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Are you aiming to conquer the skies? Eleveight has recently introduced a brand-new twintip model, the Stellar V1. This high-performance freeride/Big Air board is made with sustainable materials and comes in sizes 133, 136 and 139.
The first thing we noticed when unpacking the board is the meticulous attention to detail. It features a multi-channel bottom combined with 4.5mm fins. Sustainable basalt fiber has been used to replace glass fiber and, combined with a Paulownia core, adds higher tensile and compressive strength while keeping the board light. Carbon fiber reinforcements are strategically placed around the inserts and the board has a three-stage rocker, being flatter in the center and reaching a medium to high rocker at the tips.
Visually, the board looks great and, in your hands, it feels like a high-end product. But how does it perform on the water? We tested this board under various sea conditions and riding styles. Contrary to what you might think, we don’t look for the best sea conditions when testing! If a board excels in the worst choppy conditions, it’s a sign of a great board. Our first session was in terrible light wind and choppy conditions and the Stellar V1 made the ride smooth and enjoyable. The way this board flexes and cuts through the water makes it an excellent choice for riders who frequently deal with choppy waters. The board provides great feedback without being extremely firm, offering a smooth ride for freeriders in all kinds of wind and sea conditions.
Standout features of this board include its pop which, thanks to its refined channels, allows you to load hard even in choppy conditions, making takeoffs and landings easier. The board also locks into an upwind position effortlessly.
As a Big Air board, the Stellar V1 will help you achieve higher and more controlled jumps due to its pop. It’s a grippy board, but not a fully dedicated Big Air board, as it doesn’t provide the massive grip at the very end of the takeoff that some rivals do. However, it offers a more playful, fun, adaptable, and carvy experience compared to them.
This board is an excellent choice for riders who enjoy freeriding but also want to dabble in Big Air when the conditions are right, especially in choppy waters. Additionally, the Stellar V1 represents a more sustainable approach to kiteboard construction with the use of bio-based resin and plant-based materials.