Choosing the right kite can be tricky, especially with so many great options from North.
Kiteboarding kites can be confusing. There are tons of models and brands make it complicated. The urge to sell to everyone means they often make all kites sound like do it all kites. This is true to a fault as most kites are versatile now but realistically all kites are built for a specific use case, sometimes with crossovers and they are built for a specific rider. Moreover, we find there are categories that every brand falls into. Years ago when I used to review gear, I found that grouping kites helped me see the nuances between then. For example, every brand has a wave kite, a big air kite, a freeride kite, a freestyle kite, a lightwind kite, and a single or no strut kite.
We find it helps to understand what each model is built for. North Kiteboarding specifically designs each kite with a specific riding style in mind, freeride, big air, wave, freestyle, foil, and while some overlap, they all have their own personality on the water. I’ve found that personalty also changes year to year. Sometimes only a little, other times the gap is big. Like when they made the orbit less pro and more user friendly.
This guide breaks it all down in plain language. No tech manual talk, no overhyped marketing. Just real rider feedback from St Pete and my time traveling the world, on what each kite does best, who it’s for, and how they stack up against each other.
We’ll cover the full 2025 lineup, from all-rounders like the Reach, to heavy hitters like the Orbit Pro, to specialty foiling machines like the Code Zero Pro. You’ll get a feel for how each kite rides, which skills it rewards, and how to choose based on your local wind, experience, and goals.
Tip from Aaron McClearnon: Call us and demo the gear. You never know what is going to resonate and sometimes reading isn’t enough. We run lots of demos, events and even rentals. We built this community for a reason to stop by and say hello.
By the end, you’ll know which North kite fits your style, and if you’re local to Tampa Bay, you can come demo them all with us at Elite Watersports.
The North Reach
Is the North Reach a Good All-Around Kite?
If you don’t know where to start, start here.
The Reach is North’s all-around freeride kite, and for a lot of riders, it’s the only kite they need. It’s playful, quick, and tuned to handle everything from mellow freeride cruising to lightwave sessions and even some foiling. Most importantly, it’s not picky. You don’t need perfect conditions or perfect technique to make this kite shine.
At the shop in St. Pete, we always say: if you’re looking for one kite to do most things well, the Reach is hard to beat.
What makes the Reach so versatile?
Three struts keep the kite stable but light. It turns quickly and feels responsive without being twitchy. The wind range is wide, so you’re not packing it up if the breeze picks up or drops off. It handles gusts well, goes upwind efficiently, and relaunches without a fight.
You can boost, loop, cruise, foil, or ride small waves. No, it’s not going to out-jump the Orbit or drift like the Carve,but it does more than enough in all those categories to keep you smiling. That’s why we see a lot of riders stick with the Reach long after their beginner phase. It’s a “forever kite” for a lot of people.
Who should ride the Reach?
Honestly? Just about anyone. New riders love it because it’s forgiving and intuitive. You don’t have to muscle it around or second-guess what it’s doing. It teaches you how to ride without punishing mistakes.
Progressing riders stick with it because it’s still fun as your skills grow. You can start looping, jumping, and even dabble in foiling or strapless riding without needing to switch kites. Travelers love it as a one-kite quiver.
We see advanced riders on the Reach too, especially instructors, shop staff, and people who want something fun and reliable in variable conditions. If you’re not chasing extreme height or unhooked freestyle, there’s not much it can’t do.
We recommend the Reach all the time, because it works for 90% of people 90% of the time.
If you’re unsure what to get, or you ride in changing Florida winds and want a single kite to cover it all, start with the Reach. And if you’re in St. Pete, come demo one with us at Elite Watersports and see how it feels under your own hands. 727 800 2202
The North Orbit
Is the North Orbit the Best Kite for Big Air?
If your favorite part of kiteboarding is sending it, this is your kite.
