What Is the Airush Lift V3 and Who Is It Designed For?
The Airush Lift V3 is a performance Big Air kite built for riders who want to go higher, loop with confidence, and progress without stepping into a hyper technical competition-only design. This is not a beginner freeride kite and it is not a niche pro-only weapon. It is designed for riders who are actively pushing their riding forward and want a kite that supports that trajectory rather than limiting it.
The Lift V3 is tuned for the stage where riders start riding with intent: edging harder, sending higher, and committing to movement instead of cruising. It is designed to stay stable when the kite is flown aggressively and the session is fully powered.
Vertical lift, fast and committed looping behavior, and stability when the kite is driven hard. Those characteristics matter most when riders move beyond basic jumps and start asking more from their kite in powered conditions. The Lift V3 exists for that stage of progression where height, timing, and confidence all start to matter at the same time.
This kite has drawn attention because it addresses a gap many riders encounter as they advance. Traditional freeride kites can begin to feel vague or limiting once jumps get bigger and loops become intentional. On the other end of the spectrum, aggressive Big Air competition kites often demand precision and experience that not every rider has yet. The Lift V3 is positioned between those extremes. It gives riders access to serious Big Air performance without requiring elite-level commitment on every send.
In St. Petersburg and across Tampa Bay, where wind can build, drop, and pulse through a session, the balance between high-end output and control matters more than it does in steady wind locations.
If you want to progress in real Tampa Bay conditions, Elite Watersports lessons help you dial in timing, control, and confidence with the right setup for your spot.
Kiteboarding Lessons →Why Has the Airush Lift V3 Become So Popular With Big Air Riders?
The Airush Lift V3 gained attention quickly because it addressed a common breaking point in Big Air progression. As riders start jumping higher and experimenting with loops, many discover that their kite either becomes unpredictable when mistakes happen or stops delivering enough performance to keep progressing.
On one side, some kites generate strong lift but punish timing errors. A late loop, a momentary lull in wind, or an undercommitted pull can result in the kite stalling, drifting back, or failing to climb back overhead in time. Riders feel this most clearly on powered sessions when they hesitate mid air and the kite does not recover cleanly.
On the other side, safer freeride oriented kites remain easy to manage but begin to flatten out at higher levels. Riders can boost comfortably, but once they start looping or sending harder, the kite slows through the loop, loses forward drive, or lacks the climb needed to support progression into bigger tricks.
Rider feedback consistently points to the same trait. When a loop is initiated, the kite continues to drive forward and finishes the loop even if wind drops or timing is not perfect. That behavior reduces the penalty for hesitation while still delivering the speed and height advanced riders expect. This combination is what caused the Lift V3 to stand out quickly among Big Air riders who were actively pushing past basic jumping and into more committed riding.
What Changed With the Airush Lift V3 Compared to Earlier Versions?
The Lift V3 is not a refinement of the previous model. It is a structural redesign aimed at correcting specific failure points riders experienced once they started looping higher and riding more powered.
Earlier versions of the Lift delivered strong height, but riders reported two recurring issues as progression increased. First, the kite could lose shape or hesitate when fully sheeted out during aggressive movement. Second, loop recovery depended heavily on perfect timing and steady wind. When either of those variables slipped, the kite could lag through the window or climb slower than expected.
The V3 addresses those issues through changes in canopy tension and bridle behavior rather than raw power. The most noticeable update is how the kite holds its shape across the full bar range. When the rider sheets out or drives the kite hard through a loop, the canopy remains loaded instead of softening. This reduces flutter and keeps the kite flying forward instead of drifting back.
When a rider sheets out or makes a hard input, the kite is less likely to soften or deform. That stability is what supports stronger turning behavior and faster recovery during aggressive riding.
Another meaningful change is how quickly the kite transitions from loop completion back into climb. Previous designs required riders to manage the recovery phase carefully, especially in powered conditions. The Lift V3 shortens that recovery window. Once the loop is initiated, the kite accelerates through the turn and begins climbing sooner, reducing the time spent low in the window.
These changes do not make the Lift V3 easier by softening its performance. They make it more consistent under load. For riders pushing beyond basic jumps, persistence is what allows progression. The V3 redesign focuses on maintaining control and predictability when the kite is ridden hard, not when conditions are ideal.
This shift in design intent is why riders immediately noticed that the Lift V3 felt different from earlier versions, even before they started sending their biggest tricks.
How Does the Airush Lift V3 Behave During Big Air Jumps and Loops?
Once a rider commits to a Big Air send on the Lift V3, the kite follows a clear and consistent sequence. On takeoff, it climbs quickly without drifting backward in the window. The pull is vertical and direct, which allows riders to hold their edge longer before release and convert speed into height rather than horizontal drag.
