Naish Pivot 10m 2015

Naish Pivot 2015 in the air

THE HYPE:

The Pivot is new to the Naish line-up as a smooth, all-around freeride/wave kite for a wide range of riders and styles. Its overall structure and ability to pivot on a small axis of rotation provides quick and easy turning, intuitive steering and predictable power development. The medium aspect-ratio provides substantial low-end power, a ‘sheet-in and go’ feel, easy jumping and great upwind performance. The light weight design delivers smooth power, controlled turns and superior drifting in a variety of wind and wave conditions. The ABS bridle keeps the kite driving forward, allows maximum depower with no back-stalling and also helps decrease the amount of pull on the harness for forgiving strapless riding.

Naish Pivot 10m 2015 kite

TEST TEAM NOTES:

Naish have been making kites for 15 years and the quality is right up there. The kite and the Fusion control system are polished and we always think that their Hawaiian-inspired designs work so well for kitesurfing products. This year it’s nice to see they’ve added a solid wide inflation point for quicker pumping and, of course, their unique Octopus internal one pump system remains.

The bars this year feature different colours, some slightly different fixtures and fittings, they looks great, are very comfortable and also insanely light. Sold separately, there are two options with the Pivot.  The Fusion bar we tried had the trim below the bar once again, though you can choose an above the bar option. The bars feature a modification of materials and design on Naish’s much admired simple push-away quick release collar above the chicken-loop. It’s smooth and easy to make small adjustments on the fly without pulling yourself unhooked. There is a small metal retaining loop for the trimming line which we brushed our knuckles against once or twice when unhooked, but soon got used to its position. We would also like to see a stopper above the bar on the Fusion bar as the Pivot has a good long throw thanks to the trim being below the bar, freeing up the space above the bar. It’s definitely safe without out one and not everyone would use the stopper, but many riders like them to take pressure off the arms or for boosted tricks, but also for on the beach when you’re taking your hands off the bar for a second to adjust your foot straps… or GoPro etc.

The Pivot has a very complete feel. In keeping with the predictable flying characteristics of Naish kites, the first thing you notice in particular with the Pivot (ten metre at least) is how powerful it is. There is lots of horsepower under the bonnet, but it’s a smooth, constant power. In terms of a comparison to the Park – which has been very popular in the Naish range for the last few seasons – the Pivot is a bit more manly, with a heavier pull and sits a little further back in the window. (The Park becomes way more agile and nimble in the smaller sizes, and the Pivot will do, too).

The ten feels like a big ten, if you catch our drift. It looks powerful in the sky, carries power and has a reassuring weight at the bar. Although the Pivot isn’t as pivotal as we expected, we actually like that and through the turn the Pivot is excellent with a constant feel and steady power throughout.

The Park is for the aggressive freerider that knows what they’re looking for and is better for those with a bit more kite looping experience. Yet the Pivot’s kite loop is very enjoyable, too. The handling is nice and direct, there’s no spongey-ness and there’s a good amount of pull through the loop. It’s not super fast to drive forward out of the turn; it’s not a high revving kite, it’s more cruisy, which makes it predictable, well-behaved and manageable. That’s not to say it’s not adequately quick, but it’s natural position is a little further back in the window, aiding the natural drift.

The Pivot jumps well and is more hang-time orientated than ultimately taking you really high, but the flying sensations are very good with good feedback through the bar. You get lots of time in the air with some basic jumping skills and then advanced riders will find that the Pivot gives a lovely awareness of where the kite is when you’re spinning.

SUMMARY:

The Pivot is incredibly well suited to the early intermediate rider looking for a predictable sheet-in and go power development, but also fits for the more progressive freerider looking for plenty of power on tap and accessible but rewarding, fun kite loop progression. The Pivot is more physical than the Park, but is also less technical for fun and easy sessions. Superb low end, mixed with plenty of power at the bar and lots of floaty hang-time, the Pivot will suit many kitesurfers. We are very keen to try it back to back in waves with the Park, which we have really enjoyed thanks to it’s rapid handling and forward flight. The Pivot is incredibly well behaved, stable, constantly powered through the turn, doesn’t backstall at all and has good drift.

KW LIKED:

Lots of usable power and depower at the bar and an engaging kite loop with lots of feeling throughout the turn and will keep the more experienced looper entertained as well as encouraging the first timer.

KW WOULD CHANGE:

Lighter riders will find the Pivot a bit fatiguing and will look to drop a size quite early. (Being able to drop a size early obviously has benefits when it comes to waves.)

PIVOT BALANCE POINTS:

Build quality: 8.5
Full package: 8.5
Low end: 9
Top end: 7.5
Steering speed: 6.5
Turning circle: 4
Bar pressure: 5.5
Water relaunch: 8
Drift: 8
Boost: 7.5
Hang-time: 8
Unhooked: 6.5
Cross-over: 7
Ease-of-use: 8

SIZES: 14, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5m

Find the Pivot and more at: www.naishkites.com

Here’s the official Naish Pivot product video:

 

2015 NAISH PIVOT | PRODUCT VIDEO from Naish Kiteboarding on Vimeo.

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