North Reach Review vs Core Pace Review (2025 Buyer’s Comparison in Tampa Bay)
The 2025 North Reach vs Core Pace review shows how each kite delivers freeride performance in different ways. The Reach is lighter, more versatile, and beginner-friendly for riders progressing past lessons, while the Pace offers sharper control, durability, and advanced looping power. Both are top freeride kites for Florida conditions, and you can demo them locally with Elite Watersports in Tampa Bay.
North Reach Review vs Core Pace Review (2025 Buyer’s Comparison)
Choosing the right freeride kite can feel overwhelming, especially when two of the most talked-about models for 2025 are designed to cover similar ground. Riders in Florida want gear that handles light Gulf winds, holds steady in winter fronts, and still feels playful in the surf. That’s why the North Reach and Core Pace stand out: both promise all-around freeride performance, but in very different ways.
Looking for the best freeride kite of 2025? Our in-depth North Reach vs Core Pace review breaks down performance, wave riding, foiling, durability, and value. You will learn which kite fits your style and where to demo both in Tampa Bay with Elite Watersports.
This guide is built for intermediate to advanced kiters who want real insight, not just specs. Whether you are cruising flatwater at the Skyway, looping hard in Clearwater, or mixing freeride with foiling sessions, we will help you understand the differences so you can choose the kite that makes sense for your riding.
What makes the 2025 North Reach different from past models?
If you’ve followed the Reach over the past few years, you know it’s always been North’s go-to freeride machine. The 2025 North Reach takes that foundation and makes a few smart upgrades that Tampa Bay riders will notice right away.
Bridle and profile updates give the new Reach a more balanced feel through the bar. The steering response is cleaner, which makes transitions and jumps smoother. This is the kind of refinement that doesn’t just matter to pro riders, it’s noticeable for anyone who’s progressing past the basics and wants a kite that reacts intuitively.
Materials have also been refined to reduce overall weight without sacrificing durability. That lighter frame makes the 2025 Reach quicker to relaunch in light wind and more playful in the surf, especially when you’re carving small Gulf waves or chasing a sea breeze session at Sunset Beach.
Because of these changes, the Reach has cemented itself as North’s most versatile freeride kite. It covers a wide range of styles, from hooked-in freeride cruising to casual wave riding and even foiling. For Florida riders who need one kite to do it all, the 2025 Reach fits that role better than ever.
That versatility also makes it one of the most progression-friendly kites on the market. It’s forgiving enough that newer riders can keep building skills after their first few sessions, but it has the performance ceiling to keep up with advanced kiters looping big over the Skyway. If you’re still in the learning curve, pairing a Reach with structured kiteboarding lessons in Tampa Bay is a strong path to faster, smoother progression.
How does the Core Pace compare to the North Reach in freeride performance?
The Core Pace is Core’s answer to the growing demand for an all-around freeride kite, and it comes into 2025 positioned as a strong rival to the North Reach. Where the Reach leans toward smooth, forgiving versatility, the Pace is tuned with a slightly sharper edge that advanced riders will appreciate.
In freeride cruising, the Core Pace feels more direct through the bar. The steering input is crisp, and the kite delivers power in a very controlled way. That precision gives riders confidence when loading up for jumps or setting up a kiteloop. Compared to the Reach, which flows into power more gradually, the Pace gives you a bit more punch when you want to send it.
For everyday riding in Tampa Bay, the Reach will reward kiters who want a playful, relaxed kite that can drift into waves or cover a wide style range. The Pace, on the other hand, is more performance-focused, particularly for kiters who are already looping, boosting, or experimenting with unhooked tricks.
Where the North Reach stands out for accessibility, the Core Pace excels in consistency and control at speed. If you are freeriding across flat water spots like the Skyway or East Beach, you will feel how steady the Pace locks into the wind window. That stability translates into confidence when pushing into bigger conditions or when the wind gets gusty.
