Review North Neo 2013
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| Riding type: | Freeride/Wave |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2013 |
| Brand: | North kiteboarding |
| Size: | 05m, 06m, 07m, 08m, 09m, 10m, 11m, 12m |
| Type: | SLE |
| Share: | |
| Buy: | Buy Now |
Kite
Wave freeride 3 strut 4&5 line kite
Designers goals
The Neo was a new kite in 2011 for the North Kiteboarding line up; it is the weapon of choice for the hardcore wave riders on our team. Airton Cozzolino uses it as his kite for tearing up the waves on the KSP World Tour, and just about anywhere else his travels may take him. The Neo is a simple three-strut design, offering blistering responsiveness, ease of use and a smooth power development throughout the turning arc of the kite. Because we only use three struts the Neo is incredibly lightweight, this means it drifts as you ride down wave, allowing you to concentrate on getting barrelled and getting the ride of your life. The Neo sits a little further back in the window, which allows it to drift, rather than fly backwards. This also means it performs well when depowered, steering control is maintained and the kites lively behaviour isn’t lost when it reaches the upper limits of it’s wind range. The Neo also performs impeccably unhooked, meaning it will suit whatever your style of waveriding. Should the waves not show up for your trip it can also be used for freestyle as well, the responsivesteering, smooth power development and easy water relaunch make it perfect for learning new moves! If it is a wave killer you’re after, acceptno substitute, the Neo is your kite.
Bar
Movie
Details:
| Riding type: | Freeride/Wave |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2013 |
| Brand: | North kiteboarding |
| Size: | 05m, 06m, 07m, 08m, 09m, 10m, 11m, 12m |
| Type: | SLE |
| One pump: | Yes |
| Bridles: | Yes |
| Number of struts: | 3 |
| Colours: | Various |
| Line length: | 20m - 23m - 27m |
| Bar length: | 42cm-48cm-55cm |
| Bar: | 4 and 5 lines |
| Depower: | Clamcleat |
| Safety: | Push |
| Swivel: | Yes |
| Variable bar length: | Yes |
| Oh shit handles: | No |
Kitesurfing review North Neo 9m 2013
Kite
Easy to handle wave or freeride kite
Test conditions
Wind: 15-20 knots
Bar: 22m
barfeel setting: hard & soft
Tested line setting: 4 and 5 lines
Photo details
* Change line length
* Change bar length
Conclusion
The North Neo 9m has been finetuned compared to its 2012 predecessor. Its stability has been significantly improved and the power buildup is a lot smoother, making it a lot more manageable. When comparing the entire 2013 North Series, the Neo is best put to use as a wave/freeride or even beginner kite.
Due to its decreased high end performance (less pop and lift), combined with its shorter turning circle and depower, this is a kite that is well suited for wave riding. It is stable and, depowered, is easy to control with good feedback through the steering lines. Compared to the 2013 Rebel, Vegas and EVO this kite does not compromise on workmanship either.
It should not be regarded as a slimmed down performance kite, but its character makes the Neo also well suited for lessons. Why take lessons with a wave kite you may ask? Well, a good wave kite like the Neo has a lot of stability in low winds, has good feedback, a gradual power buildup and a total depower. In more powerful wind conditions it turns into a safe and playful freeride kite for light weights and kids.
For those looking for a well balanced, not too agressive kite, the Neo is the North kite you are looking for!
Basics
Windrange
Good high-end, less low-end than the other 2013 North series
Kite stability
Better than the 2012 model
Kite re-launch
Easy just pull on one of the steering lines
Total depower
total depower in a short depower range
Safety system
4 & 5 line safety. 5 line is the safest set-up
Oldskool
Lift
In its high-end more performance than low-end. Less power building high performance than the Evo, Rebel & Vegas.
Glide phase
Low-end
Lowest power building low-end of the 2013 north kiteseries. But Stable and good controle so great for beginners, licht weights and riders with big boards volume (surf)
High-end
good controle, feedback & de-power
Wave
Feedback at edge of wind window
Steering with low line tension
Shorter depower range on the bar than the Evo 2013, but always controlable
Drift
good drift, keeps tension on the line during downwinders
Reaction to steering action
Fast reaction, starts slowly with powerbuilding but has always pressure on the bar
Turning circle
Center turn
There are 5 reviews on this product:
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Conditions: Side-offshore winds 20-30mph, head high plus waves!
My first impression of the North Neo was the kite’s amazing ability to turn the power on or off by just simply sheeting in or sheeting out! The 2013 Neo has everything that you need or want in wave kite! Initially after launching the kite off the beach the immediate bar feel and responsiveness of the kite was awesome! Once out in the water and riding my first wave down the line, I was amazed at how well this kite drifted. You can park your kite, forget about it, surf the wave and the kite will just drift down the line waiting for your turning impulse on the bar! The Neo’s turning speed was no less impressive than the rest of the kite; it really pivots and turns quickly! Looping the kite down the line is easy and turning the kite when riding was effortless.
My overall experience of the Neo was great! Rarely is there is not a thing that I would change about a kite, but I would change a thing in the 2013 North Neo; It is a highly refined kite and is built for dedicated wave-slayers and entry wave riders alike! Hands down, the 2013 North Neo is THE BEST kite I have ever ridden in the waves and I would highly recommend it to any wave rider out there!
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Great review!
Totally agree
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