CORE Air ExoTex Kite Review (2025): Lightwind Performance Tested in Tampa Bay

CORE Air (ExoTex): Elite Watersports’ Deep Dive Lightwind Kite Review  

Lightwind has always been the biggest frustration for Florida riders. You’re standing on the beach in St. Pete or Tampa Bay, staring at glassy water and a forecast that barely touches 10 knots. Most days, that’s a lost session. The CORE Air ExoTex® was designed to change that.

This kite is CORE’s answer to the low-wind problem: built with ExoTex® 2 frame material, a three-strut high-aspect design, and a fixed Tectanium® bridle for direct, responsive handling. The result is a kite that doesn’t just keep you afloat in marginal wind , it turns those “no-go” days into real sessions.

In this review, we’ll break down what makes the Air unique, how it performs across different riding styles, and why riders from pros like Janek and Carlos to locals in Tampa Bay are calling it a true lightwind game-changer. You’ll see how its design features translate into benefits on the water: easier relaunch, more stability, and more rideable hours each season.

If you’ve been waiting for a kite that lets you foil, freeride, or even throw loops when the wind barely shows up, the CORE Air ExoTex might be exactly what keeps you riding instead of watching from shore.

What makes the CORE Air ExoTex kite perform under 10 knots?

The CORE Air isn’t built like a typical freeride kite. The biggest upgrade is the ExoTex® 2 frame, a material that stiffens the leading edge without adding unnecessary weight. Paired with a high-aspect, three-strut design, the kite holds its shape in marginal wind and drives upwind instead of folding out when the breeze drops. That means you can keep edging on a twin tip or push angles on a foil board even when the meter is reading single digits.

Another piece of the puzzle is the fixed Tectanium® bridle system. By removing pulley points, CORE locked in a more direct, responsive steering feel. In light wind that’s huge , every bar input translates to kite movement, so you’re not stuck waiting for the canopy to react. It also keeps the kite from feeling sluggish, which is common in oversized lightwind models.

On-water, the Air shows its difference most clearly in relaunch. The swept leading edge and lighter canopy weight make it easier to roll the kite onto its tip and lift it off the water, even in 8–9 knots. For riders in St. Pete and Tampa Bay who know the pain of a dead kite drifting in boat chop, that detail is worth a lot.

Explore the CORE Air ExoTex® kite →

Is the CORE Air beginner-friendly or more for progression?

The CORE Air ExoTex was never designed as a “trainer” kite, but that doesn’t mean it’s off limits for newer riders. Its stability in low-end wind makes it surprisingly forgiving, especially when paired with a foil board. Beginners who already have the basics of kite control will find it drifts smoothly, reacts predictably to bar input, and doesn’t punish mistakes the way heavier lightwind kites often do.

That said, the Air has enough responsiveness to keep intermediate and progressing riders engaged. Riders transitioning from freeride kites will notice the cleaner power delivery, while foilers and twin-tip jumpers will appreciate how the kite accelerates through loops without lag. According to IKSurfMag’s early impressions, the Air balances accessibility with performance, “offering both stability and quick handling for riders who want progression in marginal conditions” (IKSurfMag, 2025).

For Tampa Bay and St. Pete locals, this means you’re not just buying a lightwind survival kite,you’re picking up a wing that can actually carry you through skill stages. Whether you’re dialing in transitions on a foil or learning how to boost in 11 knots, the Air gives you enough cushion to progress without feeling overpowered or undergunned.

Book a demo session in Tampa Bay and see how the Air feels for your level before pulling the trigger.

Is the CORE Air durable enough for real-world riding?

Lightwind kites take a beating. They’re bigger, they hit the water harder, and they’re often flown in sketchy, fading conditions. That’s why CORE built the Air around ExoTex® 2, their reinforced leading edge material that resists flexing and keeps its shape session after session.

Every seam is double-stitched, and the bladders are reinforced where riders typically see wear. These details don’t just look good on paper; they translate to a kite that feels solid in your hands and inspires trust when the wind is unpredictable. The CoreTex® 2 canopy fabric adds another layer of security, keeping the kite crisp and responsive even after months of use.

CORE backs the build with a six-year parts guarantee, which speaks volumes. It means if you’re out in St. Pete pushing your sessions during summer’s marginal wind season, you can focus on your riding without second-guessing the gear. Shops like Elite Watersports have seen firsthand how this construction holds up across disciplines, whether you’re looping off a foil or riding a twin tip in chop.

In real-world terms, durability equals freedom. Instead of treating the kite like it’s fragile, you can actually send it, drop it, relaunch it, and come back next weekend knowing it’ll be ready to ride. That’s the confidence CORE wanted riders to have when they designed the Air.

Explore the CORE Air ExoTex® kite and see why durability matters when every lightwind session counts.

What’s the value, CORE Air pricing vs performance long-term?

The CORE Air ExoTex® isn’t just about what it costs today, it’s about what it gives you over the course of a season. Lightwind riders know the frustration of sitting on the beach, waiting for the breeze to build. With the Air, those borderline 8–10 knot days in Tampa Bay or St. Pete suddenly become rideable. That’s more hours on the water, more progression, and fewer missed weekends.