Overall, both are excellent freeride kites, but the difference lies in rider preference. If you want smooth versatility that grows with you, the Reach still has the edge. If you are already progressing into higher performance freeride and looping, the Pace gives you that extra precision and control.
Which kite is better for big air and kite loops?
If you are chasing height and power in 2025, both the North Reach and Core Pace can take you there, but they deliver it in slightly different ways.
The North Reach has always been known for its sheet-and-go lift. In the 2025 model, that boost is even cleaner thanks to the updated bridle. You can expect smooth takeoffs and reliable hangtime, which makes it an excellent choice for riders who love going big without worrying about kite unpredictability. For intermediate kiters who are just starting to loop, the Reach’s forgiving recovery makes it one of the easiest kites to trust when sending your first rotations.
The Core Pace is built with loops in mind. It generates explosive pull and whips through the window faster than the Reach. That speed and power means riders who already feel comfortable looping will get more adrenaline from the Pace. You also get more feedback through the bar, which lets you commit to bigger, more aggressive tricks with confidence.
For the Tampa Bay scene, it comes down to rider type. If you are boosting over flat water at the Skyway or just looking to maximize hangtime in Clearwater’s cleaner winds, the Reach will give you smooth, floaty jumps that never feel sketchy. If you are hunting mega loops on strong winter days at East Beach or want the extra punch in gusty conditions, the Pace edges ahead as the more aggressive tool.
Both kites earn their place in the big air category, but the difference is progression level. The Reach is ideal if you are building toward bigger jumps and want consistency as you learn. The Pace is for riders who are already looping hard and want a kite that matches their ambition.
North Reach vs Core Pace for wave riding and surf conditions
When the surf turns on in Florida, your kite choice makes a big difference in how fluid and fun the session feels. Both the 2025 North Reach and Core Pace can handle Gulf surf and Atlantic trips, but they emphasize different sides of wave performance.
The North Reach has always been one of North’s most drift-friendly kites, and the 2025 updates sharpen that trait. The lighter frame and refined bridle let it sit deeper in the window, so when you’re carving down the line at Sunset Beach or Pass-a-Grille, the kite drifts smoothly without yanking you off the wave. Its easy relaunch also comes in handy when a shore break eats your board, you won’t waste energy trying to get the kite back up. For riders who mix freeride cruising with the occasional surf mission, the Reach delivers playful, forgiving performance.
The Core Pace rides waves with more precision. Its direct bar feel and tighter turning speed let you place the kite exactly where you want it. That makes it ideal for more technical surf sessions, like threading cleaner lines on a solid north swell or riding punchier conditions on the Atlantic side. The tradeoff is that the Pace demands more input; it rewards riders who are active on the bar and comfortable working the kite aggressively while carving.
For Tampa Bay and Gulf riders, the Reach will feel more natural for casual surf play, it drifts well, doesn’t punish mistakes, and doubles as your go-to freeride kite. The Pace is better suited for riders who see surf conditions as an arena for performance: tighter hacks, powered carves, and keeping the kite in sync with fast-moving waves.
Takeaway: If you want relaxed surf handling and easy drift for those glassy Gulf sessions, the North Reach is the friendlier choice. If you’re chasing sharper control and plan to push harder in surf, the Core Pace gives you the precision edge.
Is the Core Pace or North Reach better for foiling?
Foiling puts unique demands on a kite. You want something that’s stable in the sky, drifts without collapsing, and delivers smooth, controllable power instead of jerky surges. Both the North Reach and Core Pace can foil, but they serve different rider styles.
The North Reach is the more approachable foiling kite. Its light frame and efficient profile let it stay aloft in minimal wind, which is critical when you’re trying to get up on the foil in 8–12 knots. The bar pressure is moderate and forgiving, so when you’re pumping the board or adjusting stance, the kite doesn’t punish you with abrupt power spikes. Drift is another big plus — when you carve downwind on a foil at Sunset Beach or around the Skyway flats, the Reach follows smoothly without dropping. For riders who want to add foiling to their freeride quiver, the Reach feels intuitive and user-friendly.
