2025 North Reach Full Review – Lighter, Faster, and More Refined

Every year, North makes subtle tweaks to the Reach, but 2025 feels different. It’s not a redesign, it’s a refinement. Everything about this kite has been tuned to feel smoother, tighter, and more efficient on the water.has ever made.

If you’ve flown the Reach before, you’ll recognize its DNA right away. It still does everything well: freeride, foil, waves, loops, and progression. What’s changed is how precisely it does it. The 2025 Reach feels lighter in your hands, faster through turns, and more controlled in gusty conditions, exactly what Florida riders need when sessions can swing from 12 to 25 knots in the same afternoon.

At Elite Watersports, we’ve been riding and teaching on the Reach line since its first generation. Our crew tested the 2025 model across Florida, from the flatwater slicks of Tampa Bay to the small surf in Cocoa Beach, to see how it really performs compared to 2023 and 2024.

If you want a full side-by-side breakdown, check out our North Reach comparison guide for the evolution story. This review focuses entirely on what the 2025 version brings to the table, how it’s built, how it rides, and why it might be the cleanest all-around kite North has ever made.

What’s New in the 2025 North Reach

The Reach has always been North’s do-it-all performer, but the 2025 model takes that “balance” concept to a new level.

Here’s what’s different this year:

N-Max2 Pro Dacron Frame: North’s newest material replaces the 2024’s N-MAX with an even tighter, stiffer weave. It holds shape under load but weighs less, giving the kite a faster, snappier feel.

Lighter Bladders: The new bladders cut more grams across the span, reducing inertia in loops and improving drift in marginal wind.

Aspect Ratio Adjustment: A slight bump in aspect ratio brings smoother lift and longer glide without sacrificing stability. You’ll feel it in jump transitions and foil power-ups.

Dual Steering Line Options: Choose between fast and light or weighted and deliberate steering. This small detail makes a big difference for riders swapping between freeride, wave, and foil setups.

Expanded Size Range (4m–19m): The Reach now covers nearly every wind window in Florida, from light bay breezes to strong Atlantic fronts.

Cleaner Panel Layout: Streamlined stitching and smarter reinforcements reduce flutter and bulk, giving the canopy a crisp, aerodynamic look and feel.

Every update points to one goal, reduce drag, tighten feel, and increase control. The result is a kite that flies cleaner, loops tighter, and stays lighter in your hands across every discipline.

See full specs and color options on the 2025 North Reach product page or stop by Elite Watersports to see it in person.

Design and Build Quality

The 2025 North Reach feels lighter in your hands before it ever leaves the beach. Pick it up and you’ll notice the tighter frame and cleaner canopy layout. This year’s construction is all about precision, removing unnecessary bulk while improving how the kite holds shape under tension.

The 2×2 yarn canopy remains the backbone of the design. It’s proven durable through years of testing and now works with the upgraded N-Max2 Pro Dacron frame to handle gusts without stretching. North refined the canopy panel layout for a smoother load path, so the kite flexes naturally through loops and absorbs gusts with less flutter.

Reinforcements are placed only where they’re needed, wingtips, leading-edge seams, and strut junctions, keeping the weight low without sacrificing strength. You can see it in the stitching: fewer bulky overlaps, cleaner transitions, and straighter seams that hold tension evenly across the span.

Inflation and deflation are just as simple as before. The large one-pump valve fills the kite fast and locks securely, and the deflate system dumps air quickly between sessions. The leading-edge arc is slightly slimmer this year, which helps the kite sit more forward in the window and contributes to that refined, efficient feel once you’re powered.

What’s nice about this build is that it’s not trying to be delicate or exotic. It’s a performance kite designed for everyday riders, tough enough for daily use, yet light and responsive enough for serious performance sessions. North didn’t overcomplicate it; they just made it better.

