Core Fusion 7 Overview: Is This the Best Big-Air and Freestyle Twin Tip for Florida Riders?

The Core Fusion 7 hit the shop and instantly became my new go-to board. I have been riding the Core Carve for more than ten years, and I still love that board. It is smooth, dependable, and one of the easiest freeride boards on the market. But the Fusion 7 gives me something the Carve never could. It lets me cross over between big air, wake style, and freestyle without feeling like the board is limiting what I want to do.

If you ride here in Tampa Bay or anywhere along the Gulf Coast, you already know how much our conditions change. One day you are boosting in a strong north front at Sand Key, the next day you are doing long flatwater runs behind the Skyway Bridge, and then you hit choppy onshore swell at Treasure Island or Madeira Beach. A board that only does one thing well will always hold you back.

The Fusion 7 fixes that. It pops harder, lands softer, cuts through chop cleaner, and still feels lively under your feet. It is the first board in a long time that gives me everything I need in our wind, our water state, and our style of riding.

If you want a materials-first look at the board build and how different twin-tip constructions affect your riding, the Elite Board Collection is the quickest way to compare outlines, rockers, and flex patterns across all our brands.

What type of rider is the Core Fusion 7 designed for?

If you ride a little bit of everything, the Core Fusion 7 is built for you. This board hits the sweet spot between big air, powered freestyle, and everyday freeride, which is why it clicked so fast when I put it in the water. Some boards force you into one lane. This one opens the door for riders who want to push in multiple directions without switching setups every session.

If you like to load the rail for a full-power edge, send a jump, and then come back down into messy Gulf chop, the Fusion 7 has the stiffness and channeling to keep everything controlled. At the same time, the board feels soft enough on the landings that you are not destroying your knees during winter-front boosts at Sand Key or Clearwater Beach North.

If you lean more into wake style or freestyle, the board’s squared outline gives you clean grip and explosive pop. When you are practicing powered tricks in the flat sections behind the Skyway Bridge or Maximo Park, the Fusion 7 feels consistent and predictable through the load. It is not too stiff, not too soft, and it reacts exactly when you commit to the edge.

Newer riders who want a board they will not outgrow also benefit from this design. The Fusion 7 is easy enough to control for everyday cruising, but it has the performance ceiling to grow with you once you start throwing big-air progression, strapless transitions, or powered carving on windier days.

What is different about the Fusion 7 compared to the Fusion 6 and the Carve?

The Core Fusion 7 takes everything people liked about the Fusion 6 and pushes it farther. The first thing you notice when you flip the board over is the bottom shape. The V-spine is deeper, the channels are sharper, and there is noticeably more aeration under the board. That combination makes the Fusion 7 feel livelier and more cushioned at the same time. In Tampa Bay chop, especially on a windy afternoon at Indian Rocks Beach, that extra dampening makes a massive difference when you are riding powered.

If you are coming from the Carve, the outline change is going to stand out even more. Core rounded the mid-rail to soften the feel when cruising but kept the tips narrower and more aggressive so you can still load the edge hard. When you want to pop, the tips bite immediately. When you want to cruise or roll through bumps at Pass-a-Grille, the center of the board feels smoother and more relaxed. It is a really smart balance.

The Fusion 7 also has a noticeably cleaner flex pattern. When you boost at Sand Key during a north front, the board holds tension right up to the moment you release. But the second you land, the board settles instead of bucking. That is a huge upgrade over earlier Fusion models, especially if you are riding multiple days in a row and want your knees to stay intact.

Core also updated the production process. The finish feels tighter. The response feels sharper. And the overall ride quality feels more refined than the Fusion 6.
If you want to understand how board flex, rocker, and outline affect your riding in Florida’s mixed conditions, the Tips and Tricks Blog has a great set of breakdowns that match exactly what you feel under your feet.

The short version is simple:

The Fusion 6 was strong.
The Carve is still legendary.
But the Fusion 7 is the board that lets you cross disciplines without compromise.

How does the Core Fusion 7 ride on the water?

