Core Pace Dacron Kite Review: Real Performance for Freeride and Progression

Core Pace Dacron Kite Review: Freeride Power Meets Accessibility

When Core introduced the Pace in ExoTex® 2 Dacron, they built a kite that feels less like a niche weapon and more like a daily driver for real riders. Instead of demanding pro-level precision, the Pace Dacron delivers smooth power, easy relaunch, and a looping arc that builds trust session after session.

At Elite Watersports in St. Petersburg, we’ve tested it in the full spectrum of Florida conditions, from light bay breezes to powered sea-breeze chop and even small Gulf surf. The takeaway? This kite makes freeride fun and progression possible without sacrificing Core’s trademark performance.

If you’re an intermediate rider stepping into loops, a freerider looking for stability, or someone exploring waves on the Gulf Coast, the Pace is worth a hard look. In this review, we’ll break down how it handles in real conditions, who it’s best for, and why it’s already becoming a go-to choice in Tampa Bay.

What is the Core Pace kite and who is it for?

The Core Pace Dacron is Core’s newest all-around freeride kite, designed for riders who want one wing that does a bit of everything without punishing mistakes. Core shaped it as a crossover between freeride, big air, and wave progression, the kind of kite you can take out in Tampa Bay chop, at East Beach in side-on breeze, or in small Gulf surf and still feel in control.

It is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders who already have their fundamentals down and are ready to push into new skills. If you’re learning loops, dialing your first strapless rides, or looking for a freeride kite that keeps things smooth in gusty Florida conditions, the Pace fits that lane.

This is not a first-kite choice for brand-new beginners. But if you’ve spent a season on starter gear and are looking for a versatile upgrade, the Pace will feel stable, forgiving, and confidence-building. It’s also a strong option for experienced riders who want a dependable everyday kite that keeps sessions fun whether you’re boosting, carving, or cruising with friends.

Newer riders stepping up from their first setup can progress with our kiteboarding lessons in St. Pete and learn how to choose the right kite for your skill level before committing to a new quiver.

How does the Core Pace Dacron perform in real conditions?

The Core Pace ExoTex® 2 is designed to handle real-world sessions, the kind you get in Tampa Bay, Clearwater, and along the Gulf Coast. From lighter thermals to fully powered fronts, here’s how it performs across the range.

Light wind sessions (10–14 knots)

On lighter thermal days, especially mornings at East Beach, the Pace makes the most out of what’s available. It doesn’t feel like a dedicated light-wind machine, but the canopy holds tension and lets you ride with efficiency. For heavier riders or those on twin tips, a bigger size like the 13m or 15m extends your session window. For foilers, the kite’s stability and smooth drift make it easier to pump onto the foil and keep it flying even when the breeze softens.

Mid-range winds (15–18 knots)

This is the bread and butter for most Tampa Bay freeriders. In this range, the Pace pulls steady without overpowering. You can work on transitions, basic jumps, and even start looping practice without feeling like the kite is running away from you. Upwind drive is strong, which means longer tacks across the bay and less walking back up the beach.

Powered conditions (19–24 knots)

When the sea breeze fills in or a cold front pushes through, the Pace handles the punch with composure. The ExoTex® 2 frame holds pressure so the canopy doesn’t fold under load. Riders chasing big airs will notice a reliable lift and glide, while loopers will appreciate how the arc comes around with enough pull to feel it, but not so aggressive that it slams you. It’s the range where intermediate riders make the biggest progression leaps.

Overpowered winds (25+ knots)

If you rig the right size, the Pace still holds its character in the high 20s. You’ll feel the bar pressure increase, but the kite maintains its shape and doesn’t get twitchy. For experienced riders, this is where the Pace shows its freeride fun, boosting high, floating down with confidence, and giving clean landings even when you’re fully lit. For less experienced riders, downsizing a meter or two keeps the session manageable without losing stability.

Gulf surf days

On west wind or north wind days when the Gulf serves up ridable surf, the Pace holds steady when you’re dropping in on waist- to chest-high rollers. Its drift isn’t endless, but it’s more than enough for Florida’s short, punchy waves. The ability to pivot quickly without overreacting helps you reposition down the line or cut back smoothly.

