North Orbit Kite Review: Big Air Freeride Performance & Next-Level Boosting Control
The North Orbit has quickly cemented itself as one of the most trusted big air kites in the world. Known for its massive hangtime, reliable loop catch, and five-strut stability, it’s become a go-to choice for riders chasing height, control, and confidence in challenging wind conditions. Whether you’re boosting in butter-flat bays or going full send in stormy chop, the Orbit delivers vertical lift with the structure to back it up.
In this review, we break down the Orbit across multiple versions—from the original model to the refined Orbit Pro and the ultra-responsive Orbit Ultra—all based on firsthand testing by Aaron of Elite Watersports in St. Petersburg, Florida.
“We’ve tested it in hurricane conditions, 20 knots of breeze, and everywhere in between,” says Aaron. “There’s nothing better for big air and loops when you want absolute confidence in your kite.”
This is more than a spec sheet overview—it’s a deep, technical, rider-informed review meant to help you choose the right Orbit model for your riding style, local conditions, and progression goals.
Let’s get into what makes the Orbit so powerful—and why it might be your next favorite big air kite.
What Makes the North Orbit a Top Big Air Kite?
Why is the North Orbit so popular for big air? It comes down to trust, control, and pure vertical performance. The Orbit was built for riders who want to go big without second-guessing what their kite will do at the apex of a jump or mid-loop. With each evolution, North has fine-tuned that formula. The result? A five-strut big air machine with loop reliability, dialed-in feedback, and a growing cult following in both freeride and pro-level scenes.
Five-Strut Frame for Rock-Solid Stability
The Orbit's signature five-strut structure provides unmatched rigidity, even when overpowered. It doesn’t flutter. It doesn’t fold. This means you can ride at the upper end of its wind range—perfect for storm sessions or sending in gusty Florida wind—without the kite losing its shape.
“The speed of the kite was much faster,” says Aaron after demoing the Orbit Pro. “All my loops were caught a little earlier. I was instantly dialed in.”
That immediate comfort and response is a testament to its structure. Riders can edge hard and send big with minimal lag.
Canopy and Bridle Refinements: A More Dynamic Loop
In the Pro and Ultra models, North has reworked:
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Bridle positioning
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Strut geometry
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Dacron tension
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Wingtip settings
These changes reduce drag and allow the kite to fly deeper into the wind window, which translates to smoother loops, faster climbs, and more dynamic lift.
“They changed all the bridles to thinner, more aerodynamic lines,” Aaron explains. “They changed where the struts are placed, how the wingtip is built. It’s a full performance upgrade.”
Who the Orbit Is Built For
The standard Orbit is suitable for a wide range of riders, from confident intermediates to advanced loopers. But the Orbit Pro and Orbit Ultra are laser-focused on progression-oriented riders.
“If you feel like you’re at the limits of the standard Orbit,” Aaron says, “go with the Pro. It’s not going to be the kite that’s holding you back.”
These kites are for riders who:
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Are jumping consistently and looking to go higher
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Want predictable catch in big loops
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Value fast kite speed with stable lift
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Ride in powered or stormy conditions
Whether you’re lining up board-offs at Skyway Bridge or trying your first heli loop at Fort De Soto, the Orbit platform gives you a controlled launchpad—and the tools to push higher.
How Does the North Orbit Handle in Light vs Strong Wind?
One of the Orbit’s strongest features is how confidently it performs across a wide wind range. Whether you’re cruising in 15 knots or edging into 30+, this kite holds its shape, delivers feedback, and doesn’t ask you to compensate for sloppy handling. That’s critical in Florida, where conditions can swing from light seabreeze to unexpected storm sessions in a single afternoon.
Balanced Bar Feel Across the Range
In both the Orbit Pro and Orbit Ultra, the kite's bar pressure remains light, but still delivers clear, connected feedback. You always know where the kite is—even mid-loop or inverted—which makes it ideal for both freeride and loop-heavy sessions.
“Crazy fast… awesome control… awesome bar pressure,” said Kyle from Elite Watersports after riding the Ultra in 30 knots.
The lightness of the bar doesn’t mean the kite is twitchy. It stays stable and intentional, even when the wind kicks up. This means you can focus on your edge, timing, and trick—not micromanaging the kite’s position.
Tested in Florida's Full Wind Spectrum
From flatwater freeride to gusty storm conditions, the Orbit has been tested across the full Florida spectrum. Aaron and the Elite Watersports team rode the Ultra and Pro versions in everything from smooth 20-knot breezes to hurricane-force wind.
“We’ve tested it in hurricane conditions and 20 knots... full range for the 9m,” Aaron explains. “It’s mind-blowingly connected. You feel like the kite is just part of you.”
