CORE Pace Pro: The Big-Air Loop Machine You’re Ready for

If you’ve been waiting for a kite that feels faster, lighter, and more connected than anything you’ve flown before, the CORE Pace Pro might be it. This is CORE’s most precise big-air weapon yet, a 3-strut Aluula frame built for riders who live for speed through the window, explosive lift, and that addictive whip of a clean loop.

Here in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area, where steady Gulf winds line up perfectly across Skyway, Ft. De Soto, and Treasure Island, the Pace Pro unlocks new altitude and control. Whether you’re pushing into your first loops in Tampa Bay chop or sending your biggest airs on a cold front, this kite delivers the precision and confidence that progression demands.

It’s designed for intermediate to advanced twin-tip riders who already understand edging, takeoff timing, and controlled landings, but want the responsiveness of a fixed-bridle Aluula kite to break through their next barrier. If that’s you, this review and upgrade guide will show how the Pace Pro performs, what makes it unique, and where to book your demo lesson to feel it in real wind.

What Is the CORE Pace Pro and Who Should Ride It?

The Pace Pro is CORE’s newest high-performance kite built specifically for big-air and loop progression. It’s a 3-strut Aluula-frame design with a fixed bridle, meaning there are no pulleys between you and the kite. The result is instant feedback, precise steering, and a connection that feels more direct than anything in CORE’s freeride lineup.

While the XR series has long been the go-to for lift and glide, the Pace Pro was created for speed and control through the loop. You’ll notice a thinner leading edge, faster turning radius, and a lighter overall build that reacts instantly when you sheet in. That responsiveness is what gives it the “big-air loop machine” reputation, it’s smooth through the pull, catches predictably, and feels locked-in when you push past your comfort zone.

For Florida riders, this design is perfectly tuned to our coastal wind reality. Gulf breeze sessions often bring mixed directions and patchy power; the Pace Pro’s light frame and quick steering make it easy to stay powered and in control when conditions shift.

If you’ve already spent a season jumping or riding unhooked on a twin-tip and you’re ready to take the next step into loops or higher airs, this is the kite built for you. It’s approachable enough to learn progression tricks but tuned tight enough for riders chasing podium-style send sessions across the Great Lakes.

How Does the Pace Pro Perform for Big Air and Kite Loops?

When you send the Pace Pro, you feel why CORE built it from the ground up for big air. The kite launches fast and clean, with lift that hits smoothly instead of ripping you off the water. That direct feel from the fixed bridle gives you instant feedback as you edge and release, no delay, no vague pull. It rewards good timing with explosive height and a surprisingly forgiving catch.

In the loop, the Pace Pro shines. It drives through turns with constant, predictable power, not a violent yank. That means you can commit earlier and learn new rotations or board-offs without the fear of being dropped mid-loop. The Aluula airframe keeps the kite rigid through high-load turns, so it never folds or hesitates even when you push the window wide open. The result is tight, smooth loops that climb fast, ideal for riders progressing toward doubles.

In Tampa Bay’s variable winds, this consistency is gold. You’ll get dependable lift in 18-to-28-knot seabreezes, smooth landings on choppy water, and enough stability to start looping confidently as gusts pulse through.

Compared to traditional freeride kites, the Pace Pro delivers a more athletic feel, lighter bar pressure, quicker recovery, and a “plugged-in” sensation that keeps you fully engaged through every jump. It’s the kind of kite that makes you want to keep sending, one loop higher each time.

How Does the Pace Pro Differ from Other CORE Kites Like the XR Pro?

At first glance, the CORE Pace Pro and XR Pro look similar, they both use an Aluula airframe and share CORE’s signature precision build, but they ride like two different animals.
The XR Pro is a five-strut freeride machine built for maximum lift and long, floaty jumps.
The Pace Pro is leaner and sharper: a three-strut design with a fixed bridle that ditches pulleys entirely for faster feedback and tighter control.

