Core Air & Air Pro vs Naish Pivot LW | Best Light Wind Kites 2025

Looking for the best light wind kite in 2025?

This guide compares the Core Air, Core Air Pro, and Naish Pivot LW to help you decide which kite belongs in your quiver. We break down performance under 12 knots, relaunch ability, freeride vs big air styles, and overall durability. You’ll also hear what pro riders like Janek Grzegorzewski and Carlos Mario say about these kites, plus tips for choosing the right setup for Tampa Bay’s light wind conditions. Whether you’re a beginner curious about stability or an advanced rider chasing progression, this light wind kitesurfing comparison gives you the clarity to make the right choice.

Core Air & Air Pro vs Naish Pivot Light Wind: Which Lightwind Kite Wins in 2025?

Looking for the best light wind kite of 2025? Elite Watersports put the Core Air, Core Air Pro, and Naish Pivot LW head-to-head to see which delivers the most sessions when the breeze barely breaks 10 knots. This comparison breaks down design, performance, and value so riders can choose the right setup for their goals.

Whether you’re chasing big air like Carlos Mario, dialing freeride lines across Tampa Bay, or just trying to keep a session alive on a summer afternoon in St. Pete, light wind kites make the difference between standing on the beach and actually riding.

If you’re new to the category, you can explore our full light wind kites at Elite Watersports, or keep reading to learn how these two models stack up in real-world conditions.

What makes a kite perform in light wind conditions?

A light wind kite has one job: create enough power to keep you riding when the breeze feels like it should shut the session down. The way designers achieve that comes down to three main factors: surface area, weight, and efficiency.

• Surface area: Bigger canopy = more pull. Most lightwind kites start at 14–17m sizes, designed to grab as much wind as possible without becoming uncontrollable.
  

• Weight: The lighter the frame and canopy materials, the easier the kite can fly in minimal breeze. Stiff but lightweight frames, reduced dacron, and new materials like Core’s ExoTex 2 help the kite stay airborne under 10 knots.
  

• Efficiency in shape: High-aspect kites with longer wingspans cut through the air better, turning small gusts into usable forward pull. Leading edge design, strut placement, and canopy tension all affect this efficiency.
  

When you combine these traits, you get a kite that not only pulls you up on a plane but also stays responsive enough to turn, relaunch, and keep you safe in marginal wind. That’s why it’s worth studying the differences between Core’s new Air/Pro and the Naish Pivot LW, each approaches these design choices differently, and the results on the water tell the story.

If you’re new to chasing light wind days, check out our kiteboarding tips for light wind. These will help you match the right technique to the right kite, so you’re not just relying on gear to save the session.

Is the Core Air Pro really a game changer for lightwind kiteboarding?

Core designed the Air Pro to answer a simple question: how do you make the best light wind kite of 2025 feel as lively and precise as a smaller performance kite? The answer comes from weight reduction and high-end materials. The Air Pro is built with CoreTex 2 triple ripstop canopy cloth and an ExoTex Light frame, trimming grams in every seam. Less weight means the kite flies in almost nothing, yet still turns quickly enough for loops and powered transitions.

In our Core Air Pro review sessions around Tampa Bay, the kite stayed in the air with just 8 to 9 knots of breeze. That’s the difference between packing up and getting a full freeride session across flatwater stretches. The lighter build also helps the kite relaunch when it drops, which is often the make-or-break factor in real light wind kiteboarding.

Performance-wise, the Air Pro gives advanced riders more room to push. Big air specialists like Janek Grzegorzewski and Carlos Mario have highlighted how the kite delivers pop even when most kites just drift. For local riders in St. Petersburg, that means you can actually train jumps and tricks on days when the Gulf looks barely rideable.

While the standard Core Air already sits high on the list of the best light wind kites in 2025, the Air Pro takes things further for those chasing progression. If you’re considering a step up, the Pro is worth the investment, especially if your goal is maximizing sessions in marginal wind.

Core Air vs Naish Pivot: Which kite jumps higher in light wind?

Big air is where riders really feel the difference between the Core Air series and the Naish Pivot LW. In side-by-side light wind kitesurfing comparison sessions, the Core Air consistently delivered more vertical lift under the same conditions. The higher aspect ratio and reduced weight help it generate upward pull even when the breeze is just touching 10 knots.

The Naish Pivot LW, true to its name, is more about smooth turns and predictable freeride handling. It can get you off the water, but the jumps tend to be floaty rather than explosive. Riders looking to train kite loops or extend hangtime will find the Pivot less aggressive in light wind, especially compared to the Air Pro.

Core’s team riders like Janek Grzegorzewski have shown that the Air Pro still loops and catches cleanly when other kites barely stay in the sky. That makes a difference for advanced kiters in Tampa Bay who want to practice tricks in marginal wind instead of waiting for a stronger forecast. For local freeriders, it also means you can turn a casual session into something more progressive.