The Orbit is North’s big air machine. Five struts, ultra-stable frame, huge hangtime, and built for strong wind control. It’s the kite that’s won King of the Air, but you don’t need to be a pro to feel the difference. From the first jump, you’ll notice the loft, it just hangs in the air longer than most kites.
We fly these a lot in St. Pete when the wind cranks. It's the kite that lets you push harder and go higher without wondering if it’ll fold on you mid-loop.
What makes the Orbit so good for jumping?
The Orbit has a flatter canopy, which means more lift. Combined with its five-strut structure, it holds shape even in nuking wind. That makes a big difference when you’re edging hard and loading up for a boost, you want that kite to stay rigid and give you back all the power you put in.
Loops are where this kite shines too. It’s got that signature two-stage arc, so when you loop it, it comes back overhead with a smooth, predictable catch. You get that floaty parachute glide instead of a harsh yank or awkward drop. The turning is deliberate, not the fastest, but controlled, so you always know where the kite is.
I remember doing a few reviews with Shaun Bennet back in the day on this kite. It was one of the first of its kind and really broke the mold. I had the privilege of attending the launch of the brand. I was in Morocco watching the North team jump over powered on 10 meter orbits and sending the biggest loops. It was eye opening to see a 10m catch them and loop so powered.
This Orbit is also incredibly stable going upwind. That means more time jumping and less time walking back to your launch spot. As far as ease of use, the year is going to matter. The first generation was not good at riding upwind as they built it to ride way too overpowered. The later generations were built to be more user friendly. If you step into the specialty materials, you’ll find even more efficacy here for the experienced rider while new riders would still have a small learning curve. We tell riders it's okay to start with an Orbit if big air is the end goal but often in Florida the reach is a better choice depending on your goals and skill level.
Who should ride the Orbit?
Intermediate to advanced riders who are chasing height, especially in stronger winds.
If you live for big sends, want to learn megaloops, or just want to feel what top-end performance feels like underfoot, the Orbit is your tool. It’s not hard to fly, plenty of early intermediates have learned on it, but it likes to be ridden powered. It rewards good edging and committed input.
For newer riders, we’ll usually recommend the Reach first. It’s more forgiving and better at handling lighter, fluky winds. But if you’re already boosting and want more air and hangtime, the Orbit delivers.
The Orbit isn’t trying to do everything. It’s trying to jump higher, loop better, and fly stronger than anything else in North’s lineup,and it does that really well.
If you’ve been riding something softer and want to step up, come try one. We’ve got Orbit demos at Elite Watersports and we ride them ourselves when the wind gets spicy in Tampa Bay. Big air days are rare here, so when they hit, you want to be on the right kite.
What’s Different About the North Orbit Pro?
The Orbit Pro isn’t just a better Orbit. It’s a different beast.
Where the standard Orbit is already a powerhouse for big air, the Pro version dials everything up for competition-level performance, lighter build, faster turning, more lift, and quicker recovery after loops. It’s the kite North built for riders chasing podiums and pushing progression.
If you’re the kind of rider who’s already boosting high and now wants to start adding board-offs, rotations, or loops with real commitment, the Orbit Pro gives you that edge.
What makes the Orbit Pro so different?
First off, the build. The Pro version uses lighter materials, less reinforcing weight, and a stripped-down frame to make the kite faster and snappier. You’ll feel that on the bar instantly. It reacts quicker, catches faster after loops, and floats longer in the air.
That’s a big deal when you’re doing high-consequence moves and need the kite to be exactly where you expect it, without delay. Especially on those later-stage kiteloops or board-off loops, this kite gives you more room to land clean and controlled.
Compared to the standard Orbit, the Pro is more sensitive and twitchier. It’s still stable, but it’s tuned for advanced riders who know how to load and send with precision. In gusty wind, you’ll feel everything, because that responsiveness is part of what makes it so effective in heat-style riding.
Who is the Orbit Pro for?