Why this matters in Tampa Bay

Florida’s wind can change hour by hour. Having a kite that handles the full spectrum, from 10 knots on a foil to 25 knots in a storm front, keeps you riding more and sitting on the beach less. The Pace delivers that adaptability, making it one of the more practical quiver choices for local riders.

What makes the Core Pace Dacron unique?

The Pace Dacron stands out because it’s Core’s most approachable high-performance kite to date. Instead of chasing extreme responsiveness, it blends power, forgiveness, and durability into a package that everyday riders can use to progress.

Forgiving power delivery

When you sheet in, the power comes on smooth instead of spiking. That makes a big difference for riders pushing their first jumps or loops in choppy Tampa Bay conditions. You can load the edge of your board, release, and feel the kite give lift without the sudden yank that some advanced kites deliver.

Predictable looping arc

The Pace has a looping arc that feels round and catchable. Even if you undercommit, it tends to come back overhead without dumping you. That predictability is exactly what builds confidence for riders stepping into loops for the first time.

Built for Florida conditions

The Dacron frame holds steady in our mixed winds, from light sea breezes to gusty frontal days. It damps out the chatter so you can focus on your riding, not just reacting to every gust. At East Beach or Fort De Soto, that stability means more water time when the forecast isn’t perfect.

Everyday durability

Core has a reputation for bombproof construction, and the Dacron Pace carries that forward. From shallow-water launches in St. Pete to travel sessions abroad, the canopy and frame are designed to take real-world use without babying the gear.

In short, the Pace Dacron is unique because it prioritizes approachability and trust while still keeping the stoke factor high for freeride, big air, and first wave rides.

ExoTex® 2 bladder pressure and canopy tension

Core’s ExoTex® 2 Dacron allows the kite to run higher bladder pressures than older generations. That higher pressure stiffens the frame, which reduces canopy deformation in gusts and makes the kite feel locked in overhead. In real riding, that means cleaner pull when you sheet in and less flutter when you’re edging hard. Even in St. Pete’s gusty sea breezes, the kite doesn’t feel like it’s collapsing, it holds its form and gives you steady drive.

Balanced weight and flying feel

Because the Dacron frame is heavier than ultralight materials, the kite has a slightly more planted feel in the sky. For progression, that’s a benefit. Beginners and Intermediate riders working on loops or first jumps don’t want a kite that races ahead too quickly. The Pace holds steady, giving you time to read its position and commit to your movement without panic.

Travel-ready design

For riders who travel to spots like the Keys, Outer Banks, or Caribbean, the Pace makes a reliable one-quiver companion. It packs down cleanly, holds pressure for long sessions, and its versatile performance means you’re not limited to one discipline. You can freeride in flatwater lagoons, then take it into small surf without switching kites.

Accessibility without compromise

What makes the Pace unique is that it lowers the barrier to progression without watering down Core’s performance DNA. You still get the boost, drift, and loop potential, but it’s delivered in a way that makes progression less punishing and more fun.

Is the Core Pace a good kite for learning loops and progressing?

Yes, the Core Pace Dacron is one of the most confidence-building platforms for riders stepping into loops, jumps, and wave basics. It’s not just about raw lift, it’s about how the kite supports your decisions and catches you when things don’t go perfectly.

Why it works for loops

The Pace’s turning arc is smooth and rounded, which means the kite doesn’t whip so fast that you lose track of it. As you initiate your first downloops or heli loops, it comes through the window predictably and rises back overhead without dropping you. That predictability makes it easier to focus on timing your edge release and bar input, the fundamentals that set up bigger, cleaner loops later on.

Progression into jumps and transitions

For riders moving from simple hops to powered jumps, the Pace provides steady lift with a soft landing. In St. Pete’s side-on bay breezes, it allows you to edge hard, send the kite, and feel a consistent pull into the air. If your timing is off, the canopy stays supportive, giving you more margin to ride away cleanly.