If your priority is jumping higher in light wind, the Core Air and Air Pro clearly outperform the Naish Pivot LW. The Pivot holds its ground for cruising and stability, but for riders chasing altitude and progression, Core takes the edge.

Which kite is easier for beginners, Core Air or Naish Pivot?

For riders stepping into light wind kiteboarding for the first time, ease of use often matters more than raw performance. Between the two, the Naish Pivot LW has the friendlier learning curve. Its rounded wingtips, stable canopy, and moderate bar pressure make it less intimidating when the wind shifts. Many beginner riders in St. Petersburg who transition from a standard freeride kite find the Pivot feels familiar and forgiving.

The Core Air and Air Pro, on the other hand, reward technique. They are more responsive, quicker through the window, and deliver stronger pull once you know how to work the kite. Beginners can ride them, but they may feel more lively and require better flying skills, especially in sub-12 knot conditions. For riders chasing long-term progression, that extra responsiveness pays off.

If you’re still in the early stages of your kiteboarding journey, it helps to learn with an instructor who can match you with the right kite for the day. You can always book a kiteboarding lesson in Tampa Bay and test both setups under the guidance of Elite’s coaches. That way you’ll know whether stability or progression feels best for your riding style.

Curious how light wind kites fit into the bigger picture of learning? Check out our beginner kiteboarding guide for tips on when to size up, what boards work best, and how to stay safe when the breeze is soft.

Core Air & Air Pro construction vs Naish Pivot durability

Durability is often overlooked in light wind kitesurfing, but it can make or break your investment. Large canopy kites take more stress from heavy water relaunches and long sessions in underpowered conditions, so build quality matters.

The Core Air Pro construction uses ExoTex Light dacron and CoreTex 2 canopy cloth, a combination designed to reduce weight while keeping the frame stiff. This balance allows the kite to flex without deforming, extending canopy life even after repeated sessions in low wind. The seams and bridles are reinforced in high-stress points, which helps the kite hold shape longer under load. Riders who push big air in marginal conditions will especially notice the difference in long-term reliability.

The Naish Pivot LW durability has a solid reputation as well. Its Quad-Tex canopy fabric is known for strength and tear resistance, and the Pivot has always been a dependable kite for freeriders who want gear that lasts multiple seasons. The tradeoff is weight: the Pivot uses slightly heavier reinforcements, which adds strength but can make it less efficient below 11 knots.

From a practical standpoint, both kites are built to handle years of use, but the Core Air Pro edges ahead in performance-to-weight ratio. If you want to read more detailed breakdowns of how these brands stack up across their lineups, check out our kite gear reviews.

Still unsure which one fits your needs? The easiest way to tell is to demo both. Elite offers access to the latest gear, so you can ride the Air Pro and Pivot LW in real Tampa Bay conditions before deciding which belongs in your quiver.

How do Core Air and Naish Pivot compare for freeride vs big air styles?

When it comes to riding style, the differences between these kites show up quickly. The b lean into progression. Their high aspect design and lighter frame give them the edge for big air riders who want vertical pop, smooth loops, and longer hangtime. In light wind kiteboarding sessions across Tampa Bay, the Air Pro stood out as the only kite in this category that still felt explosive below 12 knots. Riders training jumps and rotations will notice that responsiveness right away.

The Naish Pivot LW favors freeride. Its lower aspect shape and predictable turning radius make it a stable choice for cruising, transitions, and relaxed sessions. It doesn’t yank as aggressively when you send it, but it rewards riders who want flow and smooth control rather than max height. For many intermediate riders who simply want more time on the water, that freeride stability is a big plus.

Choosing between freeride and big air really comes down to your goals. If you’re chasing height, loops, and progression, the Core Air series has the advantage. If you prefer cruising or mixing in surf-style rides on light wind days, the Naish Pivot LW feels more natural. For extra tips on matching your kite to your riding goals, check out our kiteboarding tips for light wind.

Not sure which camp you fall into? The best way to find out is to put both kites in your hands. You can book a kiteboarding lesson or rental session in St. Petersburg, test the Air Pro and Pivot side by side, and see which style makes you want to ride longer.

Which light wind kite has the best relaunch in 2025?

Relaunch is one of the most important features in light wind kiteboarding. When the breeze dips under 12 knots, even a short drop into the water can end your session if the kite doesn’t come back up quickly.

The Core Air and Air Pro both stand out here. The lighter ExoTex frame and CoreTex canopy help the kite sit higher on the water and catch wind faster, even when the breeze is soft. In our light wind kitesurfing comparison tests in Tampa Bay, the Air Pro consistently relaunched with minimal bar input, a huge confidence boost when the wind is marginal.

The Naish Pivot LW has a more traditional frame and canopy weight, which means it takes a bit more technique to bring back up. Above 12 knots, it relaunches reliably. Below that, riders often need to work the lines or swim the kite into position. For freeride cruising this isn’t always a dealbreaker, but it can make the difference between another 30 minutes on the water or packing up early.