Advanced to expert riders only. This isn’t the kite you learn on or cruise around with. It’s for folks who are:
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Competing or training for big air events
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Looping aggressively in powered conditions
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Adding rotations and variations at height
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Already flying the standard Orbit and want something snappier
We tell riders: if you’re not yet consistent with loops or board-offs, the Pro might feel like too much. You’ll be better off mastering those moves on the standard Orbit first. But if you’re already going big and want something sharper, the Pro can unlock that next level.
I’ve personally watched riders hit a ceiling on the standard Orbit,then step into the Pro and immediately loop lower, catch faster, and land smoother. That doesn’t happen with every kite.
Orbit Pro vs. Orbit Ultra – What’s the difference?
A lot of people confuse the Orbit Pro with the Orbit Ultra, but they’re built for different things. The Orbit Pro is about precision design tweaks for big air trick performance. The Orbit Ultra, which we’ll cover next, uses Aluula material to drop weight and increase efficiency for lightwind and performance boosting.
Want the full breakdown on Aluula and high-performance kite materials? Read our blog
What Are the Benefits of Aluula Kites?
It explains how these materials work, when they matter, and whether they’re worth the investment for you.
The Orbit Pro is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re chasing podiums,or personal bests, it’s one of the most capable big air kites we’ve ever flown. Come try one on a gusty St. Pete day and see if you’re ready to level up.
Call the shop at 727 800 2202 or check our kite collection to see what sizes we have in stock.
Is the Orbit Ultra Worth It?
The Orbit Ultra is the tech-head's dream kite. It takes the proven Orbit platform and replaces traditional materials with a high-modulus Aluula airframe. That upgrade makes it thinner, faster, and lighter. You’re still getting the core Orbit DNA, but the feel changes completely once it's in the sky.
This isn’t just about shaving weight for the sake of it. It’s about making a big air kite feel like a smaller, snappier freestyle kite, while still keeping the power and control you need in strong wind. And for the right rider, that’s a game changer.
What does the Orbit Ultra actually do better?
The first thing you’ll notice is how fast it moves through the window. That lighter Aluula frame lets the kite fly further forward and react faster. When you're sending loops, that means tighter arcs, faster catches, and a more connected feel on the bar.
It also gives you more performance at both ends of the wind range. In lighter wind, it stays in the sky easier. In strong wind, it feels more precise and efficient. The kite doesn’t deform under pressure the way heavier materials sometimes do. You hold power better, sheet in with confidence, and keep things dialed even when it’s howling.
Who should ride the Orbit Ultra?
Advanced riders benefit most: The Ultra is designed for advanced riders who want to push hard in variable wind or who ride powered most of the time. It’s for riders who understand how their kite behaves in the air and want that extra tech edge to pull off big loops, late rotations, and high-speed transitions.
You don’t need to be a pro to ride it. But you’ll get the most out of it if you’ve already been on a standard Orbit and are looking for something lighter and quicker.
We’ve also seen riders here in St. Pete choose the Ultra as their main kite because it opens up lighter wind riding without sacrificing structure. If you’re the kind of person who waits all week for a 15–20 knot window and wants to make the most of it, the Ultra helps you stretch your session.
Orbit Ultra vs. Orbit Pro – What’s the difference?
The Pro is tuned through design. The Ultra is upgraded through materials.
They both give you an edge, but in different ways. The Orbit Pro loops quicker and flies more aggressively because of its bridle and shape tweaks. The Orbit Ultra gets its speed and efficiency from being lighter and stiffer thanks to Aluula.
If you care about handling, catch, and response speed in varying wind,go Ultra. If you’re maxed out on tricks and want a tighter kite with even faster bar input,go Pro. And if you just want raw power and hangtime without the extra cost, the standard Orbit still holds its own.
The Orbit Ultra is expensive for a reason. It’s one of the most advanced big air kites you can buy. But it’s also one of the most rewarding, especially in the kind of variable Florida wind we ride in. You’ll boost sooner, loop tighter, and stay up longer.
North Carve
Is the North Carve a Good Kite for Waves and Strapless Riding?