At Elite Watersports, we’ve seen plenty of Reach kites hold up for hundreds of hours in Florida salt and sun. The 2025’s combination of stiffness and reduced weight feels like the best balance yet between performance and durability. It’s built for real riders, not just competition days.

On-Water Performance and Handling

Every Reach generation has carried that “do-it-all” promise, but the 2025 delivers it in a cleaner, faster way. The improvements in material stiffness and weight don’t just look good on paper, they translate directly into how the kite flies, drifts, and loops on the water.

Freeride

The Reach’s freeride performance is where most riders will feel the biggest payoff. The new N-Max2 Pro Dacron frame gives the kite a sharper, more connected feel without losing its forgiving nature. Power delivery is smooth and sheet-and-go, but now with more immediate feedback. When you edge for a jump, it releases with confidence and climbs smoothly instead of surging.

The higher aspect ratio helps with upwind drive and hangtime. The kite now flies slightly more forward in the window, which adds glide on jumps and better speed through transitions. In Tampa Bay’s choppy water, the 2025 Reach stays stable through gusts, letting you ride longer without constantly trimming or sheeting out.

If you’re looking for an all-around freeride kite that can handle Florida’s variable conditions, this one’s hard to beat. You can shop the 2025 North Reach or test it locally with our team to feel that balance yourself.

Foiling

For foilers, the 2025 Reach hits the sweet spot between power and drift. The lighter bladders and tightened canopy tension make a real difference when you’re trying to stay in the air through lulls. It maintains pressure even when sheeted out, and it turns quickly enough to loop into transitions without yanking you off balance.

In Cocoa Beach or St. Pete, where winds can fade or pulse, the Reach keeps you moving when other kites would drop. The fast, responsive steering in the “light” line setting makes it ideal for foil riders who want precision and control.

When teaching or progressing, this kite builds confidence fast, it reacts predictably, drifts steadily, and relaunches instantly.

You can book a lesson or demo a foil-specific size to feel how the 2025 holds flight through light-wind Florida sessions.

Waves

For surfboard riders, this is the most responsive Reach yet. The 2025 model pivots faster and sits farther forward in the window, which means it drifts naturally down the line and follows you through turns. Even in onshore surf, like Cocoa Beach or Jupiter, it stays active without collapsing or lagging behind.

The lighter frame and clean load path also help in cross-on conditions. You can oversheet slightly without choking the kite, and it recovers instantly when you release. The bar pressure is lighter, but not so light that you lose awareness of where the kite is. It’s exactly what you want when you’re trimming into a bottom turn and need quick input.

Big Air / Loops

North’s small refinements really shine here. The 2025 Reach carries more forward speed into loops, which gives you cleaner recovery and softer landings. The canopy holds tight, so the power comes on smoothly, no slack, no surprise yank.

The higher aspect ratio improves glide and boosts hangtime. It’s not designed to dethrone the Orbit for pure big air, but for riders who like mixing loops, freeride, and progression in one session, it’s perfect. The new steering line tuning options let you choose your feel: fast and reactive for tight loops, or more weighted for a slower, big-arc style.

We tested both 8m and 10m sizes in 20–25 knots near the Skyway Bridge, and the feedback was the same across the board, predictable power, quick turning, and a forgiving recovery that builds confidence to loop harder each time.

The takeaway? The 2025 Reach does it all, just smoother than before. Whether you’re freeriding in Tampa, foiling in Cocoa, or catching waves in Jupiter, the kite’s lighter frame and refined balance make it feel like a natural extension of your riding.

Bar Pressure, Steering Feel, and Control Options

The Reach has always been known for its light, intuitive steering, and the 2025 model takes that a step further. This year’s dual steering line setup is one of the most practical updates North has made in years, not flashy, but incredibly useful once you tune it to your preference.

You’ve got two settings at the wingtip:

Fast and Light: Best for freeride and foil sessions where you want quick response and minimal bar pressure. This setting makes transitions feel effortless, especially on smaller sizes in light wind.