The Core Pace foils with a more technical edge. It’s faster through the window, and the bar feedback is more direct. That precision means experienced foilers can position the kite exactly where they want for advanced maneuvers or aggressive carves. However, it’s less forgiving if you make a mistake. If you’re new to foiling, the Pace’s sharper feel can be a hurdle. If you’re already comfortable and want to push your foil riding harder — especially in stronger wind or when mixing in jumps and transitions — the Pace rewards skill with control.
For Tampa Bay riders looking to expand into foiling, the North Reach is the easier gateway, keeping light-wind sessions accessible and progression smoother. The Core Pace is better for foilers who already have the basics dialed and want to unlock precision in higher-performance conditions.
Takeaway: Choose the Reach if foiling is a new chapter in your riding and you want an easy, stable kite to learn with. Choose the Pace if you’re an experienced foiler aiming for more technical performance.
(Still unsure which kite will foil better for you? Book a demo at Elite Watersports and foil both in real Tampa Bay conditions before you buy.)
Build quality and materials: Core Pace vs North Reach 2025
Durability and construction are two areas where North and Core take slightly different approaches, and for riders investing in a 2025 freeride kite, that difference matters.
The North Reach uses a lighter-weight frame with updated materials for 2025, which gives it a quicker, more playful feel in the air. That reduced weight shows up in relaunch and in wave performance, but some riders may notice it doesn’t feel quite as “bulletproof” as heavier builds. North’s focus is on responsiveness, you get a kite that feels lively session after session, even in light wind, but you’ll want to take care of it to preserve that crisp feel.
The Core Pace, on the other hand, leans into Core’s reputation for long-lasting construction. The heavy-duty Dacron and precision seams give the kite a stiffer frame and a sense of stability even in gusty Tampa Bay conditions. Riders who push harder, looping in stronger winds or traveling frequently with gear, may value that extra durability. The tradeoff is a bit more weight, which can slightly affect drift and light-wind handling compared to the Reach.
Both brands stand behind their build quality, but the contrast is clear: the Reach prioritizes lightweight performance, while the Pace emphasizes longevity and stiffness. The right choice depends on whether you value liveliness or durability more in your riding.
If you’re weighing gear quality and care tips, check out our tips and tricks blog for advice on keeping your kite in top shape all season.
Who should choose the North Reach vs the Core Pace? (Rider profiles)
Both kites are designed for freeride performance, but they cater to slightly different personalities on the water. Understanding where you are in your riding and what kind of sessions you love most makes it easier to decide between them.
The North Reach is a match for riders who want one kite that does a little bit of everything. If your week includes cruising flatwater at the Skyway, sneaking into small surf at Sunset Beach, and maybe trying a foil session on light-wind days, the Reach adapts easily. It is also progression friendly, which means if you are just past your kiteboarding lessons in Tampa Bay, the Reach will support your growth without holding you back as your skills improve.
The Core Pace attracts riders who lean more toward performance. If you are already looping confidently, boosting with commitment, or wanting a kite that feels rock solid in gusty winds, the Pace brings that sharper edge. Advanced freeriders in Clearwater’s cleaner winds or at East Beach during a winter front will appreciate the control and direct feedback it delivers.
In short, the Reach fits the rider who values versatility and progression across multiple disciplines, while the Pace fits the rider who is focused on high performance and consistency once they already have a strong foundation. Both overlap, but your style and local conditions will tip the balance.
If you are still unsure where you fit, Elite’s demo program gives you the chance to ride both kites in real Florida conditions. Exploring options before buying is one of the best ways to figure out which design feels natural to you.
North Reach vs Core Pace price and value comparison
When riders start comparing kites seriously, price often becomes part of the decision. Both the North Reach and Core Pace sit in the premium freeride category, but their value shows up in slightly different ways.