If you ride a surfboard, this is the kite in the North lineup built for you.
The Carve is North’s dedicated wave and strapless freestyle kite. It pivots tight, drifts effortlessly, and delivers smooth, deep depower when you need to shut the kite off and stay locked into a wave face. Unlike the Orbit or Pulse, the Carve is all about control without lift. It’s tuned to be forgotten while you’re focused on the surf.
What does the Carve do differently?
First off, drift. The Carve stays in the sky even when the lines slack. If you’re riding downwind toward the kite or cranking hard turns off the lip, it floats along without collapsing or pulling you out of position. That’s everything in a surf kite.
It also pivots fast and clean. That means you can redirect it instantly without power spikes, and it will follow you through tight turns without yanking. The bar feel is lighter than the Orbit, and the depower range is smoother. You can feather the kite, dump power mid-wave, and get back on throttle when you want to reposition.
This year’s version is noticeably more refined. Better steering, more responsive bridle, and smoother sheeting.
Personal Note from the Early Days
I actually got to demo the first-generation Carve at launch. I did a 21-mile downwinder on a 7m through massive swell. No exits. The shoreline was nothing but 70-foot cliffs. It was one of those sessions you don’t forget. The conditions were wild, and I remember thinking at the time that the Carve still had a long way to go. It just wasn’t dialed yet.
North had been focused heavily on big air in those early years, and the Carve felt like a bit of a placeholder. But that’s no longer the case. Fast forward five years, and it’s become a fully developed, legitimate wave kite that holds its own.
Who is the Carve for?
Intermediate to advanced surfboard riders, whether you’re chasing down-the-line waves or throwing strapless tricks.
If you’re riding in onshore conditions and need a kite that turns quickly and sits low in the window, the Carve feels great. If you’re foiling in swell or using a directional board in light wind, the drift and light bar pressure make a big difference.
You could learn on the Carve, but we typically steer new twin-tip riders to the Reach first. The Carve really comes alive under the feet of someone who’s already comfortable on a surfboard.
If you’re riding waves or want to start pushing strapless freestyle, the Carve is the right tool for the job. And this year’s model finally feels like it’s caught up to the rest of North’s lineup in terms of quality and feel.
We have Carves in the demo fleet at Elite Watersports and can talk you through whether it makes sense for your riding goals. Call the shop at 727 800 2202 or come by to check it out. Ask for Aaron or one of the coaches and we’ll help get you dialed.
North Pulse
Is the North Pulse a True Freestyle Kite Now?
Finally, yes.
The Pulse has always lived in that weird middle ground , a crossover kite with C-kite tendencies but not quite the real thing. That changes this year. North’s finally upgraded the Pulse into what it was always meant to be, a true 5-line C-kite built for unhooked freestyle.
This is the kite for riders who want to take freestyle seriously. Not just loop here and there, but really learn to pop, unhook, spin, and pass. If that’s you, the Pulse is going to open a door that no other kite in the North lineup can.
My history with the Pulse
I used to personally ride this kite. My girlfriend at the time, Kristen Cooper, competed on it in the KPL. It was always fun, responsive, and just aggressive enough , but it still had that crossover DNA. I remember conversations with Matt from North’s North American distribution team about this exact shift. The freestyle team needed a proper C-kite. It was time.
Now, they’ve delivered. The Pulse has evolved into a legit 5-line freestyle machine.
Who should ride the Pulse?
Let me be brutally honest. This kite is not for 90 percent of riders. And I don’t say that out of ego, I say that because I’ve been there.
C-kites are for pros only. Or at the very least, for committed freestyle riders who are willing to take the time to learn. That’s because 5-line C-kites don’t ride like anything else. They require:
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Real edge control
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Mastery of timing and bar position
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Comfort with relaunching a 5th line ( You can’t just pull the bar. It’s a real skill)
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Willingness to eat it for a few months
Even skilled riders need a couple months of training to fly and relaunch them with confidence. They drop faster. They don’t boost like a big air kite. They won’t save you if you get lazy on your edge. But if you want to throw legit unhooked tricks , handle passes, mobes, S-bends, etc., nothing comes close.