The Fusion 7 feels different the moment you put it on edge. It has that lively snap you want for big air takeoffs, but it also has enough damping that it smooths out the short-period Gulf chop we get at places like Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, and Sunset Beach. You do not get bounced around. You stay connected.

Upwind drive

The board tracks extremely well. The squared tips and deeper channels give you a locked-in edge when you want to drive upwind behind the Skyway Bridge or when you need speed in messy swell at Treasure Island. For riders who care about staying powered in lighter wind, this is a real advantage. The Fusion 7 planes early and holds that edge without slipping.

If you want to compare the Fusion 7’s upwind drive to other big-air boards in Core, Duotone, or Naish, the Tips and Tricks Twin Tip Guide breaks down exactly how channels and rocker lines affect handling in Gandy Beach chop and Boca Ciega Bay swell.

Load and pop for big air

This is where the board separates itself. When you dig in, the Fusion 7 stores energy cleanly and releases it without hesitation. Whether you are taking a send in 25 knots at Sand Key North or boosting off a roller at Clearwater Beach, you get that explosive, vertical pop that big-air riders chase. The rail grips, the channels bite, and the board holds tension until the exact split-second you release.

If you want to understand how water state, wind angle, and forecast behavior affect your pop and timing, the How to Read a Wind Forecast guide breaks it down in a way that matches how we ride here on the Gulf.

Freestyle control

When you switch gears and start working on powered tricks at Maximo Park or on the flat stretches near East Beach, the Fusion 7 still feels controlled. The mid-rail softness lets you feather the board into carves, while the tips still have the stiffness you need for wake-style load and pop. You can edge hard, release clean, and the board never feels twitchy or unpredictable during the setup.

Chop handling and comfort

The updated bottom shape makes a huge difference in real wind. On days when the Gulf gets that tight, bouncy texture, the Fusion 7 feels noticeably more cushioned than the Fusion 6 or the Carve. Those deeper channels push water aside, the V-spine softens the impacts, and the flex pattern absorbs just enough shock that your knees stay fresh even when you’re landing heavy after a series of boosts.

This is the board you choose when you want performance without punishment.

How does the Core Fusion 7 land after big-air jumps?

If you ride big air in Tampa Bay, you already know the landings are where you either fall in love with a board or swear it off forever. The Core Fusion 7 earns its reputation right here. The second you touch down, you feel how much work went into the V-spine, the deeper channels, and the new flex pattern. Instead of slapping the water or skipping out, the board settles.

When you come down from a full-power send at Sand Key during a winter front, the Fusion 7 takes the impact and disperses it without bucking you forward. That extra aeration under the bottom softens the touchdown and lets the board reconnect cleanly so you can ride out at speed. If you are boosting at Clearwater Beach North, where the landings tend to be fast and downwind, the board absorbs the compression and holds your edge so you do not get ripped sideways.

In gusty Gulf conditions, especially around Treasure Island or Indian Rocks Beach, the Fusion 7 gives you room to land imperfectly. You do not have to hit the angle perfectly. You can be slightly nose-down or slightly tail-heavy. The channels and spine shape absorb the mistake and bring the board back under you instead of punishing the error. That matters when you are trying to progress.

If you want to keep your board riding clean and performing like this season after season, the Kite Maintenance Tips page has a full breakdown of how to store, rinse, and protect your setup in Florida’s salt and sand. Keeping your fins sharp and your pads clean makes a real difference in how your landings feel long term.

What is special about the new handle and fin system?

Core made one of the biggest changes to the Fusion line by removing the standard handle and fins from the box. At first it throws people off, but once you understand why they did it, it makes complete sense. They want riders to pick the setup that actually matches their style.

Revo Handle vs Standard Handle

The Revo handle is the standout option. It changes the flex pattern of the board by stiffening the center section, which gives you more pop and a more locked-in feel for big-air takeoffs. If you ride boots or push powered tricks at Maximo Park, the Revo handle gives the board that extra backbone you feel when loading up.

