ELEVEIGHT PROCESS KITEBOARD REVIEW

Below is the Kiteworld test team's review of the 2020 Eleveight Master Kiteboard. Available on our site here.  The review below was replicated from Kiteworld Magazine, which was published in Issue #104 - March 2020.  We definitely agree, the process will help newer riders progress it better riders every session.

A REAL PROGRESSION-SESSION SORT OF BOARD, GRANTING YOU ACCESS TO GOOD PERFORMANCE WITHOUT HAVING TECHNICAL SKILL

TEST TEAM NOTES:

The Process is a board of stealth. It has slipped into this test without fanfare and, although Eleveight have only been producing kites and boards for a handful of seasons, the products are coming out of our test sessions with massive credibility.

The Process sits a step below the Master (tested in issue #102) in the Eleveight range, but delivers stacks of easy capability. This board is going to be a winner with 80% of the kite market, who freeride and want something that will push their potential – without being built specifically for a pro. If the Eleveight Master is an F1 racer, the Process is their sports Touring Car class.

EASY BUT NOT SEDATE

Sometimes it takes a ten minute transition period to get in tune with a new board, but there’s literally no recalibration needed here. Anyone can take this out and get on with it, whether it’s someone who has just finished their lessons or someone with 20 years of experience under their belt. It’s uncomplicated, with a very assured, stable grip without being aggressive or tiring in any way. There’s rock steady freeride performance for all, with moderate speed, edging, bite and turning.

A single concave and slight channel through the middle with tip channels manage water flow and comfort beautifully. Early planing is helped by the fact that the Process is relatively light weight and always feels well balanced. The moderate rocker is tuned to soften your landings and make riding in chop a breeze without compromising upwind ability. It’s all constructed with durable snowboard tech, too. You can ride this thing with confidence that it’ll perform well in everything whilst holding its form.

Finally, the Eleveight Airgo pads are soft memory foam with a moulded footbed for great grip and a sense of connected control. Lots of available movement and stance options while the single Velcro footstrap keeps things simple and yet is supportive and comfortable.

SUMMARY:

We should commend Eleveight because we find it very hard to find fault with any of their products that we test. The Process has everything dialled to the point where it’s super easy but not so sedate that you’ll tire of it any time soon. Most riders of any size will never need anything more than this, and the Process is going to bring the best out of an intermediate’s riding within the first few sessions. A real progression-session sort of board, granting you access to good performance without having technical skill.

KW LIKED:
Ease of use. This board makes you feel like a rockstar, even if you only know a few chords.

KW WOULD CHANGE:
Graphically, it’s quite safe.

PROCESS BALANCE POINTS:
Build quality: 8.5
Fixtures and fittings: 7
Speed: 7
Pop: 7
Drive: 7
Flex: 7
Comfort: 8.5
Looseness: 6
Grip: 7.5
Upwind: 8
Slider proof: No
Boots applicable: Potentially
Freeriding: 9
Freestyle: 6
Ease of use: 9

SIZES: 144 x 44, 139 x 42.5, 135 x 41 and 132 x 39.5cm