The Boxer is back! Naish claims this lightweight, one-strut kite is easy to launch, travel with, and ride with virtually no flutter. So what’s TJ’s take? See below.
What I Liked:
Naish’s new Quad Tex material, which is 30% stronger and stiffer than traditional kite materials (more on Quad Tex far below), allows Naish to build the Boxer ultra lightweight. It felt extremely responsive, and retained a surprisingly stiff canopy for a kite with only one strut. When kite looping, there wasn’t as much flutter as with other single strut kites. Note that the Boxer’s strut is not attached directly to the canopy, but has a wedge of material that separates it, allowing for a deeper or shallower draft. This created a sensation of the kite breathing — expanding and contracting, which stabilized its power in the gusts. It also packed down ultra small, great for travel!
What I Didn’t Like:
The bag it comes in could be better built by adding zippers along the edges in place of a stuff-sack-like entry.
The Naish 2017 Boxer Best Suits:
It’s a great fit for lots of riders. I wouldn’t hesitate to teach newcomers on a Boxer. Anyone who loves to rig small (and get away with it) will love it as it’s so lightweight it flies in virtually no wind. It’s also a perfect travel kite because it packs so small. And for me, it’s the ultimate kite for foiling thanks to its weight and responsiveness. That’s a broad spectrum of users, and why I think the Boxer will be a hit this season.
TJ Gulizia has managed the Big Winds’ kite department for seven years. Before that, he taught thousands of people to kiteboard in South Padre Island and Baja. Find your Naish Boxer here.
More On Quad Tex From Naish
Feel the Difference
The result of the collaboration between Teijin and Naish, Quad-Tex is the strongest, most responsive kite canopy material available on the market. Developed and tested over the course of 3 years, Quad-Tex turns the traditional method of canopy construction on its head.
Lead with Strength
While other canopies start with a base layer of polyester yarn, Quad-Tex takes a “strength-first” approach constructing the matrix with 4x-reinforced ripstop, then balancing the grid with the optimal strength-to-weight ratio for heavy-duty rip protection. High tenacity polyester yarn fills out the framework and is reinforced with Teijin’s high-grade resin for increased water-resistance and longevity.
Protecting Your Investment
Between the elements and stress from demanding maneuvers, kites are exposed to constant abuse both on- and off-the-water. With inherent strength derived from quality materials, craftsmanship and finishing, Quad-Tex withstands punishing conditions while maintaining high-performance characteristics over the long-term.
Proven Results
Averaging 30% stronger, with the least elongation and stretch, Quad-Tex consistently outperforms all other leading canopy materials on the market. The result is a more rigid, responsive kite that you can count on day in and day out.
Strength. Durability. Performance.
Regardless of riding style, or skill level you need equipment you can count on. Safe, durable and built to last, Quad-Tex is, quite simply, the strongest, most reliable kite canopy material in existence.