The standard handle keeps the board more neutral and flexible, which is better for riders who want something simple, lightweight, and balanced. It is the option most freeriders choose.

Three fin options

The fins are where Core really opened things up. You can now choose between:

• EQ fins (soft, rounded, forgiving)
• Carve fins (more grip, more precision)
• Entry fins (budget-friendly option)

Aaron’s take aligns with what most Gulf riders feel. The EQ fins are perfect for board-offs, grabs, and rotations, because the edges are rounded and soft enough that you are not going to slice your hand when you grab the board mid-air. When you are practicing board-offs at Fort De Soto or on a high-tide day at St. Pete Beach, that safety margin matters.

The Carve fins offer more bite for riders who want sharp, aggressive rail engagement. They work incredibly well when the Gulf gets fast and punchy around Sand Key or during downwinders toward Shell Key.

If you want to understand which fin profile matches your riding style, the Beginner Information Hub has a full breakdown on edge control, power management, and how fins actually affect your grip and drive on a twin tip.

Why it matters

By letting you choose the handle and fins yourself, Core basically turned the Fusion 7 into a modular board. You tune it for big air, freestyle, or mellow freeride, instead of being stuck with whatever the board ships with.

It is a smart system that makes the board feel more personal and more performance-driven.

Is the Core Fusion 7 good for Tampa Bay’s wind and water conditions?

If you ride the Gulf Coast regularly, the Fusion 7 checks every box. Our water changes texture every session. One hour it is groomed and clean at Sand Key, the next it is sloppy, stacked, and chaotic at Treasure Island or Indian Shores. The Fusion 7’s bottom shape and flex pattern were basically made for this.

Onshore Gulf swell

Onshore wind is the norm here. When the swell is pushing straight at the beach at Madeira Beach, St. Pete Beach, or Indian Rocks Beach, the Fusion 7 cuts through the bumps instead of skipping. The deeper channels hold the board in the water just long enough to keep traction without feeling sticky.

Short-period chop

Our chop is fast, tight, and unpredictable. On windy afternoons at Pass-a-Grille or Sunset Beach, the Fusion 7’s V-spine and aerated base absorb those quick hits and smooth everything out. You can ride faster with more control because the board is not bouncing you around.

Big air winter fronts

When a real front hits, everything changes. The wind jumps, the water gets confused, and the boosts get bigger. At Sand Key North, Clearwater Beach North, or the west side of Fort De Soto, the Fusion 7 holds its edge under full load. You can dig in, send the kite, and trust the board to stay locked until the moment you release.

Flatwater cruising

On the light days or the afternoon thermals, the backside of the Skyway Bridge, the flats near Maximo Park, and the shallow zones at East Beach give you room to work on technique. The Fusion 7 feels fast and playful in flatwater. It tracks beautifully, pops cleanly, and stays predictable through powered freestyle.

If you want to see how these water states match the day’s forecast, the Tips and Tricks Forecast Breakdown has a full guide on how to plan your session around Tampa Bay wind behavior.

What size Core Fusion 7 should I choose?

Choosing the right Core Fusion 7 size depends on three things: your weight, your riding style, and the wind you see the most in Tampa Bay. The board comes in sizes that cover everything from powered big-air sessions to mellow cruising, but the right fit makes a huge difference in how the board loads, pops, and lands here on the Gulf.

If you ride mostly in 12 to 20 knot seabreezes, a slightly larger size gives you earlier planing, smoother low-wind control, and better upwind drive behind the Skyway Bridge or across the flats near Maximo Park. For riders in the 160 to 190 pound range, the mid-sizes tend to hit the sweet spot for everyday sessions.

If you chase strong winter fronts at Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, or Fort De Soto, a smaller Fusion 7 gives you more control at high speed. It loads cleaner, holds an edge tighter, and stays more stable on heavy send jumps. Smaller sizes also feel more responsive for powered freestyle in the flat pockets near East Beach or the backside of the bridge.

