Review CORE Kiteboarding GTS 2011

Kite

SLE Delta kite with a C-Shape profile

Designer goals

The new CORE GTS has all the strenghts of an ALL IN ONE kite, with the addition of some radical genes injected by the CORE team. The result is a Delta design with radical C-Kite characteristics for Kiteloops, Unhooked Tricks and that direct barfeeling. With a more pronounced C-Shape the GTS achieves more precise steering. On top of the Allround Characterisitcs, the GTS is orientated towards the progressive Freestyle and New-School rider, hooked and unhooked, who demands a more agressive Kite. Waveriders will relish the ability to steer the depowered kite perfectly.
With the awesome direct barfeeling and explosive delivery of power the GTS achieves enormous lift potential for the highest jumps in the mid to high wind ranges.

CORE lives by the Values: Performance, Safety, Quality and Service.

Bar

The most innovative five line control bar system with direct steering and ultimate safety on the market today.Our bar is compatible with other five line hybrid kites and due mainly to the lower "Y" will make them turn faster with a much more direct feel. 
A big improvement over conventional bars. 
Feed back is also improved as you can constantly feel where the kite is flying without the need to look up. 
The trimable 5th line, that only releases at the push of a button, makes relaunching safe and easy without swimming and eliminating the problems of dangerous tangling. 
The chicken loop release is designed to be very secure but release effortlessly when the need occurs, even under high loads.
All five lines are attached with fool-proof connections to the canopy. Making accidental interchange of attachment lines a thing of the past.      

Test conditions

Wind: 12-22 knots

Location: Flat water

Conclusion

The Core GTS is marketed as an all-in-one kite. One thing is sure, it can be used in many circumstances. The higher the level of the rider, the more the kite has to offer.  The Core GTS has a few characteristics that stand out:

+ Super stable, very suitable for gusty wind conditions.
+ Total depower
+ Super fast reaction to steering commands make the kite suitable for wave riders and freeriders that like 'm quick.
+ Strong pop
- Low-end is not the best around, but if you choose the right kite for the conditions at hand that should not be a problem.

The stability and the total depower are characteristics suitable for a beginner. Furthermore, the power buildup is quite gradual, which should make a beginning kiter more confident.
These characteristics are also suitable for wave riders, especially in combination with the quick reaction to steering commands.
Unhooked freestylers should be charmed by the strong pop which is followed by a long sweetspot.