North Reach vs North Orbit | Which Kite Makes the Most Sense for You?

Choosing between the North Reach and the North Orbit is one of the most common questions riders ask when building or refining their quiver. On paper, both kites come from the same design DNA, share North’s build quality, and cover overlapping size ranges. In practice, they are built for very different riding styles, wind ranges, and priorities.

This comparison breaks down how each kite actually performs on the water, where each one shines, where each one falls short, and how to spend your money wisely depending on how and where you ride. Rather than focusing on marketing claims, this analysis is rooted in real riding experience, particularly in conditions that range from light-wind cruising to fully powered, high-wind twin tip sessions.

North Orbit Overview | Five-Strut Big Air Performance

The North Orbit has earned its reputation as one of the most approachable and confidence-inspiring big air kites on the market. Designed as a dedicated five-strut platform, the Orbit is built for riders who prioritize height, control, and looping performance in strong wind.

In its latest 2026 generation, North introduced meaningful updates that refined the Orbit’s performance without reinventing the kite.

Key Design Updates for 2026

The most notable changes to the 2026 Orbit include:

• Increased aspect ratio compared to previous versions
• Introduction of NMAX 2 material
• Overall weight reduction across the size range

These refinements have given the Orbit better lift, improved efficiency through the window, and slightly improved stability compared to earlier generations, especially when powered.

Orbit Strengths | Where It Truly Excels

The Orbit’s strengths are very clear once the wind comes up.

• Excellent boosting ability in strong wind
• Predictable, intuitive kite looping behavior
• Stable canopy when fully powered
• Strong top-end control

One of the Orbit’s biggest advantages is how approachable it is for riders learning to loop. The kite’s steering response and recovery make it easy to understand where the kite is at all times, which builds confidence quickly when progressing into powered tricks.

The higher aspect ratio in the 2026 model has also improved vertical lift compared to earlier versions, giving riders better height without sacrificing control.

Orbit Limitations | Where It Falls Short

Despite its strengths, the Orbit is not a do-it-all kite.

• Limited low-end power
• Heavier feel compared to three-strut kites
• Less forgiving in marginal wind
• Not ideal for foiling or strapless riding

Even with improvements in the latest generation, the Orbit still struggles in lighter wind. This is not a flaw in the design but rather a consequence of its purpose. The Orbit is meant to be ridden powered, typically in wind speeds of 25 knots and above.

If you are frequently riding in sub-20 knot conditions, the Orbit will feel underwhelming unless you are well powered on a twin tip.

North Reach Overview | Versatility Across Disciplines

The North Reach sits at the opposite end of the design spectrum. Built as a three-strut, lightweight, all-around kite, the Reach is designed to perform across multiple disciplines rather than excelling in just one.

This kite is aimed at riders who want flexibility in their quiver and regularly switch between twin tip, strapless, and foil riding.

Reach Strengths | The Definition of Versatility

The Reach offers several clear advantages, especially in lighter and moderate wind conditions.

• Strong low-end power
• Lightweight three-strut construction
• Suitable for twin tip, strapless, and foil
• Easy handling and light bar pressure

Because of its lighter weight and efficient canopy, the Reach gets riders on the water earlier than the Orbit. This makes it especially appealing for locations where light-wind days are common or for riders who want to maximize session count.

The Reach’s ability to cross disciplines is one of its biggest selling points. It transitions well from twin tip cruising to strapless wave riding and foiling without feeling out of place.

Reach Limitations | When Conditions Get Rowdy

Where the Reach starts to struggle is when the wind becomes overpowering.

• Less stability when heavily powered
• Weaker depower compared to five-strut kites
• Not ideal for aggressive big air riding

In strong wind, especially when riding a twin tip, the Reach lacks the locked-in feel and depower range that the Orbit provides. Riders pushing big airs or riding fully powered will find the Reach less confidence-inspiring as conditions escalate.

This is why the Reach is rarely recommended as a primary kite for riders who focus on overpowered twin tip sessions.

Orbit vs Reach | Direct Comparison on the Water

When comparing these two kites directly, the distinction becomes very clear once wind strength and riding discipline are factored in.

High Wind Twin Tip Riding

• Orbit excels
• Reach becomes less stable

The Orbit is purpose-built for this environment. The Reach can handle it, but it is not where the kite shines.

Light to Moderate Wind Riding

• Reach excels
• Orbit feels underpowered

This is where the Reach dramatically outperforms the Orbit, especially in larger sizes.

Foiling and Strapless Riding

• Reach is clearly superior
• Orbit is not well suited

The lighter weight and faster drift characteristics of the Reach make it far more practical for wave riding and foiling.

Smart Quiver Strategy | How to Spend Your Money Wisely

Rather than choosing one kite blindly, the most effective approach is to think in terms of kite size categories and how you ride each one.

Small Sizes | 10m and Smaller

For riders primarily on a twin tip:

• Choose the Orbit

Smaller Orbit sizes thrive in powered conditions, making them ideal for high-wind sessions. The kite’s control, looping ability, and lift shine when you are well powered.

The only reason to choose a Reach in smaller sizes is if:

• You frequently ride strapless
• You regularly foil
• You want one kite to cover multiple disciplines

Large Sizes | 11m and Larger

This is where the Reach starts to make more sense for most riders.

• Better low-end power
• Lighter feel on the bar
• More efficient in marginal wind

Even riders who primarily twin tip can benefit from the Reach in larger sizes. The kite allows you to get more sessions in lighter wind without feeling sluggish.

A standout example is the 15m Reach, which has proven to be a very effective light-wind option. It offers:

• Light bar pressure
• Respectable hang time
• Excellent low-end power

In contrast, larger Orbit sizes feel heavier and struggle to stay efficient in light wind, despite having slightly better hang time once powered.

Final Recommendation | Orbit or Reach

If your riding is primarily focused on powered twin tip sessions and big air progression, the Orbit is the clear choice, especially in smaller sizes.

If your priority is maximizing water time, riding in lighter wind, or switching between disciplines, the Reach is the better option, particularly in larger sizes.

For many riders, the ideal quiver includes both:

• Orbit in smaller sizes for strong wind
• Reach in larger sizes for lighter wind and versatility

This combination delivers the best of both worlds without unnecessary overlap.

Key Takeaways

• The Orbit is a dedicated big air kite designed for strong wind and twin tip riding
• The Reach is a versatile, lightweight kite suited for multiple disciplines
• Orbit excels in small sizes and overpowered conditions
• Reach excels in larger sizes and lighter wind
• A mixed quiver often provides the best overall performance

Need Help Choosing Your Setup?

If you’re still unsure which sizes or models make the most sense for your riding style, reach out directly. The team is always happy to help dial in the right setup based on your local conditions and goals.

Email Kiteboarder@MACkite.com for personalized recommendations.