At its price point, the Air positions itself as a smart investment for riders who want to stretch their sessions without going all-in on the higher-priced Pro model. You still get the ExoTex® 2 frame, CoreTex® 2 canopy, and the handling refinements that make the kite perform well across foiling, freeride, and even some big-air play.

Think of the value in terms of return on sessions. Every day you get on the water when others can’t is a win , whether you’re perfecting your jibes on a foil or sneaking in a few jumps on a twin tip. Over time, those added rides stack up into progression, fitness, and stoke that no price tag can fully capture.

Elite’s team has seen this firsthand: riders who add a CORE Air to their quiver log noticeably more water time each year. That’s the real ROI, a kite that pays for itself in experience.

Pro feedback , what do top riders like Janek and Carlos say?

It’s one thing to talk about materials and specs, it’s another to hear how pros put the kite to work. Riders like Janek Grzegorzewski and Carlos Mario have been flying the Air and pointing to the same traits that stand out for locals in lightwind: power delivery, lift, and responsiveness.

Janek highlights how the kite’s pop and hangtime translate even in marginal wind. Instead of feeling like you’re just cruising back and forth, the Air gives you the option to load, release, and float longer than most riders expect under 12 knots. That extra airtime makes progression sessions more exciting, it’s not just about making it work, it’s about pushing tricks in wind most kites can’t handle.

Carlos has leaned on the Air for its smooth looping ability. The fixed bridle and lightweight ExoTex® 2 frame mean the kite whips cleanly through the window without the sluggish drag common in oversized lightwind models. For riders who like to feel connected and in control, that loop response builds trust, especially when sending tricks close to the edge of the wind range.

Hearing that kind of feedback from top riders helps frame what to expect: the CORE Air isn’t just a tool for survival in light breeze. It’s a kite designed to keep you progressing when conditions are at their weakest.

How do everyday riders describe the CORE Air in light wind?

Specs and materials are one thing, but the best measure of a kite is the smile it puts on your face after a session. Riders testing the CORE Air ExoTex® have been vocal about how it feels in real conditions.

One local rider summed it up after back-to-back lightwind sessions: “I’ve been very impressed with the Air’s light wind performance so far. I’m coming off the water with a big smile on my face in the lightest of breeze.” (Michael Phaneuf, YouTube comment). That kind of reaction cuts straight to what CORE built the kite for, turning days most riders write off into genuine fun on the water.

Others chimed in with the same theme: instead of dragging or stalling, the Air creates enough lift and stability to make 9–10 knot sessions engaging. It’s not just about staying upwind, it’s about riding with confidence and feeling like the kite wants to fly with you, not against you.

For St. Pete and Tampa Bay riders who know the pain of glassy afternoons and fading thermals, that real-world feedback is exactly what matters. It shows the Air isn’t just a survival tool, it’s a kite that can leave you stoked when conditions are barely there.

Does the CORE Air really loop in marginal conditions?

One of the biggest surprises with the CORE Air ExoTex® is how well it handles loops, even in the kind of wind most riders call unrideable. Lightwind kites are usually known for being big, slow, and heavy through the turn. But the Air’s fixed Tectanium® bridle and ExoTex® 2 frame give it a tighter, more controlled loop that feels responsive instead of sluggish.

As one rider put it after testing the 15m Air: “Yes it actually loops and I’m no pro rider.” (Vikingh3008, YouTube comment). That’s the kind of confidence that matters. You don’t need to be an advanced freestyler to feel the kite drive cleanly through the window. The Air reacts fast enough that even intermediate riders can start experimenting with loops in under-12 knot sessions.

This is where the Air shifts from just being a tool for staying on the water to being a kite that helps you progress. For Tampa Bay riders, that means when everyone else is mowing the lawn in barely-there wind, you’re out looping and building skills you’ll carry into stronger sessions.

Is the CORE Air changing how riders see lightwind sessions?

For years, lightwind meant either dragging a foil out in single digits or sitting on the beach with a twin tip. But kites like the CORE Air ExoTex® are shifting that mindset. Instead of being oversized and sluggish, the Air feels alive, enough that riders are starting to bring twin tips back into play when the breeze is under 12 knots.

As one rider commented after watching Aaron’s review: “These days, there’s a trend toward light wind kites… Zephyr Ultra, Air, Whisper, is the light wind twintip making a comeback?” (Stephanedeland, YouTube). It’s a fair question, and the Air makes a strong case that the answer is yes.

Because it combines lightweight ExoTex® 2 construction with a high-aspect design, the Air isn’t just flyable , it generates enough lift and drive to make freeride sessions feel worth it again. For St. Pete and Tampa Bay riders who live with long stretches of marginal wind, that’s a game-changer. The Air takes “session saver” days and turns them into progression days.

This is where the real value shows: instead of treating lightwind as compromise, the Air makes it feel like part of your riding season.

How does the CORE Air fit into larger quivers and comparisons?

