Core XR PRO vs XR PRO 2: Which One Should You Actually Ride?
If you are trying to choose between the Core XR PRO and the XR PRO 2, you are not comparing an old model to a new one. You are choosing between two different weapons inside the same big air family. Both deliver vertical lift, huge glide, and that unmistakable XR send and float feeling. But they do not fly the same, and in Florida wind - especially around Tampa Bay, Skyway, Treasure Island, and St. Pete - those differences matter.
After running both kites back to back across everything from gusty Gulf sessions to cleaner OBX sea breeze, here is the real story:
✔ The XR PRO is the sharper, more reactive precision tool.
✔ The XR PRO 2 is the steadier, more connected, hangtime heavy version.
Neither replaces the other. Your riding style and your wind reality decide which one makes sense.
↪ If you love tight loops, fast redirects, and quick recovery in turbulence, the XR PRO has the edge.
↪ If you want brutal lift, longer hangtime, and a kite that sits forward in the window without wandering, the XR PRO 2 fits that lane perfectly.
In this breakdown, we will walk through how each kite feels, how they behave in messy wind, what Core actually changed for the PRO 2, and which one belongs in your quiver based on your conditions, progression, and goals.
↪ If you want to zoom out and see where both sit inside the full model range, you can compare all Core kite models in Elite’s Core kite guide .
What is the real difference between the XR PRO and XR PRO 2?
At a glance, both kites share the same DNA: full Aluula frame, aggressive send, fast climb, and that trademark XR style glide. Once you ride them in real wind, especially the messy stuff we get around Skyway, Treasure Island, and St. Pete, the separation becomes obvious.
XR PRO: Direct, reactive, precision tool
The original XR PRO feels alive in your hands. You load your edge, give it input, and the kite moves right now. There is no drift, no delay, no searching. When a gust rolls across Tampa Bay or punches through the buildings at Treasure Island, the PRO drives forward and stays engaged.
Key traits:
• Faster pivot and tighter turning
• Immediate feedback the second you load your edge
• Stronger bar feel and clear canopy tension
• Loops that snap more than they sweep
Riders who love fast loops, micro timing tricks, or powered transitions gravitate toward the PRO because it moves exactly when they move. It is the kite that shows you everything, good and bad, about your technique.
↪ If you want to dig into loop fundamentals and progression paths on this style of kite, Elite’s learn to kite loop for beginners guide is a solid companion read.
XR PRO 2: Forward driving, hangtime focused rocket
The XR PRO 2 starts from that same Aluula skeleton but changes how the kite holds itself in the window. Core slimmed the leading edge diameter, added Kevlar patches on the leading edge, and tuned the balance so the kite sits a little more forward.
On the water, that gives you:
• A cleaner, more direct send that goes up without stepping back
• More predictable boost timing
• Longer glide instead of quick drops
• A calmer, more supported feeling during rotations and off axis tricks
Aaron noticed it on the first session: with the XR PRO 2, he always knew where the kite was, even upside down. It stayed locked in the forward part of the window instead of drifting back, which made landings feel calmer and more repeatable.
If you want to see how both kites sit next to the rest of the range, you can browse the full CORE kite collection and compare shapes, sizes, and build.
If you’re ready to feel the difference between the XR PRO and XR PRO 2 in real wind, it’s worth booking a kiteboarding lesson with Elite Watersports and riding them back to back.
Bottom line on design:
· XR PRO = precision, loop control, aggressive timing
· XR PRO 2 = height, hangtime, stability in messy wind
How do they actually feel on the water?
When you switch between the XR PRO and XR PRO 2 in the same session, the difference shows up in how the kite tracks, lifts, and reconnects through the window.
XR PRO: Talking to you every second
On the original PRO, you feel everything:
• Bar pressure
• Timing at takeoff
• Canopy tension through the arc
• The exact moment it redirects and catches
In gusty Tampa Bay or choppy Gulf sessions, that feel lets advanced riders stay ahead of changes. You can correct quickly when a gust hits mid loop or when the wind bends around the bridge at Skyway.
It is the kite for riders who want the canopy to talk back and who are comfortable using that feedback to make micro corrections at speed.
If you want Aaron’s construction focused take, his XR PRO construction and performance review goes deep into materials, stiffness, and finish details.
XR PRO 2: Supporting you through the whole jump
Core did not slow the kite down for the PRO 2. They made it hold that efficient forward position for longer.
