ELITE WATERSPORTS
Last updated 3-8-2024
Should I mix kiteboarding control bars?
Small changes make a big difference.
Kitesurfing control bar compatibility
This is a common question for new kiteboarders. Especially those who are on a budget. Or anyone shopping for a kiteboarding package deal. In 2024 there are loads of options to choose from. Every kiteboarding brand seems to have a range of control bars. You can choose from high-end auto unswivel bars to simple cleat bars with a rope.
The good news, is all the major kiteboarding brands offer a great kiteboarding control bar in their range. Most safety systems are universal, and for the most part, there is a lot of compatibility.
There are some things to be aware of when mixing control bars. Especially if you are looking at used kiteboarding equipment. Modern kiteboarding gear doesn’t change that much year to year but over 5 years there can be some big changes.
You also want to consider the brand and the designer. Some kites are made for a high v while others are made for a low V. It’s best to use what the kite designer intended.
Table Of Content
- The saftey system
- The pigtails & kiteline attachments
- High V vs Low V control bars
- The age of the bar
- What do we think of mixing kiteboarding control bars?
kiteboarding control bar saftey systems.
Most kite control bars will flag the kite out on the front line. If your kite and bar are newer than 2021 chances are the safety system will work. It’s best to check the user guide or brand's website to see how their safety system works.
Older control bars did use different systems so there is a chance you will lose some depower if you gamble on an older bar
Kiteboarding Control bar systems we use often
- Airush Team Bar
- Core Sensor 3s Bar
- Core Sensor 3s Pro
- North Navigator bar
- Naish Torque Bar
Make sure you are not using a 5 line kite. These are not that common but some brands do have a fifth-line safety system. Make sure the control bar is modern. Do not use an old bar to save money. Older bars can be worn down. Lines can get fragile after a few years of hard use.
We also encourage kiteboarders to use modern control bars because most modern safety systems are going to be compatible with a four-line control bar.
Kiteboarding control system pig tails
Not all brands will be compatible where the lines connect. Naish and Core have knots that will not match. The good news is you can sometimes get around this by taking the pigtails off and moving them from the front lines to the steering lines.
You can also an overhand knot on the front lines of the naish bar to make them match!
The pigtails on a kite control system are not a big deal. There are many ways to make them work. You can also get aftermarket line adapters. Pks has some great universal pigtail adaptors.
With these line adaptors, you can match any bar with any kite. There are other things to consider like where the front lines spilt.
High V Vs Low V control bars
Also called high Y or Low Y. Some kite designers build their kites specifically for a high V control bar. There are some pros and cons to this. Riders who use high V kites swear by them. They are more difficult to self-land the kite or do some light wind relaunch techniques.
Some of the pros with a high V is they have a fast pivotal turn and lighter bar pressure. You can use this to your advantage on a non high Y kite.
It’s best practice to pair a high V control bar with a High V kite. Likewise, always use a low V bar on a low V kite. Sometimes riders will use a high V control bar on a Low V kite.
Some Kiteboarding control bars and their split
- Airush Control Systems - Low Y
- Core Sensor 3s - High Y
- North Navigator - Low Y
- Naish Torque - Low Y
Depending on the brand, it probably won’t hurt the performance too much. Mixing a low V bar on a high V kite can reduce the performance the designer intended. Call the shop and we can help you out on this one.
The age of the kite and kiteboarding control bar.
This is the most important consideration when mixing kiteboarding gear. Technology changes fast. What was industry standard a few years ago, could be out of date now. Safety is important as well. Used gear is perfectly safe to use and often a good choice if you are on a budget.
It’s best to get used gear from your local kiteboarding shop. You don’t want to get something old off the internet. I’ve seen lots of new kiters find a deal that is too good to be true. Later they discover that the equipment is vintage and doesn’t even work anymore.
Why chose a modern kiteboarding control bar
- Saftey - Old bars can be dangerous.
- More likely to be cross compatible.
- You get modern componets and features.