The CORE Air ExoTex® isn’t meant to replace every kite in your bag, it’s meant to fill the gap when the wind drops below 12 knots. Riders already flying high-performance freeride or big-air kites can slot the Air in as their lightwind option, knowing it carries over CORE’s familiar steering and bar feel.

Community feedback backs this up. One rider asked how the Air stacked against kites like the Soul and Whisper, and Elite’s own response was clear: in the 15m and 17m range, the Air is the pick when you want dependable performance between 10–15 knots. Another local rider called it a “session saver,” noting that it felt more like a smaller kite in the hands, responsive, not sluggish, with loops that surprised him for the size.

For Tampa Bay riders, that makes the Air an easy fit in a quiver that already includes a mid-range freeride or freestyle kite. When the seabreeze fades or you’re dealing with glassy conditions, the Air keeps you on the water instead of waiting it out.

Think of it as the bridge that turns marginal wind into usable riding hours. It doesn’t replace your go-to kite, it complements it, making your whole setup more versatile.

How does the CORE Air feel across different board styles?

The real strength of the CORE Air ExoTex® is how versatile it feels no matter what you’re standing on. On a foil, the kite drifts smoothly and powers through transitions without collapsing, making lightwind carving sessions feel effortless. On a twin tip, the Air generates enough lift for jumps and loops that keep the ride engaging, instead of just mowing the lawn. Even on a surfboard, the stable canopy and clean drift let you link turns without the kite pulling you off balance. This adaptability is what makes the Air more than a niche tool, it’s a true all-around lightwind companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride the CORE Air ExoTex in 10 knots or less?
Yes. Thanks to the ExoTex® 2 frame and high-aspect three-strut design, the Air generates surprising low-end power without feeling heavy. Riders in St. Pete and Tampa Bay have reported riding comfortably in 8–10 knots , foilers cruising upwind and twin-tip riders sneaking in jumps when most kites wouldn’t even relaunch.

What makes the CORE Air easier to relaunch in light wind?
The Air’s swept leading edge and reduced tip drag let it roll off the water more easily than many oversized kites. Combined with its light canopy weight, this design means you don’t have to swim your kite back to shore when the wind fades. Even in glassy chop, riders found it pivoted into relaunch position with minimal effort.

Is the CORE Air beginner-friendly or more for progression?
The Air balances stability and responsiveness. It’s forgiving enough for newer riders who have the basics down, yet lively enough to keep intermediate and advanced riders pushing tricks in marginal conditions. Think of it as the kite that helps you transition , from just surviving lightwind sessions to actually progressing in them.

How durable is the CORE Air ExoTex for real-world use?
Durability is built into the design. The ExoTex® 2 material stiffens the frame and resists wear, while the CoreTex® 2 canopy keeps the kite crisp over time. Reinforced seams and bladders add extra protection where it counts. Backed by CORE’s six-year parts guarantee, it’s a kite you can trust to handle repeated use in lightwind chop or shallow launches.

Does the CORE Air really loop in marginal wind?
Yes. Unlike traditional lightwind kites that feel sluggish, the Air’s fixed Tectanium® bridle and lightweight frame allow it to loop cleanly and with control. Riders have even shared that it loops “and I’m no pro rider”, showing that progression tricks are possible without perfect wind.

What kind of rider will benefit most from the CORE Air?
Foilers who want smoother jibes in light air, twin-tip riders who crave extra sessions, and intermediates who don’t want their progression stalled by summer lulls. Pros like Janek and Carlos have praised its pop and looping ability, while everyday riders describe finishing sessions “with a big smile” thanks to its fun factor in barely-there wind.

Is the CORE Air worth the price long-term?
Yes, if your goal is to maximize water time. The Air opens up more days per season, giving you extra hours to progress when you’d otherwise be stuck onshore. Think of the return not just in terms of gear cost, but in sessions gained, more time foiling, more lightwind jumps, and more confidence in marginal conditions.

How does the CORE Air fit into a larger quiver?
It’s not meant to replace your mid- or high-wind kites. Instead, it fills the gap for sub-12-knot riding. Many riders keep their favorite freeride or freestyle kite for stronger wind and add the Air to make those borderline sessions fun and productive. It complements, rather than competes with, the rest of your setup.

Final Thoughts, Why the CORE Air ExoTex Stands Out

Lightwind used to mean compromise. You’d rig oversized kites that felt sluggish, or worse, sit on the beach waiting for wind that never came. The CORE Air ExoTex® changes that equation. By combining the ExoTex® 2 frame, high-aspect three-strut design, and fixed Tectanium® bridle, it delivers a ride that’s stable, responsive, and genuinely fun , even under 10 knots.

From relaunch confidence to durability that holds up season after season, the Air isn’t just a survival kite. It’s a session maker. Local riders in St. Pete and Tampa Bay are finding themselves out on the water when they’d normally be packing it in , foilers, freeriders, and twin-tip jumpers alike.

If your goal is more time on the water, smoother progression, and a kite designed with lightwind performance at its core, the Air deserves a spot in your quiver.

Ready to feel it yourself? Book a demo session in Tampa Bay or check out the CORE Air ExoTex® kite here.

Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic