Is the New Core Pace Dacron Kite any good? Full Review from a Core Rider

Is the new Core Pace Dacron kite really worth the hype? As one of the most talked-about all-around kites in Core’s 2025 lineup, it promises to bridge the gap between pro-level performance and everyday rideability. But how does it actually feel on the water? And more importantly—who is this kite really for?

In this hands-on review, Aaron takes the new Dacron version of the Core Pace through real-world testing at East Beach, Fort De Soto. With wind ranging from 20 to 35 knots, he puts the kite through loops, boosts, and even wave-style downwind lines to find out whether Core has truly delivered a do-it-all machine for the modern rider.

“They made it into a Dacron version, a little more tamed down than the Aluula Pro... it’s going to match more people’s ride styles.”

This review breaks it all down: build quality, performance, how it compares to the XR and Nexus, and whether it’s the right fit for your next session. We’re not just talking tech specs—we’re talking real riding insights from a Core rider who’s coming back strong after an injury and looking for a kite that can keep up without pushing too far.

So if you’re eyeing your next upgrade, want to know how the Core Pace Dacron stacks up against other kites, or are ready to demo it yourself—this guide has what you need.

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What is the New Core Pace Dacron Kite?

The Core Pace Dacron is Core Kiteboarding’s answer to the rider who wants performance but doesn’t need pro-level intensity. Built as the tamer, more accessible sibling to the Aluula Pro Pace, this Dacron edition is positioned right in the sweet spot: powerful enough to loop and boost, yet forgiving enough to ride every day, in every condition.

Aaron sums it up best:

“They made it into a Dacron version, a little more tamed down than the Aluula Pro... it's going to match more people's ride styles.”

The idea behind this kite is simple: maintain the performance DNA of the Pace line but make it approachable. That means riders who loved the XR’s loft or the Nexus’s do-it-all vibe will now have a third option, one that blends high performance with a little more control and versatility.

From the first session at East Beach, Aaron knew this kite had serious potential. With winds climbing into the 30s, the Dacron Pace showed its ability to handle a broad wind range without becoming overpowering—something freeride and progression-focused riders will appreciate.

Where does the Core Pace Dacron sit in the lineup?

• Above the Nexus in power and performance
  

• Just under the Aluula Pace in intensity and weight savings
  

• Right at the heart of Core’s all-around rider market

The Dacron model also comes at a more accessible price point than the Aluula version, opening up the Pace experience to a wider audience without sacrificing Core’s signature construction and ride feel.

Want to try one? Browse all Core kites at Elite Watersports →

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Build Quality and Design

What’s the Difference Between the Dacron and Aluula Versions of the Core Pace?

The biggest distinction between the Dacron and Aluula versions of the Core Pace comes down to materials, price point, and how hard you’re pushing your sessions.

Aluula, Core’s ultra-lightweight composite, has become the go-to for elite-level riders chasing extreme performance. It's featherlight, ultra stiff, and explosively responsive. But that responsiveness can be overwhelming—especially for freeride-focused kiters or anyone recovering from injury.

Enter the Dacron Pace.

“They made it into a Dacron version, a little more tamed down than the Aluula Pro... it's going to match more people's ride styles.” — Aaron, Elite Watersports

By switching to Core’s proprietary Dacron for the frame, this version brings the same profile and DNA—just with slightly less snap, a touch more control, and a price tag that won’t empty your wallet.

This makes it a no-compromise choice for riders who want the Pace feel without the pro intensity.

Is the Core Pace Dacron Built to Last?

Absolutely. This kite is built with Core’s trusted construction techniques—no corners cut. You get the same engineering quality Core is known for, including:

• 9 PSI inflation for a rigid, snappy airframe
  

• Thinner, fixed bridles with no pulleys for a cleaner wind window
  

• Multiple wingtip connection points for rider tuning preferences
  

• Core’s proprietary Dacron leading edge: strong, proven, and consistent

Aaron breaks it down from firsthand experience:

“Standard Core construction… using their patented Dacron on the leading edge... rock solid.”

If you’ve ridden any XR or Nexus in the last few years, you’ll recognize the signature Core feel: crisp bar feedback, durable stitching, and bomber materials that stand up to real-world abuse.

This isn’t a budget build. It’s Core’s way of giving more riders access to premium performance without sacrificing longevity.

What Does the New Core Color Scheme Look Like?

One thing you’ll notice immediately? This kite pops.

“Right off the bat, you can see it is full of color… absolutely beautiful with those new color schemes.”

Core has been steadily evolving its visual design, and the Pace Dacron is part of that shift. Unlike the more monochrome aesthetic of previous generations, this kite shows up in bold colorways that not only look good—but are easier to spot in flight and from the beach.

Functionally, the batten-reinforced wingtips and clearly labeled tuning options keep it feeling like a high-end piece of gear. But visually? It’s a standout.

On-Water Performance

How Does the Core Pace Dacron Perform for Kite Loops?

In one word? Confidently.

For riders chasing big loops, this is where the Dacron Pace really earns its stripes. It’s responsive without being twitchy, and it catches you—a major deal for anyone pushing height or just learning loops.

Aaron puts it plainly:

“I just threw the biggest loop I’ve ever thrown—maybe 30 feet up—and it caught me. Best feeling.”

Coming off an injury and working his way back into aggressive riding, Aaron trusted the Pace to deliver the performance of the XR—but with a softer landing, figuratively and literally. That’s not something every kite can promise.

Whether you’re chasing progression or building back confidence, the Dacron Pace gives you room to send and recover—without punishing you for mistakes.