If you’re newer to handling relaunch in light wind, it helps to learn the techniques that make the process easier. Elite’s beginner kiteboarding guide covers the fundamentals, and our kiteboarding tips for relaunching in light wind give practical ways to keep your sessions going.

H2 Core Air vs Naish Pivot price and long-term value

Price always plays into the decision when comparing the best light wind kites of 2025. At first glance, the Naish Pivot LW often comes in at a slightly lower retail price than the Core Air and Air Pro. For riders who want a stable freeride kite that can extend sessions above 12 knots, that affordability makes the Pivot an attractive option.

The Core Air Pro, however, is positioned as a long-term investment. Its lighter materials and premium construction add cost up front, but also translate to higher performance in marginal wind and better longevity if you ride often. For kiters in places like Tampa Bay where summer wind can be unpredictable, having a kite that delivers more rideable days each season can offset the higher price.

The Core Air sits in the middle, offering most of the Pro’s performance at a slightly more approachable cost. It’s a balanced option for riders who want more efficiency than the Pivot but aren’t ready to step into Core’s highest tier.

If you’re weighing cost against performance, it helps to think about how often you’ll ride light wind. For casual freeriders, the Pivot may be enough. For riders pushing progression, the Air Pro can pay off in the long run. To see how these models compare with others in the lineup, you can always browse Elite’s full range of light wind kites at Elite Watersports.

What do pro riders say about Core Air & Naish Pivot in lightwind?

Pro riders are often the ones pushing these kites to their limits, so their feedback gives real insight into how each model holds up.

Core Air & Air Pro have been backed by names like Janek Grzegorzewski and Carlos Mario, both of whom have showcased the kite looping and catching cleanly in winds that would normally shut down a session. That kind of control in marginal wind proves why the Air Pro is marketed as more than just a “big kite”,  it’s a performance tool that keeps progression alive when the conditions are soft.

The Naish Pivot LW has also earned loyalty, especially among freeriders who value its smooth, predictable handling. While it doesn’t dominate the big air scene in the same way, many riders trust the Pivot because of its consistent feel across the entire Naish lineup. For kiters who want stability and familiarity, that reputation still matters.

Hearing what pros say can guide your own expectations, but the best way to confirm it is to put these kites in your hands. Elite gives local riders the chance to demo new gear in real Tampa Bay conditions, so you can experience the difference first-hand instead of relying on highlight reels.

For more rider-focused breakdowns, you can also check out Elite’s library of kite gear reviews, where real-world testing meets detailed technical analysis.

Core Air & Air Pro vs Naish Pivot LW: Final Thoughts

Both the Core Air/Pro and the Naish Pivot LW have a place in the light wind conversation. The Pivot remains a dependable freeride kite that gets riders cruising when the breeze is steady above 12 knots. It’s stable, predictable, and well-suited for those who want more time on the water without chasing maximum height.

The Core Air and especially the Air Pro tilt the scale toward progression. They bring more responsiveness, stronger jumping potential, and easier relaunch in true marginal wind. For advanced riders, that means training loops, height, and tricks when most people are still standing on the beach. For local riders in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, it means turning summer’s lightest days into real sessions.

So which light wind kite wins in 2025? If stability and ease are your top priorities, the Naish Pivot LW is a solid choice. If your goal is pushing performance and unlocking more rideable days, the Core Air Pro is the stronger long-term investment.

The best way to decide is to feel the difference for yourself. Elite makes it simple to book a kiteboarding lesson or demo session in Tampa Bay, where you can ride both kites back-to-back in the same conditions. When you’re ready to add one to your quiver, explore the full collection of light wind kites at Elite Watersports and find the model that fits your style.

FAQ: Light Wind Kiteboarding in 2025

What is the best light wind kite for beginners in 2025?
For beginners, the Naish Pivot LW is often easier to manage. Its stability and predictable turning make it less intimidating. That said, riders who want to progress faster may prefer starting with the Core Air, especially with guidance from an instructor. A good way to find out is to book a kiteboarding lesson and test both under professional coaching.

How much wind do you need for the Naish Pivot LW vs Core Air Pro?
The Naish Pivot LW works best in steady winds above 12 knots. The Core Air Pro has the advantage in lighter conditions, flying comfortably in as little as 8–10 knots. This makes the Air Pro a better choice if you want to maximize sessions on the Gulf when summer wind is soft.

Is the Core Air Pro worth the upgrade from the Core Air?
Yes, if you’re chasing progression or riding often in marginal conditions. The Air Pro uses lighter construction that relaunches more easily and generates more lift. If budget is a bigger factor, the standard Core Air still performs well for most riders. For more detail, see our full Core Air Pro review.

Can I try these kites before buying?
Absolutely. Elite offers demo sessions in Tampa Bay so riders can compare the Air, Air Pro, and Pivot LW in real-world conditions. Testing both back-to-back is the best way to feel which fits your style.

Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic