North ORBIT KITEBig Air / Freeride2023

Predictable in the Unpredictable

For 2023 we’ve made some minor refinements to the bridles, so the kite feels more stable and forgiving in overpowered, gusty conditions, but it still has that ability to fly forward and catch you in kiteloops. This predictability is one of the key features of the Orbit, and it allows you to ride the kite overpowered without it getting away from you. Note: the same characteristics that enable kiteloop recovery can make the kite front-stall sensitive, we recommend active rear-line tension for greater stability.

Anti-gravity boosts and megaloops

Powerful and efficient 2-stage arc design

Our two-stage arc design incorporates a flattened, more open arc shape through the central power-producing region of the kite, where the energy is most useful for you performance-wise. This gives you the highest amount of projected area and projected aspect ratio, meaning the Orbit has the best hangtime and power delivery for its size. Pulling the wingtips in towards the rider gives the kite more responsive steering and the smoothest transition of the profile attack angles when it's under load.

NEW lighter N-DURE Dacron in all sizes

The new N-DURE Dacron has a more balanced weave for a crisper, livelier feel. The symmetrical yarn pattern gives the material a lower bias elongation that snaps back to its original shape faster.

Refined bridles

We have worked closely with team riders to put the kite through hardcore testing in a lot of wind. This enabled us to further improve the stability, the feedback and the steering behaviour, and to give the kite a lighter, more responsive feel.

Lightweight bladders in larger sizes

Bladders make up a bigger weight percentage than any other material used in a kite, so we’ve used 17% lighter weight bladder material in the larger sizes (10m+) to help the kite feel even lighter and more responsive in all conditions – particularly in light wind. This additional weight reduction helps the larger sizes fly more efficiently. It also improves the overall static balance of the wing by reducing weight in the front of the kite. You ride smaller kites in more wind, so weight reduction isn’t so much of a priority.

NEW strategic 2-ply Canopy Reinforcement

If you put too stiff a material in the trailing edge, it can affect the profile shape. The two layers of canopy material are softer and more responsive. They help to provide optimal tension, producing a durable kite that can hold its profile for increased performance and lift.

Stable 5-strut performance

The five-strut design gives it an incredible amount of stability and wind range, and you have a lot more control over the canopy movement at low attack angles. The Orbit has the widest wind range of all our kites. The fixed, no-pulley bridle is a little bit longer, and combined with its placement on the kite gives us a very stable platform in all conditions.

Highest quality no-pulley bridle lines  

High Aspect Ratio Design  

High Performance N-HTRS canopy

New Bar Pressure options

Setting A – closest to the wingtip, is one of the two original settings. It is the lightest bar pressure or steering impulse option. It requires less strength to turn the kite, but you need to pull the bar a greater distance to steer. It also gives you more depower travel. Less sensitive and the least responsive, this setting gives the kite a lighter more forgiving feeling. Setting A is ideal for lighter riders, and for cruising in lighter winds, when you don’t load up the kite fully. Setting B is the factory setting your kite will be delivered with. Use this setting for light bar pressure and a slightly more direct feel in the steering. Setting C gives a Medium bar pressure and firmer, more direct steering and shorter depower travel. It gives the kite a sportier feel but requires a little more force to control the steering. Setting D is our megaloop setting – this gives the heaviest bar pressure or most direct steering impulse. It is the most stable choice in high winds and is recommended for stronger, heavier riders.   Marc Jacobs: On the inside setting you will know exactly where the kite is during mega-loop manoeuvres - especially on the smaller sizes. With slightly more pressure you can send the kite lower during the loops, with confidence, and execute your trick properly. Ideal for heavier riders, it also supports the wingtips more on those crazy 40knot + days.

Aerodynamic profile transition panels  

The profile transition panel that connects to the leading-edge seam ensures a precise lateral profile shape is maintained as close to the leading edge as possible. It creates a smooth transition from the segmented leading edge to the curved canopy. The panels reduce inconsistencies in the profile, resulting in a smoother, more efficient kite, with more aerodynamic airflow and less turbulence. 

Kevlar reinforced strut system with bridle deflectors  

DuraLite seam protection  

We’ve also introduced new insignia seam protectors on the canopy – small, lightweight protection to help protect the stitching.