At Elite Watersports we inspect all of our kiteboarding gear to ensure it’s safe. We can also help you mix and match kiteboarding control bars between brands and years. This is what we do and it’s generally best to consult with an expert.
Check out our used control bars here
What do we think of mixing kiteboarding control bars?
There is nothing wrong with mixing control bars but it's ideal to match brands. Matching your kite bar with your kite is the best way to make sure everything flys as the designer intended.
If you do decide to mismatch some gear, chances are everything will work just fine. Use this blog as a guide so you can ensure the bar and kite are a good match.
If you are unsure, give us a call at the shop. We can walk you though the best pairings or help you decide if a certain bar will work with your kite
We do have a wide vareity of new kiteboarding contol bars in stock. These will always be the safest and have the most ongevity.
Kiteboarding Control Bars & Kitesurfing Bars
Kiteboarding Control Bars & Kitesurfing Bars - Precision, Safety & Performance for Every Rider
Your control bar is the heart of your kiteboarding system — the direct link between you and the kite, the tool that communicates every gust, turn, and power stroke. A high-quality control bar doesn't just improve your riding; it enhances Safety, responsiveness, and overall confidence on the water.
Welcome to the Elite Water Sports Control Bars Collection, where every bar has been selected for reliability, performance, and compatibility with the kiteboarding brands riders trust most. Whether you're learning your first body drag in Tampa Bay, progressing into upwind riding at the Skyway Bridge, or sending powered loops in winter winds, the proper control bar dramatically improves your experience.
Here, you'll find the best bars from Core, North, Naish, Ozone, Reedin, and Slingshot, each engineered with advanced safety features, durable materials, and precise handling.
Why Control Bars Matter More Than Most Riders Realize
A kite is only as good as the bar controlling it. Even the highest-end kite struggles when paired with a worn-out or low-quality control system. Your bar impacts:
✔ Steering precision
✔ Power delivery
✔ Riding comfort
✔ Safety during emergencies
✔ Kite relaunching
✔ Freestyle capability
✔ Load management
Modern kiteboarding bars — like the ones featured in your product grid — include quick-release systems, clean flag-out safety mechanisms, and ultra-responsive lines that translate your movements instantly.
When you choose a premium control bar, you're investing in smoother, safer, and more controlled sessions.
Featured Bars in This Collection
Core Sensor 4 - German Precision at Its Finest
The Core Sensor 4 is one of the most advanced control systems available. Known for its ultralight carbon-infused construction, simple yet refined trim system, and unmatched safety design, the Sensor 4 offers:
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Titanium core hardware
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Auto-untwist lines
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Clean, low-drag profile
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Feather-light bar feel
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Confident single-front-line flag-out
Ideal for riders who want maximum connection and minimal weight.
Perfect for: Big air, freeride, wave, and foil riders looking for premium performance.
Ozone Contact V5 Control Bar - Clean, Simple, Reliable
Ozone is known for bulletproof engineering, and the Contact V5 is no exception. Featured prominently in your grid, this bar offers:
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Soft-coated bar ends
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Responsive power adjustments
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High-quality flying lines
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Compact safety system
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Smooth depower handling
Perfect for: Riders who appreciate minimalist, intuitive design and long-lasting durability.
North Navigator PRO Control System
Lightweight, ergonomic, and built for high-performance riders, the PRO version includes:
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Adjustable bar width
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PU-coated lines for smoother bar travel
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Refined quick-release system
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Premium lines and precision hardware
2024 North Navigator Control System & Short Throw Version
These standard models prioritize comfort and control for all skill levels, with excellent grip texture and smooth depower travel.
Perfect for: Beginner-to-pro riders across freeride, big air, and surf.
Reedin DreamStick X2 - Ultra-Light & Ultra-Responsive
The DreamStick X2 stands out in your collection for being:
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Extremely lightweight
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Incredibly responsive
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Designed with a slim grip
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Built for freestyle, freeride, and surf flow riding
The DreamStick's iconic minimalist design and premium lines make it a favourite for technical riders.
