CORE Kites Comparison Guide: Pace vs Pace Pro vs XR8 vs Nexus 4 vs XR Pro 2
If you're choosing your next CORE kite, you’re spoilt for choice. CORE’s lineup covers everything from easy freeride progression to storm-ready big air and competition-level mega loops.
In this guide, we break down CORE Pace, Pace Pro, XR8, Nexus 4, and XR Pro 2 in clear, simple language — and compare their strengths so you can find the kite that actually matches how (and where) you ride.
All buying links go straight to our CORE collection here at Northern Watersports:
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Quick Overview of Each CORE Kite
| Kite | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CORE Pace | Freeride / progression | Newer riders, everyday freeriders, confidence builders |
| CORE Pace Pro | High-performance freeride | Fast progression, loops, height, more responsive handling |
| CORE Nexus 4 | True all-round crossover | One-kite quiver riders, waves, freeride, freestyle and foiling |
| CORE XR8 | Big air / freeride boost | Huge jumps, hangtime, storm sessions |
| CORE XR Pro 2 | Elite big air & megaloops | Advanced riders, competition-level performance |
CORE Pace – Freeride & Easy Progression
The CORE Pace is ideal if you want a smooth, predictable, and confidence-boosting freeride kite.
- Stable and forgiving
- Perfect for learning jumps
- Friendly kiteloops
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Reliable in gusty UK conditions
It’s a safe, fun, progression-focused freeride machine.
CORE Pace Pro – More Lift, More Response, More Progression
The Pace Pro takes everything good about the Pace and sharpens it up for more serious freeriders.
- Faster turning
- Bigger boosting ability
- More direct power delivery
- Better for kiteloops
- More premium feel and construction
If you’re improving quickly and want a kite you won’t outgrow — this is it.
CORE Nexus 4 – The Ultimate One-Kite Quiver
The Nexus 4 is CORE’s “do everything” kite. Waves, freeride, freestyle, foiling — it covers it all comfortably.
- Drifts beautifully for wave sessions
- Fast turning for freestyle
- Light and playful for flatwater
- Comfortable bar feel
- Excellent daily-use UK kite
If you want one kite to handle 80–90% of UK conditions, this is your best option.
CORE XR8 – Massive Boosting & Hangtime
The XR8 builds on CORE’s legendary XR series with more height, more hangtime, and more stability.
- 5-strut frame for extreme wind stability
- Effortless boosting power
- Super floaty jumps
- Forgiving handling for big air
- Perfect for storm sessions
If jumping high is your goal — this is the kite for you.
CORE XR Pro 2 – The Peak of Big Air Performance
The XR Pro 2 is CORE’s top-tier big air weapon. Built using CORE’s ultralight, ultra-stiff materials, it reacts instantly and loops harder than anything else in the CORE lineup.
- Aluula frame for minimal weight
- Super direct feedback
- Massive hangtime
- Explosive loops
- Built for storm riding and expert kiters
If you want competition-level performance, this is the one.
XR8 vs XR Pro 2 – Which Big Air Beast Should You Choose?
XR8 – Big Air Made Accessible
- Smoother handling
- Stable and predictable
- Massive boosting with easy control
- Better for newer big-air riders
- More forgiving loops
XR Pro 2 – For the Experts
- Much lighter and stiffer
- Sharper response
- Bigger, more aggressive loops
- Higher performance in strong winds
- For advanced riders only
Summary
Choose XR8: If you want height, hangtime, control, and confidence.
Choose XR Pro 2: If you want maximum performance for megaloops and extreme storms.
Pace vs Pace Pro – Which Freeride Kite Is Best?
CORE Pace – Stable & Progression Friendly
- Gentle power delivery
- Beginner-friendly kiteloops
- Smooth and comfortable
- Perfect for progression
- Cheaper option
CORE Pace Pro – Sharper, Faster, More Boost
- More responsive turning
- Better hangtime
- Cleaner loops
- More precise handling
- Premium build quality
Summary
Choose Pace: If you want stability and easy freeriding.
Choose Pace Pro: If you want sharper performance and fast progression.
Which CORE Kite Should You Buy?
- Best for Progression: CORE Pace
- Best for Fast Progression & Loops: Pace Pro
- Best for All-Round Riding: Nexus 4
- Best for Big Air: XR8
- Best for Experts & Mega Loops: XR Pro 2
For UK spots like Wallasey Beach and West Kirby — known for gusty winds and varied conditions — the Nexus 4, Pace Pro, and XR8 cover most riders perfectly.
Need Help Choosing?
If you're unsure which kite suits your style, message us anytime — we ride these kites every week and can give honest, spot-specific advice.