Is the Core Pace Dacron Good for Big Air and Freeride?

Yes—and more forgiving than you’d expect for a kite that loops this well.

Aaron noticed right away how it combines float with freedom. You’re not just going up—you’re staying up, and steering mid-air feels intuitive.

“Still had that hang time like the XR… but I could actually start painting the sky.”

For freeriders who don’t want to be locked into a pure boost machine, this is the sweet spot. The kite’s control through transitions, loops, and gusts makes it ideal for everything from weekend sessions to progression-focused big air days.

Even if your loop technique isn’t perfect yet, the Dacron Pace fills in the gaps—catching you smoothly and boosting confidence with every send.

How Does the Core Pace Dacron Compare to the XR and Nexus?

Core has long positioned the Nexus as the do-it-all, ride-anywhere kite. The XR, meanwhile, is known for sky-high boosting and hang time. So where does the Pace fit in?

According to Aaron, it may just be Core’s new flagship freeride machine:

“The Nexus has been the all-around kite for years… but I think the Pace is going to take over that spot.”

The Dacron Pace takes the boost and control of the XR, adds the agility and surf potential of the Nexus, and then wraps it in a more refined, mid-range package. That means:

• More direct feel than the Nexus
  

• Easier loops than the XR
  

• Lighter bar pressure and faster turning than both

If you’ve loved either kite but want something more nimble or less aggressive, the Dacron Pace delivers that evolution.

Is the Core Pace Dacron Good for Wave Riding and Downwind Blasting?

Yes—and surprisingly so.

Aaron put it to the test in side-shore winds and ran simulated downwind wave lines. His take?

“I was able to blast straight downwind and do these really tight loops as if I was in the wave.”

This matters for riders who mix styles—those who want to cruise, loop, and ride the wave face without switching kites. While not a dedicated wave kite, the Dacron Pace holds its ground with drift, fast turning, and that dependable Core structure even when fully depowered.

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Who is the Pace Dacron Best For?

Should You Get the Dacron Pace or the Aluula Pace?

If you’re wondering whether to go Dacron or Aluula, here’s the honest breakdown:

• The Aluula Pace is for high-end performance seekers—riders doing massive loops, aggressive unhooked tricks, or pushing limits in tight freestyle windows.
  

• The Dacron Pace is for everyone else—freeriders, loopers, wave chasers, and big-air stoked riders who want control, forgiveness, and versatility without compromise.

“Unless you are a real pro exceeding the limits in your development… go with the Dacron version.”

The Dacron Pace rides like a premium Core kite because it is one—it just dials back the raw edge of the Aluula and replaces it with stability, approachability, and more forgiving flight characteristics. It also hits a better price point for everyday riders who want world-class performance without over-investing in pro-level gear.

Is the Core Pace Beginner-Friendly?

Beginner? Not quite.

But if you’re an intermediate rider looking to level up, or a seasoned kiteboarder recovering from injury or adjusting riding style, the Dacron Pace is an ideal bridge.

Aaron knows this firsthand:

“Normally it takes me time to ease into a kite… with the Pace I learned I could slow things down.”

The direct bar feel, low-lag feedback, and quick relaunch make this kite perfect for:

• Riders progressing into loops
  

• Kiteboarders transitioning off Nexus/XR
  

• Anyone who wants to slow the session down without losing excitement

It’s not a training kite—but it is one you can trust to learn on, grow with, and explore every corner of modern freeride.

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Final Thoughts

Is the Core Pace Dacron Worth Buying?

If you're looking for a kite that can loop, cruise, boost, and still keep things under control—the Dacron Pace delivers.

It’s not just another freeride kite. It’s a high-performance platform that gives riders space to progress without the twitchiness or intensity of Aluula. And unlike some crossover kites that claim to do it all, the Dacron Pace genuinely shows up—whether you’re looping in 30 knots or cruising downwind with your crew.

“This is no sales pitch… the standard version is out of this world. I fully endorse the new Dacron Pace.” — Aaron, Elite Watersports

For Core fans and new riders alike, this kite fills a much-needed gap between the Nexus and XR—offering control, agility, and confidence in one colorful package.

Where Can You Demo or Buy the Core Pace Dacron?

The best way to understand what this kite can do? Ride it.

At Elite Watersports, you can demo the Dacron Pace in real-world conditions, talk to riders who’ve tested it in all scenarios, and get expert help matching it to your goals and local wind conditions.

“We’ll make sure you can grab it from the shop, take it out for a ride, and go try it out.”

Ready to try it yourself? Contact us or book a demo ride now

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Quick Answers: Core Pace Dacron Kite FAQ

What is the Core Pace Dacron best for?
Freeride, big air, loops, light wave riding—this kite does it all with a balanced feel that fits intermediate to advanced riders.

How does the Core Pace compare to the XR or Nexus?
It blends the hang time of the XR with the versatility of the Nexus—potentially replacing the Nexus as Core’s top all-around option.

“I think the Pace is going to take over that spot.”

Is the Dacron version better than the Aluula Pace?
For 90% of riders—yes. Unless you’re pushing elite-level loops or unhooked tricks, the Dacron gives you more control and better value.

“Go with the Pace Dacron version unless you're a pro.”

Does the Core Pace work well for kite loops?
Yes—and with confidence.

“I just threw the biggest loop I’ve ever thrown—30 feet up—and it caught me.”

Where can I demo or buy the Core Pace?
Elite Watersports carries the full Core lineup and offers real-condition demos. Check out the kite collection

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Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic:  

Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing expert and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. An avid waterman, he's passionate and knowledgeable about all things watersports from wing foil to wake. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.