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Naish released the X3 in 2003, the evolution of the X2. The X3 was a response to those riders who were looking for a more European style wing, more forgiving, wider range. Flysurf.com put one of the strong winter wind sizes to the test for you, the 8.0. Extras Adjustable carry bag, pump with leash, 50cm control bar fitted with de-power and Safety System, colour coded flying lines with differentiated connections (loop or knot), repair kit, instruction manual. Finish The kite is well finished with well positioned reinforcements. You just need to look at it and you can tell it's a great product. There are numerous adjustments you can make to improve performance at the light and heavy ends of its wind range : kite end adjustments. There are two valves on the leading edge, one of which serves as a rapid deflation valve. The kite has 5 inflatable battens, the leading edge tube extends to form the wing tip battens. Control bar The control bar is colour coded to avoid making a mistake when recovering in the water or following a no- hands jump. The de-power system adjusts by means of a strap with a stop-loop, you have to push it away from you to release the front lines. The small harness loop to the front lines has a quick release (trim loop quick release), you push away from you to release, there's no locking strap to impede your harness loop. The elasticised kite leash is connected along one of the front to your harness. Design remit The X2 surprised everyone with its build quality and its amazing flying characteristics! Naish have bettered that this year with the X3! Benefiting from the very latest technical developments, the X3 is the ultimate flying machine in terms of performance! Actioning the safety system The small harness loop releases if you push towards the bar (upwards), the leash retains the kite and it becomes a harmless flapping cloth. Nothing to add to the previous year's system. Re-launch It's a medium sized and wind kite, there aren't usually any problems re-launching given those criteria. Power Great depth of power. In lighter winds you can use its air speed to keep you planing although jumping's another matter once you get down to this size. Stability Nothing to say, it's got it in spades. In fact it's quite difficult to pull out of the sky, and it's stable also in the sense that it doesn't really deform (good rigidity). Flying - General handling It's pretty fast but a good deal calmer when you connect the rear lines further towards the inner attachment points. Very comfortable fly, no surprises, its rigidity makes it very reassuring. We also tested with 20 metre flying lines on which makes it more lively but more sustainable. It's a comfortable fly, not too fast if you connect the front lines towards the front-most connections. Lift In the appropriate wind range (powered-up / over-powered) it's got excellent lift for an 8.0. Range Very good wind range. A really good progression from the previous year. Riders of about 50 - 60kg and good skill level could see themselves holding this right up to 30 knots. Bigger riders up to 40 (top skill level only though!). Good de- power not least because it moves quickly to the edge of the window where it pulls a lot less. Conclusion It's a high performance 8.0 but is cool to fly. Lifts like nobody's business in its wind range, is stiff and controllable, doesn't kick or give nasty surprises and has a great wind range... On the negative side, perhaps you could fault the air speed you're going to have to adjust to, and of course, depending on your settings it's no butterfly... Pluses Great lift and carry for such a small kite, stability and range. Flysurf.com recommendation: Attach your rear lines towards the inside at first for less forward speed, afterwards go with whatever suits your style but bear in mind that it is an 8.0. Send it big for your first jumps! Recommended skill level Experienced to expert How does it meet the design remit A real high performer, oh yes! The testers' verdicts in a sentence Caro, 34 years old, 60kg I found the lift incredible but still gentle for its size. Flies really well. I preferred the 'slow' setting for strong wind. Marc, 29, 75kg Nothing but goodness ! Its speed, stiffness and range (up to 45 knots no problemo!) Alex, 24, 78kg I'm not a big fan of kites less than 9.0 m2 and as for riding in 40 knots plus, that seems mostly about survival to me. But hey, I found it a really good fly. It's brilliantly finished, it flies comfortably and it would suit a light weight rider in big beefy conditions! Sandrine, 36, 52kg Very forgiving and tune-able with those adjustments for more or less power. It's a good fly and very reassuring, no calamities if the wind really picks up. By : Team Flysurf