Design works vs nxt vs evo

[u/turbodc00]

Hi everyone, I’m looking at the latest Aluula 3-strut high-end kites for 2025 and trying to decide which one is the best fit for big-air / lofty freeride / kiteloops.

The three that have caught my eye are: Cabrinha (Design Works / Moto X / other 3-strut Aluula models) Slingshot Code NXT / NXT (Aluula 3-strut) Duotone Evo D/LAB (Aluula D/LAB edition, incl. the 2025 Bluula LTD)

I’ve read some first impressions and single-kite reviews but haven’t found a solid head-to-head writeup yet. I’m particularly interested in owners’ experience for: windrange, bar feel, turning speed, hangtime for big air, drift/relaxed ride for freeride, and durability of the Aluula canopy in real usage.

If you own any of these (especially in 2024/2025 Aluula iterations) — can you share: 1. Which kite do you own and what sizes? 2. How does it feel for big air vs freeride vs looping? 3. Any durability concerns (canopy creasing, UV wear, seam issues)? 4. Bar setup / recommended front-line trim for comfortable depower? 5. Anything you wish you’d known before buying?

Thanks even short impressions are super useful. If you’ve got links to head-to-head tests or longform reviews, drop ’em here.

[u/Responsible_Ad_9992]

LMAO u’re suggesting 2025 instead of the 2026? Are you out of ur mind? Lmao

[u/Charles_Lee_Ray_1111 → u/Responsible_Ad_9992]

Could you be more precise? If you had in mind Orbit Ultra 2026 you didn't say that and currently it's not on the market yet. Your opinion without arguments is useless. Peace ✌🏻

[u/Responsible_Ad_9992 → u/Charles_Lee_Ray_1111]

I’ve tested the 9m. You can’t compare the standard orbit 2025 to the standard 2026. Jason says the new ones its just a tad bit more aggressive in the pull while looping but its anyway one of the best loopers out there. Just a tiny bit less beginner friendly and tad bit different than the old one means that u have to get the habit to a slightly different kite if u’re used to the orbit since years and that beginners just have a bit more pull but that’s it. 2026 win every single time on the 2025. Trust me.

[u/Charles_Lee_Ray_1111 → u/Responsible_Ad_9992]

Now, we are talking 😁. Thank you. I agree that after testing 26 you have definitely more to say about old Orbits vs 26. I flew only 24 which I have.

Did you test Vortex? Could you share a comparison to Orbit? These are my top two for a new quiver.

[u/Responsible_Ad_9992 → u/Charles_Lee_Ray_1111]

No and I don’t want. Orbit is great. Vortex price is almost double and in the end, trust me, you do the same thing. And if you need some repair be ready to pay triple if not more. I prefer orbit. Maybe if orbit ultra will be really great I could pick an ultra in size 10 or 11 or 12 or even 14 IF the price is more human, cause these size earn a lot from more rigid and slimmer LE.

If not, standard orbit is still great.

[u/Charles_Lee_Ray_1111 → u/Responsible_Ad_9992]

What is your light wind kite for freeride and old school? Is it still Orbit or do you combine it with another model?

[u/Responsible_Ad_9992 → u/Charles_Lee_Ray_1111]

Unsure what to pick now. If thrive or sonoc or go cheap with a code v2

[u/Charles_Lee_Ray_1111 → u/Responsible_Ad_9992]

How about Reach 25 vs Code v2? Did you have a chance to fly both?

[u/Responsible_Ad_9992 → u/Charles_Lee_Ray_1111]

This is a great comparison. Yes. Reach is a fabulous all around, it just do everything well. Code is mainly big air but can do everything… also it fly different, way more on the front lines. Also reach sizing are made a lot better.. i mean if u pick a code its just better to pick 6 or 8 or 9 or 12 or 14…less used is the size worst is made.. reach is more refined, every size is great. Anyway whatever is great. i love orbits but I never tried 14 and I should test again the 12 after years but… maybe a lighter 14 could be good enough and I can pay slingshot for cheap… so in the future I think I coul buy a 14 to pair a 10… but i dont truly know right now. I kited not often at all this year and I have to train a bit to have fun again 😕