In lighter wind, the standard Orbit performs well for most riders, with better low-end power and easy relaunch. But once the wind picks up—and you’re chasing big jumps or technical loops—the Orbit Pro and Ultra deliver more forward drive and structural control.
Size Recommendations for Florida Riders
For most riders in the Gulf Coast region:
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12m is ideal for 12–18 knots
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9m for 18–30 knots
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7m or 8m Ultra for storm sessions or smaller riders
The kite’s fast steering and predictable climb make it ideal for looping in 20+ knots, while still staying forgiving enough for gusts and lulls.
Whether you're riding butter-flat water at East Beach or chasing wind swell off Fort De Soto, the Orbit delivers a confident, smooth ride that responds consistently—no matter the wind strength.
Is the North Orbit Beginner-Friendly or Built for Pros?
The Orbit has a reputation for being a big air beast—but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach for newer riders. In fact, one of its biggest strengths is that it’s predictable and intuitive, even as your skills progress. That said, not every version is built for the same type of rider. The earlier models were aimed at only advanced riders but the current version has considered regular weekend warriors. We should note that entry level riders and people who are into air but not trying to get woo scores might consider the reach as an easier alternative. The orbit will not have the same low end as that kite. It's built for high winds not light. That said, this actually comes down to the riders skill more than the gear.
“It’s not going to be the kite that’s holding you back,” Aaron says. “But you should choose the version that matches your current riding level.”
Here’s how the lineup breaks down.
Standard Orbit: Great for Confident Intermediates
The standard Orbit is the most versatile of the three models. With its stable frame and smooth relaunch, it’s an excellent kite for confident intermediates looking to grow into big air, loops, or old-school tricks like board-offs and boosts. It provides great vertical lift without feeling overpowered or twitchy.
Ideal for riders who:
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Are consistently upwind
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Are landing jumps and building height
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Want to progress into loops with confidence
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Appreciate a stable, forgiving canopy
Orbit Pro: For Riders Pushing Limits
The Orbit Pro is lighter, faster, and more aggressive. It sacrifices some adjustability for tighter performance—it’s built to loop, catch, and handle speed.
“It’s geared toward the rider that’s pushing the limits,” Aaron explains. “Not so much the rider who’s just getting into big air.”
It’s not that beginners can’t fly it—it’s just that it demands cleaner technique. If you’re not ready to commit to hard sends and loop transitions, the Pro might feel twitchy or fast.
Orbit Ultra: Built for Elite Progression
The Orbit Ultra is the most advanced version, built with alula material for storm-chasing durability and insane responsiveness. It’s ultra-light, ultra-rigid, and designed for full-send conditions.
“It’s mind-blowing how connected you are with this kite,” Aaron says. “But it’s not made for everybody.”
This model is best reserved for riders who are already looping confidently and want a kite that will keep up in 30+ knots.
Bottom Line: Can Beginners Use the Orbit?
Yes—but with the right setup. The standard Orbit is one of the most forgiving big air platforms on the market. Newer riders who are jumping, edging confidently, and ready to level up will find it supportive and inspiring. The Pro and Ultra are better saved for riders chasing maximum height, speed, and loop progression. The North Reach is a better choice for beginners but not your only option.
Looping Confidence: Can You Trust the Orbit in Kite Loops?
Kite loops are a serious commitment. Once you send it, there’s no turning back—and you need a kite that will catch you, not drop you. This is exactly why the North Orbit has earned its place as one of the most trusted loop kites in the freeride world.
“All my loops were caught a little earlier,” Aaron noted after testing the Orbit Pro. “It was instantaneously dialed in.”
Predictable Catch and Smooth Climb
One of the biggest fears riders have with loops is being left in freefall if the kite stalls or doesn’t climb quickly enough. The Orbit's geometry, bridles, and five-strut frame are all built to avoid that. It climbs with control, consistently returning to zenith—even in powered, low kite loops or heli loops.
This level of loop confidence is what separates the Orbit from kites that feel unpredictable or overly twitchy.
Loop Speed & Wind Window Position
Thanks to improvements in bridle and strut placement in the Pro and Ultra models, the kite loops faster and flies further forward in the window—ideal for vertical loops and clean exit lines. This makes it a serious tool for progressing from standard sends to full megaloops and rotational loops.
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Pro model: Faster loops, lighter feel, still very stable
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Ultra model: Fastest loop and catch combo in the Orbit lineup
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Standard Orbit: Slightly slower loop, but excellent for learning timing
Sent Loops vs Aggressive Freestyle Loops
The Orbit handles both styles, but riders pushing advanced tricks—like S-loops or kite loop board-offs—will especially benefit from the Pro or Ultra’s faster steering and tighter arc. But for riders just learning loops or sticking to classic sent jumps, the standard Orbit is still plenty capable.