As the kite reaches the apex of the jump, it stays loaded instead of softening. The rider is not fighting a loss of tension while airborne. The kite remains active above the rider, which creates an anticipated window for initiating a loop rather than forcing a rushed decision.
During the loop itself, the Lift V3 traces a tight, forward driven arc. The turn accelerates smoothly instead of snapping or stalling. The turn stays continuous through the arc, then the kite climbs back toward overhead without lingering low in the window. The path through the window stays compact, which reduces lateral swing and keeps the rider aligned under the kite.
After the loop completes, the climb back overhead happens quickly. The kite transitions from turning to rising without a long recovery phase. This short recovery window is what allows riders to regain canopy position before landing, rather than managing extended low kite time near the edge of control.
What distinguishes this behavior from earlier designs is consistency under load rather than raw aggression. From takeoff through loop completion and back into climb, the kite maintains a steady flow without abrupt changes in pressure or direction.
How Much Lift and Hangtime Does the Airush Lift V3 Actually Deliver?
The Airush Lift V3 is built to prioritize vertical lift first, then support controlled time in the air once height is achieved. Riders notice this immediately when transitioning from freeride kites that pull forward early or flatten out at the top of the jump.
What riders typically notice:
✓ A more vertical climb off the water instead of getting pulled downwind early
✓ A clearer apex moment that makes timing easier to read
✓ A steadier overhead position at the top of the jump
✓ Usable hangtime that gives riders time to spot the landing and manage board position
The hangtime is not exaggerated or floaty in a way that delays recovery. Instead, it feels usable. Riders have enough time to stay composed in the air without feeling disconnected from the kite or rushed on descent.
This balance between lift and controlled float is what allows riders to progress tricks in stages. Height comes first, then time, without sacrificing stability on the way back down.
Can You Use the Airush Lift V3 for Freestyle, Foiling, or Waves?
Is the Airush Lift V3 a Good Kite for Freestyle Riding?
For freestyle, the Lift V3 performs better than most riders expect from a five strut Big Air kite. The pop is direct and repeatable, and the kite maintains line tension cleanly when unhooked. Riders report usable slack after release, which is uncommon in kites built primarily for height and looping.
This does not replace a dedicated freestyle kite, but it does open the door for riders who want to mix powered hooked-in tricks with occasional unhooked riding without changing kites. The Lift V3 supports freestyle sessions where timing and discipline matter more than ultra technical slack tricks.
Can You Kite Foil With the Airush Lift V3?
The Lift V3 can be used for kite foiling, though it is not optimized for that discipline. It flies forward efficiently once powered and remains stable overhead, which helps during water starts and transitions. That said, the five strut frame adds weight and reduces the light wind efficiency compared to single or three strut foil specific kites.
Riders who foil in stronger wind or who want one kite for both twintip and foil sessions will find it workable.
If light wind foiling is the main goal, most riders prefer a lighter kite with less frame.
Does the Airush Lift V3 Work Well in Waves?
Wave riding is where the Lift V3 shows its limitations. While it remains dependable and stable, it lacks the drift and fast pivoting that wave focused kites are designed around. In side shore or onshore conditions, it can be managed, but it does not disappear down the line or recover slack the way a true wave kite does.
Riders who occasionally ride waves but prioritize Big Air will find it usable. Riders who spend most of their time surfing waves will want a kite designed specifically for that environment.
How the Airush Lift V3 Compares Across Disciplines
Below is a general sizing reference based on common Florida conditions and rider use cases.
| Discipline | Fit | Primary riding takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Freestyle | Moderate | Direct pop and usable slack, better than expected for a Big Air–focused kite. |
| Foiling | Moderate | Stable in powered foiling, but less efficient in lighter wind due to the added five-strut frame. |
| Waves | Limited | Predictable and dependable, but lacks the drift and fast pivoting typical of wave-focused kites. |
Who Should Ride the Airush Lift V3 and Who Should Not?
The Airush Lift V3 is designed for riders who are already comfortable managing power and are looking to push their Big Air riding further. It works best when the rider is actively loading the edge, timing takeoff, and committing to movement rather than relying on parked power.
Riders who tend to benefit most from the Lift V3 are those who:
✓ Jump consistently and want to increase height or commitment rather than just repetition
✓ Ride powered sessions and need a kite that remains controlled under load
✓ Are beginning to incorporate loops or more aggressive sends into regular sessions
✓ Prefer a kite that responds to input instead of smoothing everything out automatically
In regions like St. Petersburg and across Tampa Bay, where sessions are often powered and wind strength can vary, this type of response becomes especially relevant. Riders are rewarded for active control rather than passive riding.