Growing into waves

Once you’re comfortable, the kite’s drift and stability help you dabble in small Gulf surf or downwind runs without overwhelming you. It won’t punish slow inputs or oversheeting, which is what many riders struggle with in early wave practice.

If you want to shorten the learning curve, pair your new gear with progress with our kiteboarding lessons in St. Pete. Our team coaches loops, jumps, and wave entries in the same Tampa Bay spots you’ll ride every week. You can also learn how to choose the right kite for your skill level before you commit to a quiver.

 

How does the Core Pace handle in freeride and wave scenarios?

The Core Pace ExoTex® 2 is built for riders who want one kite that thrives in freeride cruising while still leaving the door open for wave play. It’s not trying to be the most specialized wave kite in Core’s lineup, instead, it gives you balanced performance across flatwater, chop, and small surf, which is exactly what we ride most days around Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast.

Freeride cruising

On flatwater at East Beach or Skyway, the Pace feels like a reliable freeride partner. It generates steady pull for long tacks, so you can cruise back and forth without constantly trimming. Carves are clean, transitions are smooth, and bar pressure gives you enough feedback to always know where the kite is. It’s a kite you can comfortably ride all afternoon without burning out your arms.

Freeride performance

When you sheet in, the power delivery is clean and progressive. This makes cruising across flatwater at East Beach or Skyway feel steady and controlled, even in gusts. The kite tracks upwind easily, and the ExoTex® 2 frame holds its shape, so you can edge hard, load up, and release with reliable lift. For riders who like to mix carving, speed runs, and powered jumps in a single session, the Pace feels versatile and ready to match your rhythm.

Big air and progression jumps

When you send it, the Pace rewards clean edge release with dependable lift and glide. It may not have the extreme yank of dedicated big air kites, but that’s a good thing for progression, it gives you height with time to spot your landing. For riders chasing personal bests in St. Pete’s stronger sea breezes, it offers a mix of fun boost and forgiving landings.

Strapless and surf-style riding

In Gulf surf or bump-and-jump sessions, the Pace shows its crossover character. It doesn’t have endless drift like a pure surf kite, but it will follow you down the line as long as you manage light line tension. The pivot is responsive enough for cutbacks or mid-wave repositioning, yet not so sharp that it catches you off guard. Strapless riders learning jibes or tacks will find the kite stays supportive through mistakes.

Cruising with friends

Not every session is about pushing limits. On social downwinders or easy sunset rides, the Pace feels playful and steady. You can cruise comfortably alongside friends, loop it for style in transitions, or relax into long runs without feeling like the kite is pulling you out of rhythm.

Wave beginners

In Gulf surf or Fort De Soto bump, the Pace holds its ground. It drifts better than most freeride kites, which lets you explore down-the-line riding without dropping tension too quickly. The turning arc is responsive enough to reposition mid-wave, but not so aggressive that it punishes slower steering. If you’re just starting to experiment with waves, the kite’s forgiving nature gives you space to focus on reading the water, trimming your board, and finding flow without fighting the canopy.

Why it matters locally

Florida conditions rarely serve up perfect waves or locked-in wind. Most days, you’re blending freeride with a touch of surf or looping practice in side-onshore chop. The Pace is designed for that style of session, adaptable, forgiving, and fun whether you’re cruising a long tack, dropping into small Gulf rollers, or setting up your first strapless rides. Most Florida days blend freeride, small surf, and variable wind. The Pace is tuned for that reality. It’s a kite that makes light work of chop, holds strong in gusts, and gives you the freedom to explore waves or big airs without needing a quiver of highly specialized wings.

What construction and design features stand out on the Core Pace?

The Core Pace Dacron is built on the ExoTex® 2 frame, a high-tensile Dacron that increases stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. That backbone shapes the kite’s entire personality: steady, predictable, and confidence-building. Here are the features that matter most when you rig this kite on the beach in St. Pete or Fort De Soto.

ExoTex® 2 Dacron frame

This material is engineered to hold higher pressures and resist stretching. On the water, it translates to a canopy that stays locked even in gusts, giving you cleaner power delivery and smoother handling in Tampa Bay chop.