Weighted and Deliberate: Adds a touch of resistance for riders who prefer to feel exactly where the kite is in the window, perfect for waves, strong wind, or big air.

That customization makes the Reach feel personal in a way most “do-it-all” kites don’t. Whether you want fingertip control or heavier bar feedback, you can set it up in minutes and feel the difference right away.

The Navigator Pro Bar remains the best match for this kite. Its precision grip, long throw, and clean depower range pair perfectly with the Reach’s responsive frame. Together, they create a setup that feels balanced and controlled in all conditions.

For Tampa Bay’s gusty west winds or the stronger Atlantic breeze off Cocoa Beach, this tuning flexibility helps the 2025 Reach stay comfortable no matter what the day brings. Sheet in, adjust your lines, and it feels like a new kite every session.

If you’re not sure which bar or steering setup fits your style, our team at Elite Watersports can help you dial it in during your next demo or lesson.

Jumping, Drift, and Relaunch

If there’s one word that sums up how the 2025 Reach behaves in the air, it’s smooth. The kite’s lighter frame and tighter canopy tension translate into lift that feels both powerful and predictable. You sheet, it lifts, no delay, no surge, just clean upward motion.

Jumping

The higher aspect ratio and reduced drag make a noticeable difference when you edge and release. The kite accelerates faster into the climb, holds tension through the apex, and glides longer on the descent. It’s not about raw height like the Orbit, it’s about usable, confident boost with soft, controlled landings.

For anyone working on jump timing or technique, the 2025 Reach gives you the forgiveness you want without dulling the feedback. It’s stable through the takeoff and forgiving on the loop catch, which helps riders progress faster without the sketchy slams.

If you’re learning to boost or refine your timing, check out our Beginner Jump Guide for Tampa Bay or our How to Jump for Beginners in St. Pete to get comfortable before your next session.

Drift

In light or variable wind, the 2025 Reach stays impressively neutral. You can let go of bar tension mid-turn and the kite will hover, following you naturally downwind. The new frame materials reduce the “sag” you sometimes felt in older models, especially when you depower mid-transition on foil or surfboard.

This makes it ideal for Cocoa Beach or any onshore spot where the wind angle shifts as you ride waves. The kite stays balanced and responsive even when your lines go slightly slack, something foilers and surf riders will instantly appreciate.

For solo sessions or self-launch setups, the Reach’s smooth drift also makes setup and safety easier. You can read more in our Self-Launch and Drift Launch Guide for best practices when you’re heading out alone.

Relaunch

Water relaunch has always been one of the Reach’s strongest traits, and the 2025 version keeps that reputation intact. The swept wingtips and balanced center strut make it nearly automatic, one line pull and it rolls over, even in light wind.

This fast relaunch isn’t just convenient, it’s a major advantage for riders progressing through new tricks or foiling in marginal conditions. You spend less time swimming and more time riding.

For newer riders or anyone fine-tuning their technique, see our Kite Relaunch Guide for clear, step-by-step visuals.

Elite also covers relaunch technique and self-rescue safety in our Tampa Bay kiteboarding lessons, perfect if you want hands-on time before buying your own setup.

Build Durability and Longevity

Durability has always been one of the quiet strengths of the Reach line, and the 2025 version keeps that reputation intact. North didn’t just chase lighter weight, they kept long-term use in mind for riders who are on the water every week.

The N-Max2 Pro Dacron doesn’t just make the kite lighter; it’s also stiffer and more resistant to stretch over time. After repeated sessions in gusty or sandy conditions, that stiffness helps the kite hold its original shape and canopy tension. You feel the difference months later when it still launches and flies like new.

The 2×2 canopy fabric is time-tested, and paired with the new frame it creates a structure that flexes just enough to absorb gusts without deforming. It’s a design philosophy built around daily riding, not delicate competition tuning.