That bridle system is the biggest difference. The XR’s pulley bridle allows the kite to change shape mid-flight, spreading its canopy for massive lift when you sheet in. It’s what gives the XR its famous “elevator” boost and long glide. The Pace Pro, on the other hand, locks in its profile for consistency and speed. When you steer, the kite reacts immediately, no lag, no sway. It’s more surgical, built for riders who want to loop, spin, and redirect at will.

Structurally, the three-strut layout and thinner leading edge make the Pace Pro roughly 150–200 grams lighter than the XR Pro in equivalent sizes. You feel that the moment you unhook it from the pump, it drifts quicker, accelerates faster, and recovers almost telepathically after a loop. The XR Pro still wins for effortless height and hang-time sessions, but the Pace Pro owns the edge in agility and precision.

Either way, you can compare other CORE models side-by-side to see where each fits into your quiver.

Which Size of Pace Pro Is Right for Me (in Florida Winds)?

Choosing the right size is where performance meets comfort. Florida’s wind patterns shift between gentle Gulf breezes and strong winter cold fronts, so the right quiver keeps you riding year-round without being overpowered or under-gunned.

For most Tampa Bay and Gulf-coast riders, here’s a reliable starting point:

• Light riders (~65–75 kg): 8 m and 10 m Pace Pro cover 12–25 knots perfectly.

 • Average riders (~80–90 kg): 9 m and 12 m give the best range for 14–28 knots.

• Heavier riders (95 kg +): 10 m and 13.5 m handle lighter 12–22 knots breezes yet stay controllable when it cranks.

The Pace Pro’s Aluula frame and thinner leading edge make each size feel slightly more powerful than a Dacron equivalent, think roughly half a size up in pull. A 9 m Pace Pro rides closer to an 9.5 m XR in power.

For everyday Florida sessions:

• Expect 9 m to be your workhorse for seabreeze afternoons at Skyway or Ft. De Soto.

• Step up to 12 m on lighter Gulf mornings or foil days.

• Drop to 8 m when cold fronts roll through and winds hit 25 knots +.

What Bar and Safety System Must You Use with the Pace Pro?

Because the Pace Pro uses a fixed bridle instead of pulleys, it requires the CORE Sensor 4 bar to function and flag out correctly. This bar was engineered alongside the kite so that its line lengths, safety system, and depower travel all match the new design.

If you fly it on an older Sensor 3 or 3S bar, the safety won’t fully depower when you release. The result could be a kite that keeps partial power and continues to pull, especially risky if you crash in shallow Tampa Bay flats or near shoreline gusts.

The Sensor 4’s Single Frontline Safety (SFS+) system solves this by instantly flagging the kite onto a single front line, dumping 100 percent of its power when released. It also features upgraded center lines, a more refined QR, and a high/low V adjustment for compatibility with other brands.

From a performance standpoint, the Sensor 4 bar brings out everything that makes the Pace Pro special. The lightweight frame and no-pulley bridle rely on precise input, and this bar delivers it. You’ll notice tighter steering, faster recovery, and a cleaner feel through every loop.

If you’re upgrading to the Pace Pro, treat the Sensor 4 bar as part of the setup, not an accessory. It’s the only way to experience the kite’s full depower range and maintain safety in the gusty Gulf wind.

Our shop team in St. Petersburg can walk you through setup and line tuning if you want to see how it connects and flags before you ride.

How to Launch, Land & Loop the Pace Pro Safely (Florida Edition)

The Pace Pro is fast, light, and incredibly reactive, which also means it demands precision in how you launch and loop it. In the Tampa Bay area, wind direction, shallow flats, and boat traffic can change conditions quickly, so a clean setup and confident handling are everything.

