North Ultra High Mod Carbon Mast | Faster, Cleaner Foil Drive

Ryan and Hunter have been quietly battling over this mast—and that alone says something. The new North Integrated Ultra High Mod Carbon Mast isn’t just another accessory in the Foil Drive ecosystem. It’s a purpose-built, performance-focused solution for riders who are already pushing their limits in waves, downwinders, and pump sessions.

After significant time on the water, their takeaway is clear: this setup changes how a Foil Drive feels underfoot.

Tech Specs | What You Need to Know

Before diving into ride impressions, here’s the quick breakdown:

• Construction: Ultra High Modulus Carbon

• Mast Length: 80cm

• Pod Height: 18cm

• Mast Width: 13.5mm

• Motor Compatibility:

• Compatible with HP Motor

• Works with V2 Motors (if cable is removable)

• Available with or without motor

That 18cm pod height is intentional. If you’re running a trench or channel board, a shorter pod (like 15cm) effectively reduces usable mast length. North accounted for that—giving you more functional height without sacrificing ride feel.

And importantly, you can purchase it without a motor if you already own a Foil Drive system. Carbon masts aren’t inexpensive, so being able to reuse your motor makes the upgrade more realistic.

Integrated vs Retrofit | Why It Matters

Traditional Foil Drive systems rely on an external pod that wraps around your mast. It works—but it introduces:

• More drag
• More setup time
• External cable management
• More noticeable interference when dipping the pod

The North integrated system solves those pain points.

Smaller, Hydrodynamic Pod

The mini pod is dramatically smaller and more streamlined than retrofit systems. On the water, that translates to:

• Less drag
• Higher top-end speed
• Faster acceleration
• Cleaner glide when unpowered

Ryan and Hunter both noticed it immediately—the mast feels quicker and more efficient, especially when trying to connect swell or pump through flat sections.

The Hidden Performance Advantage | Pod Dips

This might be the biggest difference.

With traditional pods, if you dip the pod during a turn or pump session, it’s usually game over. You either lose speed dramatically or have to motor back up.

With the integrated North mast:

• Pod dips are far less noticeable
• Recovery is smooth and fast
• You can effectively use more of the mast length
• It allows controlled speed scrubbing in bigger surf

Hunter pointed out something subtle but important—sometimes you don’t even realize you dipped the pod because the drag penalty is so minimal.

For performance riders, that changes everything.

Carbon Efficiency | Why It Feels Faster

Switching from aluminum to ultra-high modulus carbon delivers:

• Increased stiffness
• Reduced flex
• Improved energy transfer
• Better pumping efficiency
• Higher sustained speeds

Carbon masts are known for their responsiveness, but when paired with a streamlined integrated motor system, you get compound gains. Less drag plus better stiffness equals noticeably improved glide.

Ryan noted that he can run slightly smaller gear because the system carries speed more efficiently.

Who Is This Mast For?

Let’s break it down honestly.

Performance Foil Drive Riders

If you are:

• Riding swell
• Connecting waves
• Downwinding
• Pumping between sections
• Pushing higher speeds

You will notice the difference immediately.

North Foil Users

This mast is built specifically for North fuselages and foil systems. If you’re already on North’s downwind or SF series foils, this becomes a very clean, cohesive setup.

If you’re not yet riding North, but are considering switching, this integrated system may be the tipping point.

Not Ideal For

Brand-new riders just learning to foil probably won’t feel the nuanced performance gains right away. This upgrade shines once you’re already confidently flying and starting to push performance.

Pairing Options | Downwind vs SF Series

Ryan has been running North’s downwind foils in Lake Michigan conditions and found them well-suited for variable swell. On punchier days, the SF series offers greater control and stability.

If you're unsure which foil to pair with the mast, the right choice depends on:

• Your weight
• Typical wind and swell size
• Primary use (downwind, surf, pump, dock start)

Streamlined Setup | Less Hassle

Another underrated benefit:

• No taping cables
• No external pod mounting
• Internal wiring
• Dedicated mast for Foil Drive

If you primarily use Foil Drive and want a dedicated performance setup, this will simplify your workflow. It becomes a plug-and-play performance tool rather than a retrofit system you’re constantly modifying.

Final Take | Is It Worth It?

Carbon integrated systems are an investment. No way around that.

But if you’re already invested in performance foiling—and especially if you’re running North gear—this mast:

• Feels faster
• Feels cleaner
• Recovers better
• Makes pumping more forgiving
• Improves overall system efficiency

For riders in the performance category, the gains are real and noticeable.

We’re Happy to Help!

If you have questions about pairing it with North foils or determining whether it’s right for your riding style, reaching out directly to your shop is always the best move. Matching the mast to the right foil makes all the difference.

Email: Kiteboarder@MACkite.com

See you on the water!