Leading-edge seams, bridle points, and wingtips are all reinforced, not overbuilt, just intelligently supported where stress accumulates. The lighter stitching pattern also means fewer abrasion points when the kite is sitting on coarse sand, which matters for Florida’s mix of beach and shell shoreline.

With regular rinsing and smart storage, riders can expect a long life out of the 2025 Reach. Elite’s team has run earlier models for hundreds of hours in salt, heat, and UV exposure with minimal degradation. The 2025 materials feel even tougher and more stable, especially under load.

North backs the Reach with strong support and warranty coverage, but most durability comes down to rider habits, rinsing after salt sessions, drying fully, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. Treat it right, and this kite will easily handle multiple seasons of hard use across Florida’s coastal spots.

Who the 2025 North Reach Is For

The Reach has always been the kite that fits almost anyone, and the 2025 version only widens that range. It’s built for riders who want one setup that does everything well, from cruising and carving to looping and foiling, without juggling multiple kites for different conditions.

Progressing Riders:

If you’re still mastering transitions, jumps, or foiling starts, the Reach gives you confidence. Its smooth power delivery, light bar feel, and easy relaunch let you focus on progression, not recovery. The 2025 version adds just enough responsiveness to help you grow into more advanced moves without feeling twitchy or unpredictable.

Freeriders and Foilers:

For intermediate and advanced freeriders, the new N-Max2 frame and refined aspect ratio deliver clean lift and excellent drift. On a foil, it stays balanced through transitions and powers back up fast after tacks. It’s as comfortable in 10 knots as it is in 20.Big Air Kiters:If you like looping or pushing your jumps higher, the 2025 model gives more lift and forward drive than earlier years. It won’t replace the Orbit for pure big air, but it feels fast, stable, and confident enough to loop in Florida’s gusty wind.

Schools and Demo Riders:

Elite uses the Reach in lessons for a reason, it’s forgiving, stable, and relaunches instantly. The 2025 is the most refined version yet, built tough for daily school use while giving students a taste of true performance handling.

No matter your level, the 2025 Reach is the kite that keeps every session fun.

You can book a lesson or join a local demo day to feel it yourself.

Where to Demo the 2025 North Reach in Florida

The best way to understand the 2025 Reach isn’t on paper, it’s on the water. Specs tell part of the story, but the real difference shows up once you feel how fast it turns, how smoothly it lifts, and how it drifts when the wind backs off.

At Elite Watersports, you can demo the 2025 Reach across Florida’s top kite spots:

Tampa Bay and the Skyway Bridge: flat water, steady wind, ideal for freeride and foil testing.

Cocoa Beach: onshore surf that lets you feel how the kite drifts and pivots down the line.

St. Pete Beach: perfect for practicing jumps and loops in moderate, consistent wind.

Miami and the Keys: wide wind range for testing the light and high-end sizes.

We keep the latest models in our demo fleet year-round, so you can bring your current Reach, 2023, 2024, or earlier, and compare them back-to-back.

If you want to see what’s changed between years before you ride, read our full North Reach comparison guide for the evolution breakdown.

Once you’re ready to test the new one, call or text 727-800-2202 to schedule your demo or book a lesson through our team. We’ll match you with the right size and conditions for your style.

For a preview of where you’ll ride, check out our Tampa kiteboarding spots guide for launch info and local wind tips.

The Most Refined Reach Yet

The 2025 North Reach doesn’t reinvent anything, it just perfects what riders already loved. The lighter N-Max2 Pro frame, refined canopy layout, and dual steering options make it the most balanced Reach North has ever built.

What stands out is how familiar it feels. You still get that classic Reach simplicity, sheet and go, stable lift, fast relaunch, but now everything moves with a smoother rhythm. It’s cleaner through loops, lighter in your hands, and more connected through gusts.

Whether you’re foiling in 10 knots, freeriding across the Skyway slicks, or looping over St. Pete chop, the 2025 Reach delivers that do-it-all confidence that made this kite so popular in the first place.

Don’t take our word for it, ride it.