On the water, that feels like:
• Earlier, smoother climb as you send
• Longer, more even glide
• Less bar micro management in gusts
• More support during spins and inverted tricks
Instead of having to constantly search for the sweet spot, you feel like the kite finds it and stays there. In Florida’s mixed thermals, that stability is gold.
↪ For riders who want to understand how forecasts translate into sessions like this, Elite’s how to read a wind forecast article helps connect numbers to real conditions.
Which feel is right for you?
➜ If you want the kite to translate every twitch and edge into motion, ride the XR PRO.
➜ If you want the kite to carry and boost consistently, glide longer, and stay centered during tricks - ride the XR PRO 2.
Big air and loops: where does each kite shine?
Both kites send hard, go vertical, and glide better than any Dacron XR before them. But they do not create lift or loop the same way.
▶ For raw loops and tighter power strokes: XR PRO
If your biggest sessions revolve around how tight, fast, and predictable the kite loops, the PRO still holds the advantage.
You get:
✔ Faster pivot speed
✔ Sharper entry into the loop
✔ More immediate pull through the bottom of the arc
✔ Quicker climb back to 12 for clean catches
That is the combination advanced riders want when they are sending late loops in gusty wind or trying to build confidence for doubles.
The PRO’s reactive frame gives you that instant catch feeling instead of a delayed sweep.
▶ For height, hangtime, and stability during rotations: XR PRO 2
The XR PRO 2 is tuned harder toward pure vertical performance.
You feel it in three places:
✔ The kite goes up without taking a big step back.
✔ The hang is longer - it stays parked forward rather than wandering.
✔ The descent is calmer - canopy tension stays even, even in cross bay gusts.
For riders working on rolls, swaps, tweaks, and off axis variations, this matters. The PRO 2 keeps you under the kite instead of letting it fall behind you when the wind changes.
If you want coaching support while you dial either style, you can book a kiteboarding lesson with Elite Watersports and ride both kites with real-time feedback on bar movement, edge load, and loop timing.
Big air summary:
• Loops, control, speed → XR PRO
• Height, glide, stability → XR PRO 2
How do they handle Florida and OBX wind in the real world?
Florida riders deal with a different kind of chaos: cross bay thermals that pulse without warning, Gulf gusts that slam out of nowhere, and onshore wind that never quite settles. OBX riders see the other side, smoother sea breeze, but long days where direction slowly drifts.
The XR PRO and XR PRO 2 both thrive in wind that is not perfect, but they manage that instability differently.
Tampa Bay: Chop, gust pulses, and ugly landings
Tampa Bay is where landings fall apart if your kite does not keep shape.
• The chop is tight and unpredictable.
• Gusts arrive in broken lines that hit the canopy at strange angles.
• You are trying to place your board in knee high bumps with no rhythm.
If the kite drifts back, you get yanked downwind.
If the kite softens or folds, it dumps power when you need it most.
XR PRO in Tampa Bay
The original PRO rewards commitment. If you stay ahead of the kite, it catches you with a quick, tight return to 12. It is the better choice if you:
• Like faster redirect timing
• Prefer to steer actively during descent
• Want tight control when dropping between chop sets
Mistime the bar or react late to a gust and the PRO will show it. It demands sharp inputs when the surface is anything but.
XR PRO 2 in Tampa Bay
The PRO 2’s advantage here is simple: it stays forward and stays predictable. It does not sag backward when the wind shifts and it does not wobble on redirect.
You get:
• Longer glides
• Softer touchdowns
• More supported rotations
• Fewer sudden drop outs
Riders who are still working on consistency in Tampa Bay often find the PRO 2 gives them a wider margin for error without feeling dull.
For anyone still dialing basic launch and landing timing in this kind of water, Elite’s launching and landing kiteboarding guide is a must read.
For anyone still dialing basic launch and landing timing in this kind of water, Elite’s launching and landing kiteboarding guide is a must read.
Want to see where the XR PRO and XR PRO 2 sit inside CORE’s full lineup? Use Elite’s CORE kite guide to compare big-air, freeride, wave, and foil models, then browse the full collection to dial in the right quiver for your riding style.
Treasure Island: Is the XR PRO 2 too aggressive for that wind?
Treasure Island is one of the trickiest test tracks in Florida. The wind does not slowly ramp. It snaps.
You will see:
• Pulses between clean cross shore and sideways slabs
• Gusts that hit the kite from weird angles between the buildings
• Short period Gulf chop under your board
XR PRO at Treasure Island
The PRO shines here for riders with crisp bar input. When a gust punches through the hotels, the kite reacts immediately. It snaps into turns and corrects its position fast, which lets confident riders control the chaos instead of just getting dragged by it.
