FEEDBACK: VERTIGO & AYTO ARAMID 2026

The 2026 evolution of the Vertigo and Ayto in Aramid: more precision, zero compromise.

Kitesurfer: Andrew on a Steez Carbon Pro twin tip with the Vertigo Aramid 2026.

Vertigo and Ayto kites in Dacron and Aramid

"I received a quiver of four 9 m kites to test throughout June: the Vertigo and the Ayto, each in Dacron and Aramid. Here's my feedback after testing these GONG kites.

I've been kiting for over 20 years. I weigh 75 kg, have a solid level, although I'm definitely not competing at KOTA. I mainly ride TT big air and foil in 10 to 15 knots.

My personal kites: Ayto 12 m Dacron 2024, another brand 10 m Dacron 2018, Ayto 8 m Aramid DP 2024, GONG Strutless 9 m 2018.

This June wasn't the best month for wind with two heatwaves rolling through, but Normandy always delivers a few grey and windy days. Since I already own GONG Dacron kites, I focused mainly on the new 2026 Aramid models."

Vertigo 9 m Aramid

"I only managed to test it at the low end over two sessions: the first on foil in 10 knots and the second on a twin tip in 15 to 20 knots. My best jump reached 11 m on the WOO sensor. It's a very reassuring and easy kite. It climbs well with smooth, linear power delivery. You always know where the kite is thanks to more noticeable bar feedback than on the Ayto, without ever feeling heavy. The loops are clean and controlled, with no violent yank.

I think it suits both a rider fresh out of lessons and an experienced kiter who's not solely focused on big air and loops."

Ayto 9 m Aramid

"I was even more interested in this model since I already own the 2024 Dacron (12 m) and 2024 Aramid DP (8 m) versions. I managed four sessions between 20 and 30 knots across three different spots: ultra glassy water, a choppy bay and a wave spot. No surprises. This kite is built to boost. It has lighter bar pressure than the Vertigo, so you feel the kite's position in the sky a little less, but it's still very easy to control. It sends you skyward, gives long hangtime and loops fast. Downloops before landing are effortless and make for super smooth touchdowns. During my sessions I was consistently between 12 and 14 m on the WOO sensor. Too bad the wave spot only offered regular kickers while I ride goofy. I think I would have gone even higher.

Compared to the 2024 model, I find the low end more efficient and the kite pulls less through the harness, without transferring that load into your arms. That's probably the result of better overall balance."

Aramid vs Dacron

"The key part of this test was comparing Aramid fabric with Dacron. Without getting into weight or durability comparisons, here's how it felt to me. One thing is certain: Aramid kites improve both performance and, above all, comfort. Dacron kites already perform really well and come at an incredible price. The leading edge stays very stable, preventing the kite from deforming, but the trailing edge can flap a little. In gusty wind, you can feel the surges from the gusts, which can be slightly disruptive during takeoff.

With Aramid and these 2026 models, nothing moves: not the leading edge, not the trailing edge, not even the tips. You can feel it straight through the bar, everything is smooth and predictable. When you're aiming for big jumps, the timing between edging and sending the kite really benefits from that confidence.

Whether on the Vertigo or the Ayto, I never once felt overpowered during a session. It always felt like there was plenty left in reserve. Even close to 30 knots, I barely needed to trim. My only frustration is not getting the chance to test the kite's true top end, which looks absolutely huge." Thanks Thierry for sharing your feedback on the GONG Galaxy group.