Here’s the general pattern:

Larger sizes

• Better for light-wind cruising
• Earlier planing
• Smoother in marginal conditions
• Ideal for beginners moving up or riders who want all-around comfort

Smaller sizes

• Best for powered sessions
• Stronger edge hold for big air
• Snappier for freestyle tricks
• Ideal for winter-front riding and advanced progression

If you want weight-based kite and board matching for winter fronts, the Kite Size Guide pairs perfectly with the Fusion 7 sizing chart and will give you a complete wind-range picture.

Fusion 7 vs Carve vs Bolt: Which board should you choose?

Most riders choosing between the Fusion 7, the Carve, and the Bolt want to understand one thing: which board matches the kind of sessions they actually ride on the Gulf. They overlap in some areas, but each one has a clear personality.

Fusion 7

This is the crossover board. It is the best option if you want big air, freestyle, and comfortable freeride in the same week. It loads harder than the Carve, pops cleaner, and lands softer. If you ride a mix of Skyway flatwater, Treasure Island chop, and Sand Key front conditions, this is the most versatile choice.

Carve

The Carve is smoother, softer, and more forgiving. It excels in cruising, transitions, carving, toeside work, and mellow progression. If most of your riding is freeride and you rarely go for full-power sends, the Carve gives you a relaxed, confidence-building ride. It absorbs chop extremely well and is a great match for riders learning new skills around St. Pete Beach and Indian Shores.

If you want to understand how rocker, flex, and outline affect carving and control, the Tips and Tricks Library has a set of articles that break down board feel in a way that matches exactly what we see in Tampa Bay.

Bolt

The Bolt is the wake-style and boots board. It is stiff, powerful, and unforgiving compared to the Fusion 7. Riders who want pure load-and-pop power, unhooked tricks, and park-style movement will feel at home on the Bolt. It thrives in flatwater pockets and strong wind, but it is not ideal for everyday chop. If your progression is leaning heavily into advanced freestyle, this becomes the performance option.

Should I demo the Core Fusion 7 before buying?

Yes. This board deserves a demo, especially in Tampa Bay conditions where chop, gusts, and wind angles change the personality of a twin tip instantly. The Fusion 7 feels totally different from the Carve and older Fusion models once you actually load it, rail it, and land powered in real Gulf wind.

A demo tells you in minutes whether this board matches your style.

If you’re riding winter fronts at Fort De Soto, you’ll feel how the new rail outline holds insane edge pressure on send jumps.
If you ride Skyway flatwater, you’ll immediately notice how the V-spine softens landings and makes powered tricks easier on the knees.
If you cruise Treasure Island or Pass-a-Grille, you’ll see how the squared tips and deeper channels help cut through side-onshore chop without slapping around.

A lot of riders think they need a stiffer or softer board until they ride the Fusion 7 and realize the balance is exactly what they were missing.

Elite has the Fusion 7 available for demos, and you can test sizes back-to-back to see what fits your weight and riding goals. Pairing your demo with a kiteboarding lesson is even better if you want feedback on edging, load technique, takeoff timing, and landing control.

Who Is the Core Fusion 7 Really For?

The Core Fusion 7 is the board for riders who want real progression without being forced into a single riding style. It’s the everyday Tampa Bay workhorse that handles big air, freestyle, and all-conditions freeride while softening landings and boosting control in our trademark Gulf chop. If you ride a mix of Skyway flatwater, Treasure Island swell, and winter-front power at Fort De Soto, the Fusion 7 gives you enough stiffness to load cleanly and enough comfort to ride longer without getting punished.

Compared to the Carve, it’s more aggressive and more energetic. Compared to the Bolt, it’s more comfortable and more forgiving. And compared to older Fusion models, it’s noticeably livelier and more cushioned on every landing. This is the board Aaron reaches for because it covers 90 percent of real Florida sessions in one shape.

If you want the board that lets you boost higher, ride faster, land softer, and progress quicker, the Fusion 7 is the safest bet in the Core lineup. And if you want to feel the difference in your own hands, Elite has it available to demo in real Tampa Bay wind. You can explore every Core board, plus straps, fins, and full setups, on the Elite Watersports Shop before you stop in.