↪ For riders still polishing edging and timing, that same reactivity can feel jumpy. If your inputs are late or sloppy, the PRO moves faster than you may be ready for.
XR PRO 2 at Treasure Island
The PRO 2 smooths out those edges. Since it sits more forward in the window, when the wind bends, the kite tracks straighter instead of jolting sideways.
The big surprise for many riders stepping onto the PRO 2 here is how predictable the send feels. It delivers power in a straighter line, holds its shape when the gust lights up, and gives more time to spot your landing.
Most intermediate TI riders who test both end up starting on the PRO 2, then move into the PRO once their timing and edging feel dialed.
↪ If you want a safety focused refresher before pushing height at TI, Elite’s self launch and drift launch breakdown is worth reading before a windy day.
OBX sea breeze: Which kite belongs in your truck?
The Outer Banks gives you what Florida rarely does: long, steady pressure in relatively clean wind. Inside the sound, you finally get space to test timing without fight mode.
OBX has one quirk: as the afternoon builds, direction drifts a few degrees at a time. That slow slide changes how each kite sits in the window.
XR PRO in OBX
The PRO feels electric in this environment.
• Extremely clean loop paths
• Crisp redirects without turbulence
• Fast vertical acceleration
Reactive steering for long tack carving
↪ If you love working the kite - edging deep, loading line tension, and using micro bar input - the PRO feels incredible in Hatteras sound conditions.
XR PRO 2 in OBX
The PRO 2 shows its advantage the second you start sending for height.
Because it sits more forward and holds a straighter pull, you get:
• More predictable send timing
• A smoother, more efficient climb
• Extended glide across long tacks
• Consistent tension even as the wind angle drifts
↪ If your goal in OBX is to refine rotations, hold float, or chase personal bests in clean wind, the PRO 2 almost feels like it was tuned for that.
↪ If you want to pair OBX trips with Florida sessions and see how location changes everything, Elite’s location guide for Tampa Bay and Gulf Coast riding spots lays out how each launch behaves.
St. Pete rider on an XR6: XR PRO or XR PRO 2?
If you have been on an XR6 since around 2019, the jump to Aluula is not subtle. Stiffness, response, vertical pop, loop behavior - all of it changes.
If you loved the XR6 for smooth power and predictability, go PRO 2.
The XR6 delivered lift without drama and tracked forward without punishing every small mistake. The XR PRO 2 pulls you back into that comfort zone, only sharper and more efficient.
It feels like the XR6 you always wanted:
✔ Forward driving pull
✔ Cleaner climb
✔ More glide
Calmer overhead behavior in Maximo or Lassing Park thermals
If you loved the XR6 for looping and redirection, go PRO.
Plenty of St. Pete riders used the XR6 as their early loop trainer because the timing was slow and easy to read.
If you want to crank progression forward now - tighter loops, later sends, powered redirects - the XR PRO is the natural leap.
It gives you:
✔ Faster pivot
✔ Cleaner pull through the bottom of the loop
✔ Precise redirection in Skyway gust bands
✔ A more connected steering feel
If you want Elite to help you map your XR6 history into a clear Aluula upgrade path, you can find more context on rider progression and kite choices inside the Beginner Information blog hub .
Who should ride the XR PRO vs the XR PRO 2?
At some point, this stops being about specs and starts being about who you are on the water.
Ride the XR PRO if you crave precision and direct response
The XR PRO favors riders who thrive on fast input and clean execution. It is built for people who want their decisions translated instantly into motion.
You will lean toward the XR PRO if you are the rider who:
• Pushes loops into tighter arcs
• Likes a kite that reacts the moment you edge
• Rides powered and prefers sharper control
• Wants strong feedback through the bar, not muted sensation
• Feels comfortable managing turbulence with quick decisions
This is the kite for riders who think ahead of the wind and trust their timing.
If you want a kite that does exactly what you tell it to do with no smoothing and no softening, the PRO is built for you.
↪ If you enjoy refining technique through self study, the general tips and tricks library has supporting articles on edging, timing, and control.
Ride the XR PRO 2 if you want support, steadiness, and pure vertical lift
The XR PRO 2 caters to riders who want balance and composure during their biggest sends. It climbs smoothly, tracks cleanly, and stays centered even when you are mid rotation or upside down.
You will feel at home on the PRO 2 if you are the rider who:
• Prioritizes height and float over raw loop aggression
• Likes a kite that holds tension without constant bar work
• Rides in shifting wind and wants consistent behavior
• Focuses on progression through rotations, grabs, and late tweaks
• Wants more glide and softer landings in messy Florida conditions
The PRO 2 gives you structure. It supports your movements instead of amplifying every input.
