North Orbit Versus North Reach—Mr. Jeff's Take

I have had over 300+ sessions over the past two years on North kites and the Reach is what sold me on the “new” North brand. I would like to share the top 3 characteristics of the Orbit and Reach, do a comparison, and why both should be in your quiver.

The North Reach is a one-kite wonder. It truly does it all very well.

1. Medium to light bar pressure that delivers a direct and intuitive fast flying kite.
2. Loops very fast and can be directed with very little bar input.
3. Light 3 strut construction delivers drift for surfing, float for foiling, and hang time for freeriding.

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The North Orbit is an overpowered boosting machine.

1. Medium to light bar pressure with a predictable feel.
2. Excels in overpowered conditions.
3. Bombproof 5 struct construction that provides effortless hangtime and confidence-boosting for tricks in big winds.

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Here is my opinion of both the Reach and Orbit after countless hours on the water in wind conditions from 8 knots to 45+ knots.

Both the Orbit and Reach boost well and are easy to navigate. The Orbit performs best at the upper end of the wind range. When the wind is cranking you can size up, send it, and loop it with confidence. However, its lift and intuitive feeling drastically change at the lower end. The Reach’s fast and intuitive flying characteristics make it a boosting contender when in the middle of the wind range. At the upper end of the wind range, the Reach does not perform as well. The bar pressure is increased and the kite's consistent smooth pull is compromised. It becomes harder to tame and fly when overpowered.

At the lower end of the wind range, the Reach outperforms the Orbit in terms of control, power, playfulness, and ease of use. If you keep the Reach moving, you don’t have to think when flyingin these conditions. It provides loads of confidence when performing tricks and down loops. When strapless surfing it can be easily navigated out of any light wind situation and it floats down the line as well as just about any designated wave kite. Its 3-strut design makes foiling in light winds a breeze. It will downloop and remain in the air in the lightest of winds. On the other hand, the Orbit is simply not at home in light winds. The kite's power and navigation seem to turn off. With a fair amount of effort you are able to stay upwind, but the intuitive bar feel is not there and it feels like the kite simply is not performing well.

If you’ve read this far into the differences between the Orbit and Reach, you may already know why both kites have a place in your North Quiver. I am an avid freerider, kitesurfer, and foiler. I still love all aspects of kiteboarding after 15 years in the sport. Mixing it up and pushing the needle in each discipline continues to keep my stoke very high. I weigh 175 lbs and my North quiver includes….

• 7m Carve - high wind wave surfing
• 9m,11m,15m Reach - Freeride, Foil, Surf
• 10m Orbit - Overpowered Boosting