C-kites are the gold standard for freestyle. Every rider at the top of the game is on one. That’s why North made this shift , the Pulse is now a competition tool, not a playful hybrid. And honestly, it’s the kite I would personally ride in the lineup.
Is it worth learning? One hundred percent yes. For the right rider, the Pulse is a game changer.
Once you get past the learning curve, everything clicks. You pop harder. You get that perfect slack for rotations. You stop getting ripped off-axis on passes. The kite doesn’t fight you. It lets you focus on the trick.
And it’s not just pros who benefit. If you’re even thinking about committing to freestyle, the Pulse makes everything ten times easier. You’ll crash more at first, but you’ll progress faster. And the feeling when it finally all connects? You’ll never go back.
If you're dabbling: If you're just playing with unhooked riding now and then, stick with the Reach. It’ll handle the basics, and you won’t have to fight with relaunch or power dumps. The Pulse is only worth it if you're ready to fully commit.
This kite demands time and attention. But if you give it that, you’ll be in the top 1 percent of riders. Not because you’re gifted , just because you chose to learn something that most people never take the time to master.
The Pulse is the most specialized kite in the North lineup. It’s not friendly. It’s not forgiving. But it’s everything a freestyle rider could ask for.
If you want to go unhooked and get serious about progression, come talk to us at Elite Watersports. We’ll walk you through what it takes to ride this kite well , and we’ll be honest about whether you’re ready. Call us at 727 800 2202 or stop by the shop.
North Code Zero
Is the Code Zero the Best Kite for Foiling and Lightwind Riding?
If you foil, this is the one. The Code Zero is North’s dedicated lightwind and foil kite. It’s a single-strut design stripped down for weight, agility, and balance. Everything about it is tuned to fly in barely-there wind and stay stable when you’re carving around on a foil or directional board.
In Florida, where 10 to 14 knots can be the norm, we ride these a lot. And for beginner foilers, this kite makes those frustrating early sessions way more manageable.
What makes the Code Zero different?
The obvious one, it’s super light. One strut, lighter canopy material, minimal Dacron. It floats when other kites drop. Even in 8 or 9 knots, it stays in the sky and gives you enough pull to get up and moving.
But the real magic is how it drifts and steers. The Code Zero turns with one hand and sits steady in the sky while you move under it. That’s huge for foilers who need balance, not brute force. It’s quick without being twitchy, and you can ride downwind without the kite folding or freaking out.
You also get fast water relaunch. That’s critical in lightwind, where failed relaunch usually ends the session.
Who is the North Code Zero for? This kite is for any rider who wants to foil more often or ride in lightwind with less frustration.
It’s great for:
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Beginner and intermediate foilers
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Directional riders in light surf
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Anyone who lives in a low-wind zone like Florida
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People who want to cruise when everyone else is waiting for a thermal
You can also throw it on a twin tip and ride in light wind, just don’t expect huge jumps. The Code Zero is about finesse, balance, and flow , not big air.
This is one of our go-to kites when wind is marginal. It’s fast, light, and makes those “maybe” sessions into “yes” sessions.
If you’re getting into foiling or just want a kite that stays up when nothing else will, the Code Zero delivers. Come fly one at Elite Watersports and see how it feels. We’ll show you how to get the most out of it , and make sure you’re on the right size for your foil setup.
Is the Code Zero Pro Worth the Upgrade?
If you already love the Code Zero and want the best of the best, this one’s for you.
The Code Zero Pro takes everything that makes the standard version great , low wind handling, drift, and balance , and levels it up with next-gen materials, a refined frame, and even lighter construction. It’s North’s most advanced foil kite to date, and you feel that the second it takes off.
This kite is all about squeezing the most out of lightwind sessions. More responsiveness. More range. More feedback.