If confidence in the air matters more than maximum loop intensity, the PRO 2 is the safer long term partner.
If you are still figuring out your style
If you have not fully chosen between big air loops and pure height, pay attention to how you naturally react under power.
• If you tend to accelerate into gusts and make quick decisions, the PRO will match you.
• If you slow things down and think about balance in the air, the PRO 2 will feel more natural.
↪ To make sure you are pairing your style with the right size as well as the right model, Elite’s deeper kite size selection guide is worth a read.
Should you upgrade from the XR PRO to the XR PRO 2?
A lot of riders assume the XR PRO 2 is a strict upgrade - lighter, stiffer, faster, better everywhere. That is not what Core built. The two kites sit beside each other, not in a straight line.
Upgrade if you want more height and smoother control
If your riding is all about massive sends, longer glide, and clean, predictable landings, you will feel the PRO 2 right away.
Expect:
• Higher vertical pop
• More consistent boost timing
• Noticeably longer hangtime
• Less mid flight bar correction
In Tampa Bay’s cross bay thermals or Skyway gust bands, that stability matters. The PRO 2 gives you a calmer overhead position and makes it easier to commit fully to takeoff.
Do not upgrade if you love the original PRO loop behavior
If your main joy is loops - tight arcs, fast pivots, precise timing - the original PRO still feels like the more aggressive instrument.
You know exactly when it is going to pull, how hard, and how fast it climbs back. The PRO 2 loops cleanly, but it loops wider, and it is tuned to support rotations and height more than pure loop progression.
Jumping from XR6, XR7, or XR8 into Aluula
If you are coming from a Dacron XR, you will feel a massive leap in stiffness, response, and control no matter which PRO you pick. The frame does not distort under pressure the same way and the climb to height becomes far more vertical.
If progression and long term learning matter more than chasing tight loops, the PRO 2 gives you the most room to grow without punishing small mistakes.
↪ If you want to blend this upgrade with a wider progression plan, Elite’s what size kite should I get for kiteboarding article helps you dial in a quiver that matches your weight, wind range, and spots.
Does the XR8 still have a place in your quiver?
Even though this blog focuses on the XR PRO and XR PRO 2, a lot of riders still ask whether the XR8 belongs in the conversation. The short answer: yes, as long as you understand its lane.
XR8: The freeride engine of the lineup
Where the PRO and PRO 2 chase maximum performance, the XR8 is built for riders who want smooth power, easy control, and reliable handling in all conditions.
It fits riders who:
• Ride mixed conditions from roughly 14 to 30 knots
• Prefer comfort over intensity
• Want a kite that forgives timing mistakes
• Are not trying to loop aggressively
• Need something stable for everyday sessions
The XR8’s Dacron frame is not as rigid or reactive as Aluula, and that is exactly why many riders like it. It softens gusts, flexes through turbulence, and gives hangtime without demanding perfect input.
Who should choose the XR8 instead of a PRO?
• Newer riders progressing through early jumps
• Intermediates who do not want a hyper reactive canopy
• Riders who want stable, no surprise handling
• Anyone kiting three or four times a week in inconsistent wind
Quick comparison:
➜ XR8 = all conditions big air freeride
➜ XR PRO = loop driven precision
➜ XR PRO 2 = height, glide, and forward balance
↪ For deeper, model wide impressions beyond just the XR family, you can browse rider feedback in Elite’s kite review library.
What makes Aluula so different from Dacron in real riding?
Most riders hear Aluula and think lighter. Weight is only the headline. The real difference shows up when the kite is under pressure.
Aluula holds its shape when the wind misbehaves
Dacron flexes and twists when you spike the bar or when turbulence hits from the side. That is why older XRs sometimes felt soft mid loop or vague when fully lit.
Aluula resists that flex.
The stiffer frame keeps the leading edge round and rigid, which gives you:
✔ Cleaner pivot points
✔ No mid loop lag
✔ Tighter arcs
✔ Consistent canopy tension
✔ Faster climb back to 12
Even if Skyway wind jumps from 16 to 28 knots in one pulse, the kite’s geometry does not fold. Your loop path stays the same and your catch stays predictable.
Less swing weight, faster reaction
A lighter frame means the kite changes direction quicker. Both PRO versions snap into turns instead of rolling slowly.
You will feel it most when:
• Redirecting during transitions
• Throwing late loops
• Sending from full power
• Steering one handed during glides
The kite does not have to overcome inertia. It just moves.