The Lift V3 is less suitable for riders who:
• Are still learning basic kite control, transitions, or early jumping
• Rely heavily on low end pull to stay comfortable
• Spend most sessions in light wind where efficiency matters more than structure
• Want a kite that prioritizes ease over progression
In those cases, a freeride-oriented kite usually makes learning simpler and sessions less demanding.
The Lift V3 fits riders who are ready to trade some forgiveness for consistency at higher output. When that shift matches where a rider is headed, the kite makes sense. When it does not, a simpler platform will produce better results.
If you are unsure where you sit on that line, talking through your wind range, board choice, and current jump comfort level will usually make the answer obvious.
If you’re unsure where you sit in your progression, talking through your wind range, board choice, and current jump comfort level with Elite Watersports can make the right decision clear before you commit.
How Does the Airush Lift V3 Compare to Other Airush Kites?
Within the Airush lineup, the Lift V3 sits in the high-output Big Air lane. It suits riders prioritizing height, commitment, and stability when riding powered, and stability at the top end, rather than ease of use or low wind efficiency.
Compared to freeride oriented kites like the Lithium, the Lift V3 trades early pull and broad comfort for precision under load. The Lithium favors riders who want forgiving power delivery, easy relaunch, and relaxed session pacing. The Lift V3 favors riders who are comfortable riding powered and want a kite that stays composed when pushed harder. Where the Lithium smooths things out, the Lift V3 stays engaged.
Against freestyle focused designs such as the Razor, the Lift V3 shifts emphasis away from unhooked performance and technical slack toward vertical lift and controlled looping. The Razor rewards exact timing and technique for freestyle progression. The Lift V3 prioritizes height, hangtime, and loop completion without demanding the same level of precision in unhooked scenarios.
When compared to lighter, lower strut kites designed for foil or wave riding, the difference is structural. The Lift V3 carries more frame and rigidity to remain stable in high wind and powered conditions. That frame work supports Big Air riding but adds weight and reduces drift. Riders choosing the Lift V3 are choosing control and predictability at speed over minimalism.
In short, the Lift V3 is not a replacement for other Airush kites. It is a specialization. Riders who want an all around, relaxed platform will gravitate elsewhere in the lineup. Riders who want a kite that holds its shape, climbs cleanly, and remains controlled when ridden hard will recognize why the Lift V3 exists.
Is the Airush Lift V3 a Good Choice for Riders in Florida Conditions?
Florida Big Air sessions, especially around St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, often involve wind that pulses rather than stays steady. Wind is often strong but inconsistent, thermal driven, and rarely perfectly smooth. In areas like St. Petersburg and across Tampa Bay, riders regularly deal with short lived gusts, brief lulls, and sessions that build in power as the day goes on.
That is why riders who want to progress here usually pay as much attention to forecasting and timing as they do to kite choice.
The Lift V3 aligns well with that reality. Its frame and forward flying behavior help it stay composed when wind strength fluctuates. When a gust hits mid approach or fades during a send, the kite continues moving through the window instead of stalling or drifting back. That consistency matters in Florida conditions, where timing windows are often narrower than forecast models suggest.
Florida Big Air sessions also tend to be powered. Riders frequently rig smaller sizes and rely on control rather than low end pull. The Lift V3 is built for that style of riding. It remains stable when sheeted hard, holds position overhead at the apex, and recovers quickly after aggressive movement. Those traits reduce the workload on the rider during longer sessions, especially when wind ramps up unexpectedly.
Another factor is space. Many Gulf Coast riding areas involve shallow water, sandbars, or limited launch corridors. Riders benefit from a kite that climbs cleanly and completes its movement predictably. The Lift V3’s compact turning arc and fast climb reduce lateral travel, which helps riders manage airspace and landings more confidently in tighter zones.
This is also where instruction and progression matter. Riders working with Elite Watersports often progress through powered riding and Big Air fundamentals in real Florida conditions rather than idealized training environments. A kite that behaves consistently across changing wind strength supports that progression far better than one tuned only for steady wind.
For Florida based riders who are already comfortable riding powered and want to push height or looping in local conditions, the Lift V3 fits naturally. It favors control, structure, and predictability in the kinds of sessions Florida delivers most often.
What Sizes Does the Airush Lift V3 Come In and How Should Riders Choose?
The Lift V3 is offered across a wide size range, and it is designed to feel controlled when ridden powered.
Size choice should be based on rider weight, typical wind strength, and whether the goal is boosting in higher wind or covering lighter days.
