2027 North Twintips and Navigator Bars Overview

The Brazilian Brothers are on the beach in Mykonos with 15-year-old North rider Maxwell Dahl to get the inside scoop on the latest gear. Maxwell has been killing it on the GKA World Championship circuit, and today he is breaking down the massive updates to the North control bars and twintip range.

Maxwell Dahl jumps high and spins during the GKA World Championships.

The New 2027 Navigator Control Bar

The 2027 Navigator has undergone a massive redesign. North is stepping more toward the pro side of things with this update. Key features include:

An improved bearing system.
The same quick-release system found on the Pro bar.
An overall better grip for the rider.
Improved lines for a better feel.

It is a whole new bar that is suitable for everyone, offering a refined experience compared to previous models that hadn't seen an update in a couple of years.

Maxwell Dahl holds the 2027 North Navigator control bar in his hand.

The Navigator Pro Bar

If you are looking for the top-tier experience, the Navigator Pro bar brings even more to the table. Maxwell notes that while it may look similar to the standard version, it is significantly improved in several ways:

Improved Grip: It is soft, comfortable, and provides a better connection to the kite.
New Lines: These are smoother, more reactive, and provide a better feel on the water.
Weight and Durability: The bar is 20% lighter while being more durable at the same time.
Auto-Untwist: The Pro bar features an excellent auto-untwist mechanism for your center lines, which is one of the biggest differences between the two models.

Who is each bar for?

While the Pro bar is a great choice for any rider, your specific style might dictate which one you choose. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option and you are a casual rider who doesn't do many rotations, the standard Navigator will definitely suit you. However, if you are pushing into kiteloops, rotations, and extreme heights where you need that auto-unswivel feature, you should definitely go for the Navigator Pro.

A kiteboarder controls his kite with one hand with the North Navigator Pro bar.

The 2027 Twintip Lineup

North is notorious for making some of the best-looking boards on the market, and the 2027 lineup continues that trend. Maxwell and the Brazilian Brothers walked through the three main models to see how they compare.

The Astra, Atmos, and Atmos Pro boards on the beach in a row.

The Astra

The Astra is designed with the lighter rider in mind. It is a bit smaller and narrower than the other boards in the fleet. Because it is more flexible, it is very forgiving on the water. It is perfect for anyone who wants a fun, easy freeride session. While it is often used by lighter riders, its flex and performance make it a great option for anyone looking for that specific feel.

The Atmos

The classic Atmos is a bit wider and larger than the Astra. It features a construction that includes a little bit of carbon to make it stiffer, yet it remains forgiving. This is the go-to board if you are riding in chop or less-than-ideal conditions. It allows you to cruise over the chop and break through it easily, making it a very versatile board for general conditions.

The Atmos Pro

The Atmos Pro is Maxwell's personal board of choice. This year, North added a new 134 size, which is a welcome addition to the range. The Atmos Pro features:

Full Carbon Construction: This makes the board very stiff and light.
Maximum Pop: It is perfect for flat water conditions where you want to get the most out of your loading and takeoffs.
Solid Landings: The construction helps you stick those high-performance moves.

This is the board for the hardcore rider who wants to maximize their performance, especially in "nuclear" conditions where you need the most pop and control possible.

Whether you are looking for the high-performance Atmos Pro or the redesigned Navigator bars, the 2027 North gear is looking epic. Stay tuned for more reviews as this gear hits the water.

Maxwell Dahl stands on the beach with a board under his arm and his kite on his back.