SYNOPSIS: THE EMERGING ICON OF BIG AIR, THE THIRD EDITION OF THE ORBIT IS A HIGH WIND, HIGH PERFORMANCE KITELOOPING MACHINE THAT OFFERS THE ULTIMATE CONTROL WHEN THE WIND IS PUMPING.
Likes: The North Orbit is the high performance big air freeride kite of the North lineup and it’s one kite that has helped to reinvigorate the big air category over the past several seasons. The third edition Orbit solidified its competitive big air performance with its second consecutive top place finish in the Red Bull King of the Air. With refinements in the overall performance the Orbit continues to entice riders to the thrills of big boosting and high altitude Kiteloops and manoeuvres. It’s not just a kite for the advanced Kiteloop crowd; the direct steering and easy to find power, as well as the great control in over powered conditions, make it a great kite for intermediate riders to progress. The smooth forward pull and fast driving pace and easy, gust eating controls, as well as the direct and reactive steering, with no pulleys in the bridles, sets the Orbit apart. It is by no means the perfect kite to learn the basics on. But as a higher aspect kite with easy boost and lots of hang time, the Orbit retains its control and light touch steering in the upper wind range. The flat canopy area also has decent low end power with lots of lift that give it the extra hang time for those old school, board-off manoeuvres. For the advanced riders looking for Kiteloop performance in the upper wind range, the Orbit gets top marks for its ability to move forward in the window and reach the top of the window with great consistency. Any rider that wants a kite to push the limits of jumping and big air, especially in the upper wind range, should consider putting an Orbit in their quiver.
Minus: Less versatile than the Reach and less performance oriented when riding in underpowered conditions.
Best For: The King of the Air champion! Also great for intermediate riders that want to learn to jump bigger and try some Kiteloops. Or for riders that want higher levels of comfort and control in the upper wind ranges should consider the North Orbit.
