Review North Fuse 2012

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Riding type: Freeride/Allround
Year: 2012
Brand: North kiteboarding
Size: 05m, 07m, 09m, 10m, 12m, 14m
Type: SLE
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Kite

Allround SLE with 4 and 5 line system

Designers goals

The Fuse is already in his 3rd generation and setting benchmarks in 4 line kite performance. It's a dedicated
free-ride/wave kite that is sparking the future of 4 line performance every year. The Fuse is a easy kite for freeriding
and waves with a huge wind range, light, predictable feel and great jumping qualities. Its unique and simple Attack Control Bridle
gives the Fuse smooth, reactive steering that is especially evident when de-powered, making it a huge step forward in terms of manoeuvrability and
directness on 4 lines. Additionally, the Bridle gives you the ability to safely and completely de-power the Fuse on its
back, similar to a 5 line system, just a little bit slower. Easily accessible low-end power and extreme resistance to back-stalling gives the Fuse great
light wind capabilities while the AC Bridle ensures direct de-power and a crisp bar feeling even in strong winds, with easy push and pull power.
The Fuse is built to last, still utilizing the Techno Force canopy material D², which was first used ever with the first product generation of the Fuse.
Lazy pump simplicity will get you on the water quickly and easily when it counts. To ensure a 100% safety solution the Fuse can also be flown on the 5th Element if desired. It's your choice!

Features

  • Four Line Hybrid Design
  • Adaptive Tips
  • Good Lowend
  • Good Windrange
  • Massive Hangtime
  • Lively steering even when depowered
  • 4 Line with 5th Line ability

North 2012 bar

north 2012 barThe NKB Trust bar 5th Element is the most progressive and effective tool to steer your kite and comes equipped with the most functional safety system in kiting, the IRON HEART IV. The Iron heart IV fulfills the challenging French safety norm and offers the best possible safety even in the most extreme conditions. The release forces are remarkably low, providing the highest level of safety in emergency situations. For 2012, the entire bar has been completely re-designed, without losing proven features like the roto-head, the sliding stopper with stopper ball and adjustable winding posts. The small and lightweight vario cleat helps to adjust the Trust Bar in any situation quickly and easily. The new upgraded ergonomic bar grip improves comfort and all features of the 2012 Trust Bar are redefined with an aim on the highest functionality and easiest handling, even in challenging circumstances.

Details:

Riding type: Freeride/Allround
Year: 2012
Brand: North kiteboarding
Size: 05m, 07m, 09m, 10m, 12m, 14m
Type: SLE
One pump: Yes
Bridles: Yes
Number of struts: 5
Colours: Various
Line length: 25m
Bar length: 45cm-55cm
Bar: 4 and 5 lines
Depower: Clamcleat
Safety: Push
Swivel: Yes
Variable bar length: Yes
Oh shit handles: No

Kite:

It's a dedicated free-ride/wave kite that is sparking the future of 4 line performance every year.

Test conditions:

Wind: 18-22 knots

Water: chop

Detail Photos:

bridles fuse 2012  flat center strut north fuse concave trailer edge straight center strut and one pump system

Conclusion

Well, what can I say?! The North Fuse is a very well balanced kite for old school riders, strapless freaks and other riders who are looking for a sensitive performance kite. First and foremost, it’s a wing! Great lift and gliding phase, old schoolers will love it in its high-end. The Fuse is no bully though, it’s more like a butterfly. Ride it sensitive, just feel and float with the Fuse :-).
I admit, I love it! We tested the Neo, the Evo and the Fuse, but the Fuse really stands out for me based on its characteristics. I received feedback everywhere and its boost is strong yet gradual. You can get straight up lifts or downwind big airs, all depending on your take off position.

Recommended for whom? Wave and old school riders that love a playful kite!

Basics

Safety system

Difficult Easy

4 line safety system with and long good depower

Kite re-launch

Difficult Easy

Total depower

Still pressure Total depower

Windrange

Limited Wide

Kite stability

Unstable Stable

Oldskool

High-end

Small range Large range

Great controle in high end, feels stable and trustfull

Low-end

Small range Large range

great

Lift

Gradual Explosive

boem!

Glide phase

Short Long

Most try, great flight

Wave

Turning circle

Large radius Small radius

reacts fast, turns round the tips

Feedback at edge of wind window

Minimal Great

Steering with low line tension

Not so good Good

Reaction to steering action

Slow Fast

Race

Kiteposition in wind-window

Middle Edge

Acceleration

Slow Fast

Going upwind

Hard Easy

There are 2 reviews on this product:

North Fuse 2012 14m
Name:
Fernando di Franco 
Weight:
89 
Riding style:
allround, wave  
Years of experience:
Personal page:
Water conditions:
chop, small-waves  
Tested Wind Conditions:
From 12 knots up to 17
Number of test sessions:
Kite size:
14m 
Most remarkable characteristics:
low end
 
Small rangeLarge range
kitefinder.com - 29.07.2012 at 22:43 hour
Comments:
Just want to tell you all, this North Fuse 14 m has a great low end. Nice lightwind set combined with the North nugget board!
Have fun. 
10 kudos - +

Replys to this review

29.07.2012 at 23:15 hour Stefarius
True
13.08.2012 at 13:11 hour Greg Stevens
Great low-end and race performance! 14m less big air performance than the 10m!
01.10.2012 at 01:33 hour Whitey
I agree the north fuse is outstanding in so many different aspects. Im usually the first one on the water and the last one off . And im not a feather weight like most!!!!
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North Fuse 2012 10m
Name:
Stefarius 
Weight:
93 
Riding style:
allround, big-air, race  
Years of experience:
12 
Personal page:
Water conditions:
flat  
Tested Wind Conditions:
From 15 knots up to 24
Number of test sessions:
Kite size:
10m 
Most remarkable characteristics:
kite reaction
 
SlowQuick
bar pressure
 
HeavyLight
high end
 
Small rangeLarge range
user friendly
 
PoorGreat
kite stability
 
UnstableStable
glide phase
 
ShortLong
durability
 
ShortLong
lift
 
GradualExplosive
low end
 
Small rangeLarge range
boost
 
SoftStrong
kitefinder.com - 02.07.2012 at 08:24 hour
Comments:
Used the North Fuse in different windspeed. Likes it most in its high- end. Easy to ride with big controlable airs. I am prettig heavy but à 70 kg friend floated across THE skyline with 20 knots. I need à + 22 knots with my 10m to get that long horizontal traveling experience. But its there with great controle.  
1 kudos - +

Replys to this review

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