North Neo

Jul 16, 2012

Author: Shane Thompson

North Neo
Sizes tested: 9 m
Sizes available: 5, 7, 9, 12 m
Design style: 4-line, 3-strut SLE hybrid
The Neo brings top levels of performance to this three-strut kite that is both solid and nimble in the sky. Compared to the more delta-oriented or rounded and swept wingtips, the Neo is a three-strut kite with a very light and lively feel to it. There is smooth power delivery both pulling and through the turning and loops that’s very intuitive and easy to use. The Neo is also easy to jump and unhook and is well balanced with light touch steering and quick and reactive tight loop steering. It’s not as aggressive in pull and precision as the Vegas or the Rebel but has a similar feel, and the narrow leading edge ensures the Neo is still a kite that feels fast pulling and smooth and goes well upwind. Good, smooth power and control delivers nice speed for lofty jumps and unhooked freestyle. Water relaunch is as good as it gets, and it can pivot quickly on a bottom turn if needed. It gets to where you need with well balanced drift and stability. Shorter lines would help in the waves with this kite. Overall, the Neo is a top-performing three-strut kite that’s well suited to any level rider, and it may rival the performance of the industry’s best-selling three-strut models.

- 24-metre lines
 The 24-metre line length felt a little long, and it would be nice to have a 20-metre line option for waves. The longer line length may also contribute to slightly more slack back lines sometimes; with a touchless instant turn initiation, but with shorter lines, this would likely be eliminated.

+ What the Test Team liked
“North has a great kite in the Neo; it’s just easy and solid to use without compromising too much in the high end.”
“I felt fast and controlled with a kite that responds quickly and seems to fly nicely and pull smoothly at all angles.”

Cool Tech Features
-   One-pump inflation with wingtip dump valve
-    Adaptive tip
-    Self-rescue handles

http://www.northkites.com

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