Three-strut design

The Pace uses a balanced three-strut frame, which keeps it light enough for drift while maintaining structure for load-and-pop freeride. It’s the sweet spot between stability and maneuverability, exactly what you want for loops and first steps into waves.

Optimized leading edge and tip design

The swept leading edge and tuned wingtip shape make relaunch quick and painless. If you drop the kite in light wind, the tips catch water and rotate reliably back into the sky, which saves countless sessions when the Gulf breeze softens.

Reinforced high-wear zones

Florida’s shallow launches are hard on gear, but Core has doubled down on scuff pads, seam reinforcement, and canopy durability. That means you don’t need to baby the kite every time you launch from sandbars or rig on shell-lined beaches.

User-friendly bar feel

The bar pressure is deliberate but not heavy. You always know where the kite sits overhead, which reduces the “where is it?” stress when you’re learning loops or navigating chop.

Where can you try or buy the Core Pace kite near Tampa Bay?

If you want to feel what the Core Pace ExoTex® 2 can really do, the best move is to demo it in local conditions. At Elite Watersports, we set riders up with test sessions right where the kite shines, flatwater at East Beach, bump-and-jump at Fort De Soto, or small Gulf surf days when the west wind delivers.

Demo before you buy

Not sure what size fits your riding style and weight? Come ride the Pace with us in St. Pete and we’ll dial in the right quiver for your typical sessions. We can also walk you through setup details, bar options, and line lengths so you start on the right foot.

Shop local, ride local

If you’re ready to feel the Pace for yourself, come meet us at East Beach or stop by our St. Petersburg shop. We’ll size you up for Tampa Bay wind ranges, set you up with a demo, and walk you through the setup that matches your riding style. Whether you’re chasing freeride sessions, learning your first loops, or exploring small Gulf surf, the Core Pace ExoTex® 2 is built to deliver. The Pace Dacron is in stock now at our St. Petersburg shop. When you buy from Elite, you’re not just picking up gear, you’re connecting with a team that rides the same beaches you do and can support you long after your first session.

• Demo: try the Core Pace at top Florida kiteboarding spots 

• Lessons: progress with our kiteboarding lessons in St. Pete 

Core Pace Dacron Kite FAQ

Is the Core Pace kite beginner friendly?
The Pace is best for intermediate to advanced riders. It has forgiving handling, but it’s not designed as a true first-kite option. If you’re new to the sport, start with lessons and beginner-friendly kites, then step into the Pace once your fundamentals are solid.

What makes the Core Pace ExoTex® 2 unique?
The ExoTex® 2 Dacron frame gives the kite a steady, predictable feel. It holds shape in gusts, relaunches easily, and offers a smooth power delivery that helps riders progress without surprises.

Can I try the Core Pace before buying?
Yes. Elite Watersports runs demos at Fort De Soto, East Beach, and other Tampa Bay spots. Just stop by our St. Pete shop or give us a call to line up a test session.

What sizes work best for Tampa Bay conditions?
Most riders here use a two-kite quiver, like a 9m for stronger sea breezes and a 12m for lighter days. Your weight, board type, and riding goals matter too, our team can size you correctly for St. Pete, Clearwater, and Gulf Coast conditions.

How does the Core Pace relaunch in light wind?
Relaunch is one of its strengths. Thanks to the swept leading edge and tip design, it rolls back into the sky with minimal input, even in the softer 12–14 knot range.

Is the Core Pace a good kite for learning loops?
Yes. The rounded, catchable looping arc makes it easier to build confidence as you move from downloops to kiteloops. It won’t whip too fast, so you always know where the kite is during progression.

Can I use the Core Pace in Gulf surf?
Absolutely. It’s not a pure surf kite, but its drift and pivot are solid for Florida’s small to mid-size waves. It lets you focus on trimming your board and reading the water instead of fighting canopy instability.

Where can I buy the Core Pace Dacron near St. Pete?
Right at Elite Watersports in St. Petersburg. We carry the full Core line and will match you with the right size, bar, and setup for your sessions.