Whether you're learning your first loop or perfecting your fifth rotation, the Orbit is built to take the guesswork out of looping—and replace it with consistency and confidence.
Boosting Performance & Hangtime with the North Orbit
If you’re after that classic “Orbit feeling”—big vertical lift, floaty air time, and smooth landings—this is where the kite truly delivers. From the original model to the Pro and Ultra, the Orbit has always prioritized boost height, hangtime, and descent control—giving freeride and big air riders the confidence to go higher and stay in the air longer.
Vertical Lift vs Float: How the Orbit Balances Both
The Orbit isn’t just about yanking you upward—it’s about suspending you at the apex. Its profile creates a strong upward pull while maintaining excellent downwind drift. This gives you time to tweak grabs, land softly, or prepare for transitions midair.
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Standard Orbit: Long, smooth hangtime and great lift on basic jumps
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Orbit Pro: Sharper send, more explosive takeoff
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Orbit Ultra: Lightest feel in the air, with added responsiveness during descent
“When I was coming down fast doing heli loops,” Evan said, “it almost gives me a second boost up in the air.”
Controlled Descent = More Progression
Whether you’re learning board-offs or dialing in your first rotations, the Orbit’s ability to catch you gently builds trust. You’re less likely to get slammed on landings or lose spatial awareness mid-jump—critical for learning safely.
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Heliloops and kite repositioning feel natural
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The kite climbs back up reliably—even in variable wind
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Riders feel oriented and in control through the entire jump arc
Bonus Height with Line Extensions
As Aaron noted, adding 2-meter line extensions can help push your Orbit even higher:
“The extra two meters on the North bar makes 24m lines… and that’s allowing you to get bigger air time and go through the roof.”
It’s not mandatory—but for riders chasing WOO scores or personal bests, it’s a worthwhile tweak.
When it comes to big air performance, the Orbit continues to set the benchmark: vertical power, buttery float, and landings that don’t punish. It’s a boost machine with brains—and it only gets better as your skills progress.
How Does the North Orbit Compare to Other Freeride Kites?
In the crowded world of big air and freeride kites, the North Orbit competes head-to-head with some of the industry’s most trusted platforms. Riders often ask how it stacks up against alternatives like the Core XR Pro, Duotone Rebel, or Cabrinha FX2. The short answer? The Orbit holds its own—and in many cases, it outshines the competition in control, predictability, and versatility.
“It was instantaneously dialed in,” Aaron said of the Pro. “Riders who’d never flown North before were landing their tricks right away.”
That’s not something you can say about every high-performance kite.
North Orbit vs. Core XR Pro
Core XR Pro: Engineered for riders aiming for extreme big air performance, the XR Pro features an Aluula airframe, offering a lighter and stiffer structure. This design helps with responsiveness and control, delivering more lift and the hangtime you need. The kite's tight steering and stability make it a top choice for experienced riders pushing their limits.
North Orbit: The Orbit is renowned for its user-friendly nature, providing lighter bar pressure and smoother steering. It's particularly approachable for riders new to kite loops, offering a more forgiving experience while still delivering impressive big air capabilities. The Orbit excels in providing a balanced combination of performance and accessibility. We still use this kite to break woo records.
Bottom Line: Choose the XR Pro if you're an advanced rider seeking unparalleled big air performance with precise control. Opt for the Orbit if you prefer a more accessible kite that still offers significant boosting potential and a smoother ride.
North Orbit vs. Airush Lift V3
Airush Lift V3: Designed with a focus on big air and performance freeride, the Lift V3 boasts a stable five-strut frame and a compact single pulley bridle system. This setup provides explosive power, smooth kite loops, and remarkable lift and hangtime. The kite's stability and control make it suitable for riders aiming to push their big air progression. It's hard to explain the feel behind this kite but for a good rider, it's like going from a manual to a performance stick shift. Thats an old analogy for freestyle kites but this is a unique animal in the big air world. The loops feel glorious, the hang time is great and it caters to new riders somehow. It's similar but different feel to the Orbit. Some long time orbit riders felt the parallels instantly but you get a unique feel with the bridal system and the way loops feel almost automatic. The best way to describe it would be you're using a manual transmission until you loop then it kicks into auto pilot.
North Orbit: The Orbit offers a more intuitive launch and catch arc, with a lighter feel in the sky. It's designed to be more forgiving, making it an excellent choice for riders who are progressing in their big air journey and seeking a kite that supports smoother loops and easier handling.
