Tell Me About It: RRD Gold Obsession

Talk us through the new Gold Obsession and what the most noticeable performance improvements are compared to the previous Obsession.

The journey to creating the Gold Obsession has been anything but easy. It took over three years of relentless research and development, with more than 50 prototype kites tested to refine every aspect of its performance. The result? A kite that pushes the boundaries of Big Air riding like never before. 

One of the biggest innovations in the Gold Obsession is the strategic use of Aluula, which has been blended with Dacron and applied only where necessary. This approach allowed RRD to reduce weight without compromising the kite’s structural integrity and durability. The result is a kite that feels more responsive, crisp, and reactive, with improved looping speed and directional precision. 

Recognizing the growing demand for high-speed kites, RRD opted for a three-strut frame and focused on an optimized shape designed to deliver both strong first lift and powerful second lift. The first lift ensures an explosive takeoff with immediate vertical acceleration, while the second lift extends the hangtime, allowing riders to stay airborne longer and land with control. 

With this latest evolution, RRD continues to redefine what’s possible in Big Air kiting, delivering a kite that is lighter, more direct, and engineered for riders looking to push their limits sky-high.

Would the average rider get on with this kite or is it for advanced riders only?

The Gold Obsession is designed to be accessible for riders of all levels. While we’ve put a strong focus on making it a high-performance kite capable of delivering everything pro riders need for extreme Big Air, we also ensured that it remains comfortable and easy to handle for everyday kiters. The balanced mix of power, control and smooth handling makes it a great option for anyone looking to push their limits, whether they’re just progressing or already sending big loops.

You’ve blended traditional Dacron into the Aluula on the leading edge – where did you feel it was necessary to use Aluula or not?

We carefully selected where to integrate Aluula and where to maintain Dacron to achieve the best balance between performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Aluula was used strategically in key areas where weight reduction and rigidity provide the most benefit – primarily in sections of the leading edge and struts that directly impact the kite’s responsiveness and lift efficiency. This makes the Gold Obsession feel lighter in the air, improves turning speed, and enhances overall stability, especially in gusty conditions.

However, we chose to keep Dacron in areas where extra reinforcement was needed to maintain the kite’s structural integrity and long-term durability. This ensures the Gold Obsession remains strong and reliable while still benefiting from the ultra-light properties of Aluula where it matters most. Everyone asks why we chose to use Dacron in the tips… Well, after extensive testing, we found that the reflex created by Dacron increased the kite’s turning speed by 8%. That’s why we opted for a more elastic material in this area – it enhances responsiveness and makes the kite feel more dynamic in the air. Additionally, Dacron helps absorb gusts in turbulent wind conditions, smoothing out the ride without disturbing the rider during maneuvers. This means better control, more comfort, and a kite that reacts precisely when you need it to.

How much did you have to adapt the shape and profile of the previous Obsession?

The Gold Obsession features a completely new shape – it’s an entirely different design from the previous Obsession. While the previous model provided some initial insights regarding aerodynamics and fabric durability, this new version is a unique project developed from the ground up, every aspect optimized for Big Air performance.

Which designer and riders worked on the Gold Obsession?

The Gold Obsession kite took three years of hard work and research and development. The project was led by designer Werther Castelletti, who guided the design process, and with the help of our riders, we were able to bring this project to life. The riders involved in the project were Pier Biaggi, Alice Ruggiu, John Perez and Andrea Lauro. It’s a young team with incredible potential. Alice already achieved a fantastic second place in the GKA Big Air competition using the new Gold Obsession. She really showcased the potential of this new kite and blew everyone away. It’s an absolute game-changer. Right after coming off the water, Alice was in disbelief at the performance, as she managed to pull off maneuvers she had never done before. The kite truly lived up to its expectations!