Faster recovery and longer life
When you edge hard before takeoff, many kites deform slightly before releasing stored energy. That softens vertical pop. Aluula rebounds faster, which helps create that crisp, vertical climb that stands out when you switch from an XR8 to a PRO or PRO 2.
Over time, Dacron frames stretch and the canopy starts to feel bagged out. Aluula holds tension longer, so PRO kites feel “new” well past the point where a Dacron frame would have relaxed.
↪ If you want your Aluula gear to keep performing like that for more than a season, Elite’s kite maintenance tips walk through simple habits that protect frame and canopy over time.
Which XR belongs in your quiver?
Choosing between the XR PRO and XR PRO 2 is not about chasing the newest model. It is about choosing the kite that lines up with how you ride, where you ride, and what you want your sessions to feel like.
If your instinct is to edge hard, move fast, and rely on direct feedback, the XR PRO will feel like home. It reacts instantly, loops tightly, and rewards decisive input. Riders who come alive in Skyway turbulence or want sharper timing in Treasure Island cross shore wind will feel the PRO’s strengths immediately.
↪ If that describes you, it is worth taking a look at the Core XR PRO product page to map sizes to your quiver.
If you want clean vertical lift, long float, and a kite that settles into a forward driving pocket, the XR PRO 2 is the more complete ride. It stabilizes messy Florida wind, delivers higher glide on every send, and gives you a calmer overhead position whether you ride St. Pete, the Gulf, or OBX.
↪ For that style of rider, shopping the Core XR PRO 2 is the better starting point.
Both kites push big air further. They simply take different paths to get there.
The best way to choose is to feel them. Ride them back to back in the same wind and the right kite becomes obvious within one session.
Elite Watersports has both models available for demo, and our team can help you tune setup, bar feel, and size so you can ride with confidence.
Ready to feel the difference for yourself? Book a demo session with Elite Watersports in St. Pete, ride both kites in real Florida conditions, and let your own riding make the decision.
Book a Demo Session →↪ If you want to see Aaron’s first take and reactions on camera before you do, his XR PRO 2 on water review captures exactly what changed and why it matters.
FAQ: Core XR PRO vs XR PRO 2
Which kite is easier to control for intermediate riders?
The XR PRO 2. It feels more stable and requires less micro steering. It sits forward in the window and stays predictable during gusts, which helps intermediates stay balanced through sends and landings.
Is the XR PRO 2 a strict upgrade over the XR PRO?
No. They are different tools. The PRO is sharper, tighter, and more reactive. The PRO 2 is smoother, floatier, and more supportive. Your style and spots decide which is better.
Which kite loops tighter?
The original XR PRO. It pivots faster, redirects sooner, and gives more immediate pull through the bottom of the loop, which is what riders training late loops or doubles are usually looking for.
Which kite jumps higher for most riders?
The XR PRO 2 tends to achieve more vertical height for the average big air rider, because it sits more forward and climbs earlier during the send. Most riders feel that difference within a session.
How does each kite handle Skyway Bridge turbulence?
The XR PRO cuts through turbulence with faster corrections and sharper response. The PRO 2 absorbs some of the chaos and keeps a steadier overhead position. Advanced riders tend to lean PRO. Intermediates often prefer PRO 2.
If I mostly want soft, supported landings, which kite should I choose?
The XR PRO 2. Its forward balance and longer glide create smoother touchdowns, especially in Tampa Bay chop where the surface constantly throws off your timing.
Do the PRO models work well for learning loops?
Yes, but with different personalities. The XR PRO is the more natural loop trainer for strong intermediates because it gives clearer feedback and a cleaner catch. Riders who want a slower, more controlled path into looping should still start with basics and build up using Elite’s how to relaunch and recover in light wind guide before pushing power.
Which kite handles OBX sea breeze better?
Both shine in OBX. The PRO offers tighter control for technical edging and loop timing on long tacks. The PRO 2 offers more hangtime and stability during rotations. Your focus - loops vs glide - should decide.
Is the XR8 still relevant if I am choosing between the PRO models?
Yes. The XR8 remains the best all around freeride option for riders who want stability, comfort, and progression without the intensity of Aluula. It fills a different purpose than the PRO kites and pairs well with them in a two kite quiver.
Where can I get more content and updates on Core demos and events?
Elite regularly posts clinic schedules, demo days, and travel trips in their events and community blog . You can also follow live sessions and product breakdowns on the Elite Watersports YouTube channel .
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