Bottom Line: The Lift V3 is ideal for riders focused on maximizing their big air performance with a stable and powerful kite. Riders who want to be in control but need a competition loop on autopilot. The Orbit is better suited for those seeking a more approachable kite that facilitates progression with smoother handling and a lighter feel without giving up competition level big air. Both kites are competition ready but take different paths to get there.
North Orbit vs. North Reach
North Reach: As a versatile, all-around kite, the Reach excels in various disciplines, including freeride, wave riding, and foiling. It features a lightweight three-strut frame, offering snappy turns, wide wind range, and smooth power delivery. The Reach is particularly beginner-friendly, providing easy handling and excellent water relaunch capabilities. This is the bread and butter beginner kite with good big air capabilities.
North Orbit: While also versatile, the Orbit is more specialized towards big air performance. It delivers higher boosts and more dynamic loops, catering to riders looking to advance their aerial maneuvers. intermediate to advanced riders focused on big air and not all disciplines should go for the orbit.
Bottom Line: Select the Reach if you're a beginner or intermediate rider seeking a do-it-all kite that's forgiving and easy to handle. Choose the Orbit if you're aiming to elevate your big air skills with a kite designed for higher jumps and more responsive loops.
Why the Orbit Wins for Most Riders
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Accessible handling across skill levels
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Five-strut frame = unmatched stability in gusts
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Fast loop recovery with less commitment risk
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Versatile size range and Florida-friendly wind compatibility
It’s the kite that stays with you—from first loops to full send sessions—and keeps pushing your ceiling without punishing mistakes.
Build Quality & Durability – How Long Will the Orbit Last?
North’s Orbit lineup isn’t just built to boost—it’s built to last through years of heavy riding. From the standard model to the Ultra, durability and construction quality have improved with every iteration.
“They’ve added seams where the canopy was bagging out,” Aaron explains. “It’s all about prolonging the life expectancy.”
Canopy & Material Upgrades
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Triple ripstop nylon in the Ultra model stiffens the canopy and resists fatigue
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Strategic seam placement prevents stretch over time
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New Dacron placement improves efficiency without compromising strength
Lighter Weight Without Sacrificing Structure
While the Orbit Ultra uses alula materials for weight reduction, it doesn’t feel fragile. Instead, it’s more rigid in flight while staying light in hand—ideal for storm chasing and travel.
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Micro LE construction = high PSI without flex
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Reinforced bridle points improve loop tension and longevity
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Clampless outer struts save weight without weakening the frame
Extra Details Riders Appreciate
North now includes:
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QR-coded tracking to register ownership
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Upgraded bag with zipper guards and accessory pouches
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2m line extensions for added boosting potential
Best Conditions & Locations to Ride the North Orbit in Florida
The North Orbit performs best when powered—and Florida’s Gulf Coast offers some of the most ideal conditions for this kite’s style of riding. From steady seabreezes to storm sessions, the Orbit handles the range and rewards riders who want to send it higher.
“We’ve tested it in hurricane conditions and 20 knots,” says Aaron. “It flies clean through the full range.”
Best Florida Wind Ranges for the Orbit
Note: All big air kites are better when powered and will not have the same low end or lightwind as an all around kite.
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12m: 15–20 knots – perfect for flatwater boosting at Skyway
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9m: 18–28 knots – ideal for loops, board-offs, and high send sessions
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7m/8m Ultra: 25–35 knots – for storm chasers and advanced riders
More Kite Reviews from Elite Watersports
Elite Watersports doesn’t just sell kites—we ride them, test them, and review them in real Florida conditions. If you're comparing the North Orbit to other big air or freeride options, check out these hands-on reviews:
Is the New Boxer Good for Lightwind and Foiling?
2025 Naish Psycho Review: Big Air, Bold Design, and Surprising Versatility
Features & Expert Insights of the Prolimit Kiteboarding Harness
These reviews are part of a growing library aimed at helping riders choose gear that matches their style, wind conditions, and skill goals.
Should You Buy the North Orbit? Final Thoughts from Elite Watersports
If you’re serious about big air progression, the North Orbit is one of the most dialed, dependable kites on the market. Whether you’re riding the original, stepping into the Pro, or sending it with the Ultra, this kite offers power, precision, and confidence you can feel.
“It’s not going to be the kite that’s holding you back,” says Aaron.
Ready to fly it for yourself? Book a demo session or drop by Elite Watersports in St. Pete—we’ll match you with the right size, the right setup, and real coaching if you want it. Ride before you buy, or test your limits with Florida’s favorite big air kite.
These touches reflect a thoughtful approach to longevity, protection, and performance.
If you’re investing in a kite that’ll stay with you for years—and grow with your riding level—the Orbit checks every box from materials to session wear.
Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic:
Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing expert and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. An avid waterman, he's passionate and knowledgeable about all things watersports from wing foil to wake. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.
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