The North Reach is positioned as North’s versatile, all-rounder freeride kite, and its pricing reflects that accessibility. Riders in Tampa Bay who want one kite that can freeride, drift in waves, and even dabble in foiling will see a lot of value in how many styles the Reach covers. Instead of building a larger quiver, the Reach stretches further into different riding conditions, which can save money for kiters who only want to own one or two kites.
The Core Pace typically comes in at a higher price point, and that difference is partly tied to Core’s build philosophy. The Pace uses heavy-duty materials and precision construction, which makes it feel solid and dependable for longer. For riders who loop hard or ride in stronger Gulf winds and want a kite that maintains its crisp feel after multiple seasons, that investment can pay off over time.
It is also worth noting that resale value often trends slightly higher for Core kites. Riders upgrading after a season or two may find the Pace holds its price better in the used market. North kites, while still respected, tend to move faster when listed secondhand but often at a slightly lower resale price compared to Core.
So which offers better value? If your goal is maximum versatility and progression for the price, the North Reach delivers. If your priority is durability, resale, and performance consistency, the Core Pace justifies its higher price tag.
For current pricing and to explore sizes available, visit our kite collection.
Where to demo the North Reach and Core Pace in Tampa Bay
Reading reviews and watching videos helps, but the real difference between the North Reach and Core Pace comes through when you put them in the sky. That is why Elite Watersports offers riders in Tampa Bay the chance to demo both kites in local conditions.
Demo sessions usually run from our St. Petersburg shop, with easy access to flatwater training grounds at the Skyway and East Beach. These spots are perfect for freeride comparisons, where you can feel how the Reach’s smoother power delivery stacks up against the Pace’s sharper feedback. On Gulf wind days, we also organize surf and wave demos at places like Sunset Beach, Pass-a-Grille, or Treasure Island, so riders can test drift, relaunch, and carving performance in small surf.
Florida conditions are unique. Light summer seabreezes, gusty winter fronts, and everything in between mean your kite choice needs to line up with how and where you ride most. Testing both the Reach and Pace in those exact conditions gives you clarity you cannot get from online specs alone.
To learn more about upcoming demo days, check our events blog or reach out directly to schedule a session. Elite’s team will set you up with the right size kite, walk you through setup, and give you on-the-water feedback to help you make the best decision for your riding.
North Reach vs Core Pace in 2025
Both the 2025 North Reach and Core Pace have proven themselves as top freeride kites, but the best choice depends on what kind of rider you are and the conditions you ride in most. The Reach is lighter, more versatile, and progression friendly, an ideal fit for riders who want one kite that does it all across freeride, waves, and even foiling. The Pace is stiffer, more precise, and performance driven, a natural choice for kiters who are already looping hard, boosting big, or chasing aggressive freeride control.
At the end of the day, nothing beats testing them yourself. If you are in Florida, you can ride both kites in real conditions through Elite’s demo program and decide which feels like the better match.
For more on building your quiver and staying tuned into the latest gear, explore these resources:
FAQ: North Reach vs Core Pace
Is the North Reach good for beginners?
Yes, the Reach is forgiving and intuitive while still offering enough performance to grow into. It works well for riders who have just finished lessons and want a kite that will keep up as they progress.
Does the Core Pace replace the Nexus for freeride?
The Pace has become Core’s leading all-around freeride kite. It overlaps with the Nexus but brings more consistency, direct bar feel, and loop performance for intermediate and advanced riders.
Which kite lasts longer: Core Pace or North Reach?
Both are built to last, but Core emphasizes durability with heavier materials and stiffer construction. North focuses on lightweight responsiveness. If long-term stiffness is your priority, the Pace has the edge; if playful performance matters more, the Reach delivers.
Which kite is better for light wind in Florida?
The North Reach typically gets on the water earlier thanks to its lightweight frame and efficient profile. The Core Pace performs better once the wind fills in, especially for powered freeride or looping sessions.
Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic
Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing expert, and Airush team rider and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. When he's not writing articles or producing kite videos you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.
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