What makes the pro better? The biggest change is the N-Max 2 airframe material. It’s lighter than standard Dacron and more flexible, which gives the kite a noticeably quicker feel and smoother steering. The kite turns faster and drifts better, but still stays incredibly stable when you sheet in or dump power.
North also reworked the bridle, wingtip profile, and canopy shape to reduce flutter, tighten up handling, and expand wind range. The Pro version holds its shape better in gusts and doesn’t get pulled off balance when the wind is shifting.
In real-world terms, it lets you ride earlier, longer, and with more confidence.
Who is the Code Zero Pro really for?
This kite is aimed at experienced foilers or riders who are obsessed with lightwind optimization.
It’s for the person who:
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Foils 3 to 5 days a week
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Rides in marginal wind and wants to ride more
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Notices subtle differences in steering, drift, and feedback
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Wants the best possible session every time
Beginner riders could technically use the Pro , it’s stable and easy to fly , but we typically recommend the standard Code Zero until you’ve got a season or two under your belt. Most new foilers won’t notice the extra performance right away, and the cost might not make sense. But once you’re foiling consistently, you’ll absolutely notice what this kite unlocks.
The Code Zero Pro is one of those kites that gets better the more you ride it. The more time you spend foiling, the more you’ll appreciate what it does.
It’s not a “need,” but it’s a serious upgrade for committed riders. If you’re on a foil multiple days a week or you’re looking for a featherweight kite that performs in 6–10 knots with power to spare, this one is worth a look.
How to Choose the Right North Kite for You
By now, you’ve probably got a feel for which kite fits your riding style , but here’s how we break it down at the shop.
Match the kite to your primary style
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Just starting or want to do a bit of everything?
Get the Reach. It’s the most versatile kite in the lineup and still fun at high levels. -
Want to boost huge and loop powered in strong wind?
Go with the Orbit or Orbit Ultra. If you’re chasing progression in big air, they’ll get you there. -
Already looping or competing?
The Orbit Pro is your kite. It’s sharp, fast, and unforgiving , but it rewards you at the top. -
Ride waves or strapless surf?
Grab the Carve. It’s built for drift, quick turns, and staying in control when you're on a wave face. -
Unhooked freestyle your focus?
You want the Pulse. But be real with yourself. It’s a full-on C-kite now. If you’re ready to commit, there’s nothing better. If you’re not, start with the Reach. Or an older pre 2025 pulse. -
Foiling or riding in 8 to 14 knots a lot?
Go Code Zero. It’s light, drifty, and one of the easiest kites to fly when the wind is barely on. -
Dialed foiler who wants the absolute best?
The Code Zero Pro will stretch your session time and give you that buttery-fast bar response.
Be honest about your skill level
A lot of people try to buy gear for the rider they want to be, not the rider they are. That’s fine, but don’t skip the steps. You’ll progress faster with gear that helps you grow, not punishes you for being new.
If you’re still working on waterstarts, staying upwind, or basic jumps, the Reach will serve you better than anything else. You can always specialize later.
Think about where you ride
In Florida, we deal with gusty conditions, light wind days, and a lot of variability. One-kite quivers work better when you have range and relaunch. That’s why we steer so many people toward the Reach or Orbit , they just work across more sessions.
But if you travel, ride in strong trades, or have consistent wind windows, you can lean into specialty kites more confidently.
Demo before you commit
The internet helps, but nothing replaces flying the kite. Feeling the bar pressure, testing relaunch, doing your first jump , that’s how you find the right fit.
Call us. Book a demo. Come ride.
We’ll walk you through the full lineup and match you to the kite that makes sense for your goals, not just your wishlist.
We ride these kites. We teach on them. We’ve tested every one of them here in Tampa Bay and abroad.
If you’re serious about finding the right North kite for your style, we’ll help you figure it out.
Call us at 727 800 2202
Stop by the shop in St. Pete
Explore the full North collection here