Perfect for: Freestyle, kite loops, wave riding, and advanced progression.
Slingshot Joystick V1 - Versatile & Rider-Friendly
Equipped with a rigid construction and dependable flag-out safety, the Slingshot Joystick V1 offers:
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Excellent comfort in the hand
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Strong, dependable build
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Great value for the price
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Intuitive quick-release
This control bar is excellent for intermediates and returning riders wanting dependable performance.
Control Bar Types in This Collection
✔ Freeride Control Bars
Balanced handling for everyday riding.
✔ Freestyle/Burst Bars
Fast-turning, heavily reinforced bars for loops and pop tricks.
✔ Big Air Bars
Designed with rigid frames for quick response in high-wind conditions.
✔ Foil-Specific Bars
Lightweight, minimalist designs for subtle steering.
✔ Short Throw Bars
Designed for riders with shorter reach or those seeking more sensitive sheeting control.
Key Features You'll Find Across This Collection
These bars come equipped with technology riders rely on:
Safety & Quick Releases
Modern QR systems offer fast, reliable flag-out when riders need it most.
Premium Dyneema / SK Lines
Low-stretch, high-strength lines for precise performance.
Trim Options (Clamcleat / Strap / Depower Handles)
Smooth options for power adjustments during riding.
Auto-Unswivel Technology
Keeps lines tangle-free.
Comfort Grip & Ergonomic Shapes
Minimises hand fatigue during long sessions.
Adjustable Bar Width
Ensures optimised handling across different kite sizes.
Who These Bars Are Perfect For
✔ Beginners
Simple, forgiving systems like the North Navigator or Slingshot Joystick.
✔ Intermediate Riders
Bars with more refined trim systems and smoother sheeting (Ozone Contact V5).
✔ Advanced Freeriders / Big Air Riders
Fast-response bars like the Sensor 4, DreamStick X2, and Navigator PRO.
✔ Wave & Foil Riders
Lightweight bars with excellent finesse and reduced inertia.
Why Buy Control Bars From Elite Water Sports?
✔ Expert Knowledge, Instructor-Backed Advice
Our team uses these bars daily in St. Petersburg conditions — we help you pick the right one for your kite model, style, reach, and skill level.
✔ Trusted Brands Only
CORE, North, Naish, Ozone, Reedin, Slingshot — the most reliable names in kiteboarding.
✔ Local Pickup & Fast Nationwide Shipping
From our shop to your doorstep—fast, flexible, and always reliable.
✔ Hands-On Setup Help
We'll help you rig your new bar, calibrate line lengths, and test flag-out systems.
✔ Perfect Compatibility Assurance
We ensure your bar properly matches your kite brand and safety system.
How to Choose the Right Control Bar
1. Match the Bar to Your Kite Brand
While universal bars exist, brand-specific pairings provide optimal performance and the safest flag-out.
2. Choose the Right Width
Smaller bars = faster kites
Larger bars = slower, more controlled turning
3. Determine Your Discipline
Freeride, big air, foiling, or surf — each has ideal features.
4. Check Your Safety Needs
Always choose a bar with a dependable, intuitive quick-release.
5. Comfort Grip is Critical
A grip that fits your hands reduces fatigue.
Upgrade Your Riding With a High-Performance Bar
Your control bar makes more of a difference in your riding than almost any other piece of equipment. With Elite Water Sports' collection of top-tier control bars — hand-selected, rider-tested, and optimised for Florida's conditions — you can enjoy smoother power delivery, more precise steering, safer sessions, and faster progression.
Explore the collection today to find the perfect bar for your kite, your style, and your next session.
Ride smarter.
Ride safer.
Ride with Elite.
Need help with gear or booking a lesson?
Elite Watersports has served the St Petersburg area for years. They offer kiteboarding and wingsurfing lessons. They also have a retail shop equpit with all of the latest kitesurfing gear.
If you need help give us a call. .
(727)-800-2202
Author
Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic
Tags
Kiteboarding Tampa
Kiteboarding control bars
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