five-strut, high-aspect kite designed specifically for big air and powerful loops. It offers strong lift, smooth catch, and tunable bar feedback—ideal for riders progressing into advanced tricks.

How does the Psycho compare to the North Orbit or Duotone Evo SLS?
The Orbit delivers more explosive lift and faster loops but requires more control. The Evo SLS is more versatile. The Psycho sits in between—offering big air performance with more predictable handling.

Is the Dacron version worth it over Aluula?
Absolutely. While Aluula adds speed and responsiveness, the Dacron Psycho offers strong performance at a more accessible price, with better drift and a more durable frame.

What size bar should I use with the Naish Psycho?
Most riders will prefer a 50–55cm bar for sizes 10m and up. For smaller sizes (7–9m), you can go down to 45cm for tighter control.

Can the Naish Psycho be used for freeride or foiling?
Yes, especially the Dacron version. It drifts better than most five-strut kites and stays balanced in downwind or low-tension riding. While it’s not designed as a foil kite, it works well in mixed-use conditions.

Is this kite suitable for beginners?
 This kite is best for intermediate and advanced riders. However, confident beginners looking to progress into big air riding will benefit from the Psycho’s structure and predictable handling—especially in the Dacron build.