Launching in Gulf and Bay Winds

Always rig with the kite’s leading edge pointed directly into the wind and your lines tension-checked before every launch. Because the Pace Pro’s Aluula frame is so light, it can drift or roll easily on gusty beaches like Ft. De Soto or Skyway Bridge. Keep a partner on the wingtip and walk back slowly until the canopy loads evenly. When it lifts, resist the urge to sheet in early, the fixed bridle makes the power come on fast.

Landing and Handling

When landing, ease the kite to 45 degrees and flag it to your assistant rather than hot-parking it overhead. The Pace Pro’s direct steering can make small corrections feel larger than expected, especially in tight beach zones like Treasure Island or Pass-a-Grille. If you’re solo, drop it safely to the water’s edge and engage your Sensor 4 safety to depower fully before walking up your lines.

Loop Progression Safety

Start your first loops in 18–22 knots on an 8 m or 9 m kite. Send small, controlled loops at moderate height to feel the pull and catch timing. Because the Pace Pro drives a smooth arc and recovers quickly, it’s perfect for progression, but still powerful enough to surprise you if you oversheet. Keep your front hand centered, spot your landing, and let the kite climb before redirecting for the catch.

Local Hazards & Good Habits

✓ Avoid looping close to the Skyway Bridge causeway or shallow flats where a crash could mean a hard bottom impact.

✓ Respect traffic at popular teaching zones like East Beach and Ft. De Soto North Beach, give students wide clearance.

✓ Always check your quick release and flag-out before launching; salt buildup in Florida humidity can affect hardware over time.

Durability, Build Quality & Maintenance of the Pace Pro

The CORE Pace Pro may be one of the lightest kites in its class, but it’s also built to last. Every detail of its construction, from the Aluula air-frame to the Cortex 2 canopy, was engineered to handle years of powered sessions in salt, sand, and heat.

Aluula Air-Frame Strength

Aluula is lighter and it’s significantly stiffer and stronger than traditional Dacron. That stiffness prevents frame deformation when the kite loads up during big airs or loops, keeping the canopy shape perfectly stable through heavy gusts. Around Tampa Bay and the Gulf, that means the kite holds its profile even when afternoon winds ramp fast from 18 to 30 knots.

Cortex 2 Canopy

The triple-ripstop Cortex 2 canopy resists stretching and tearing under repeated stress. It’s been tested to maintain integrity across thousands of power cycles, so even frequent loop training sessions won’t leave it bagged-out. The tighter weave also reduces flutter, extending the canopy’s lifespan while improving low-end efficiency.

Florida Maintenance Tips

Salt and humidity are the real tests here on the Gulf Coast. Keep your Pace Pro in top shape with a few simple habits:

✔ Rinse with fresh water after every salt-water session, especially around the valves and leading-edge seams.

✔ Dry completely before packing, Aluula can trap heat if stored wet in a car or gear bag.

✔ Avoid dragging the thin leading edge across shells or asphalt; the lighter Aluula fabric isn’t designed for abrasion.

✔ Store cool and shaded, prolonged UV exposure will age any kite faster than time on the water.

Riders upgrading from heavier Dacron kites are often surprised at how resilient the Pace Pro feels despite its weight. The material stiffness and load distribution give it that “brand-new” tension long after most kites start to soften. With normal care, you can expect multiple seasons of consistent performance even in Florida’s salt-rich air.

Where to Buy or Demo the Pace Pro in Florida + What’s the Next Step

If you’re serious about taking your riding to the next level, the best way to understand the CORE Pace Pro is to feel it in real wind. At Elite Watersports in St. Petersburg, Florida, our team runs regular demos across Tampa Bay, Ft. De Soto, and Treasure Island, so you can experience how the Pace Pro loops, catches, and climbs in the same Gulf winds you ride every week.

You can:
➔ see current pricing and specs on our Pace Pro product page, 

➔ book a demo or private lesson through our kiteboarding lessons page.

During your session, one of our instructors will walk you through setup, line trim, and safe loop progression so you can unlock the kite’s full potential with confidence.