In Florida conditions, especially around St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, many riders benefit from sizing slightly smaller than they would on a freeride kite. The Lift V3 is built to stay composed when ridden lit, which allows riders to hold smaller sizes comfortably as wind builds.
Airush Lift V3 Size Chart and Use Case
| Kite size | Typical use case | Florida context |
|---|---|---|
| 7m | High wind Big Air, advanced looping | Strong cold fronts, winter sessions |
| 8m | Powered Big Air, smaller riders | Common for gusty Gulf Coast days |
| 9m | Core Big Air size | One of the most used sizes locally |
| 10m | Big Air progression | Works well for medium riders |
| 12m | Powered freeride into Big Air | Larger riders or steadier wind |
| 14m | Upper range coverage | Limited use for Big Air focus |
| 17m | Light wind riding | Not aligned with Lift V3’s core purpose |
When riders are between sizes, the deciding factor is usually control versus coverage.
⤷ If the goal is powered Big Air and stability in stronger wind, many choose the smaller size.
⤷ If the goal is covering lighter days, they choose the larger.
If You Ride Locally, Get the Size Right Before You Commit
If you ride locally and are unsure whether the Lift V3 fits your typical conditions or size selection, talking through real wind ranges and spot-specific behavior with Elite Watersports can prevent a mismatched setup before you commit.
Need Help Choosing the Right Setup for the Airush Lift V3?
Choosing a kite like the Lift V3 comes down to how you ride and what your local sessions look like.
If you want a second opinion on sizing, wind range, or whether this is the right step from a freeride kite, the Elite Watersports team can help you work through it based on real Florida riding.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Airush Lift V3
Is the Airush Lift V3 designed only for professional riders?
No. While the Lift V3 is capable of competition-level big air, it is commonly used by intermediate riders who are comfortable riding powered and want to progress into higher jumps or looping. It doesn’t require pro-level technique, but it does reward active control.
How does the Airush Lift V3 handle gusty wind conditions?
The Lift V3 performs well in gusty wind because it stays structurally composed as wind strength changes. Instead of collapsing or drifting back during lulls, it continues flying forward, helping riders stay more stable during uneven Florida sessions.
Does the Airush Lift V3 have a lot of bar pressure?
Bar pressure is moderate. Most riders report clear feedback without excessive load, which helps track kite position during jumps and loops without fatigue over longer sessions.
What wind range is the Airush Lift V3 best for?
The Lift V3 is designed to feel controlled when ridden powered. Most riders choose sizes for their stronger wind sessions rather than trying to stretch one kite across every condition.
Can the Airush Lift V3 be used as a daily riding kite?
It can be used regularly by riders whose sessions are focused on jumping and powered riding. If your priority is relaxed cruising, low-wind efficiency, or minimal input, a freeride kite is usually a better daily choice.
Does the Airush Lift V3 recover quickly after a loop?
Yes. Recovery after loops is one of the Lift V3’s strengths. Once the loop completes, the kite climbs back overhead quickly, reducing time spent low in the window and giving riders more margin before landing.
Is the Airush Lift V3 suitable for heavier riders?
Yes. Heavier riders often benefit from how composed the Lift V3 stays under load. Many can size down compared to freeride kites while maintaining control and lift.
Does the Lift V3 work well in flat water and chop?
The kite performs consistently in both. In chop, its predictable movement and compact turning arc help riders manage timing when takeoff conditions are less clean.
How technical is the Lift V3 compared to freeride kites?
The Lift V3 requires more rider input than a freeride kite. It responds directly to edging, timing, and sheeting rather than smoothing mistakes automatically. Riders who are comfortable with that tradeoff often progress faster on it.
Is the Airush Lift V3 a good choice for riding in Florida year round?
For riders focused on big air and powered sessions, it fits Florida well—especially during winter fronts and stronger thermal days. It’s less suited to light summer wind unless you size appropriately for those conditions.
What is a common Lift V3 size for St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay riders?
It depends on rider weight and board choice, but many riders treat the 9m and 10m as core sizes for powered sessions, then go smaller for winter fronts and larger for lighter days.
Should riders get help choosing the right size of the Lift V3?
Yes. Because the Lift V3 is meant to be ridden powered, correct sizing matters more than with forgiving freeride kites. Local advice based on rider weight, board choice, and typical conditions can make a noticeable difference.
Final Summary
The Airush Lift V3 is a Big Air focused kite for riders seeking stronger lift, cleaner timing, and consistent control in powered sessions. It fits riders who are past basic jumping and are now pushing higher output riding. In Florida, especially around St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, it matches the reality of wind that pulses through a session and often rewards riders who stay in control while riding it.
Explore the Airush kite lineup or reach out directly to Elite Watersports for guidance based on how and where you actually ride.