2024 North Pulse Kite Review With Kristen

Hello, everyone—Kristen here! We've had the pleasure of spending time with the 2024 North Pulse, and we're thrilled to share our insights with you. Let's go!

The New Logo

First up, let's discuss the new aesthetic change. North has unveiled their new logo which is making its appearance in the 2024 collection. This isn't just a mere update, but a symbol of the brand's commitment to innovation. The North Sails logo will be incorporated into all their gear.

Reduction in Weight

For those who have been following North's journey, they would know that in recent years, the company has been relentlessly working on weight reduction of their kites. This has been achieved by reducing the amount of Dacron in areas where it wasn't imperative. Their in-house material, the NMax, which is a lighter yet stiffer Dacron, has been instrumental in this endeavor.

Durability at its Best

It's crucial for freestyle kites to withstand wear and tear. The North Pulse hasn’t cut corners on this front. The kite has been fortified with Kevlar, particularly in the stress system, along the leading edge and the bladder. So, while the kite is lighter, it's still as sturdy as ever.

Performance in Varying Conditions

I had the chance to test the 2024 Pulse at our home spot in Muskegon, Michigan, on a typical North Wind day. Despite the gusty winds, the kite managed to handle the conditions impressively. Its ability to ride upwind and navigate through chop and gust stood out.

Understanding the Pulse

For newcomers, the Pulse is North's hybrid C-kite, bridging the gap between a C-kite and a freeride kite. This means that you get to experience the best of both worlds. While it offers great loading and popping capabilities, it won't slack as effortlessly as a true C-kite. Nonetheless, the Pulse is perfect for those looking to progress in freestyle tricks.

Adjustability and Flexibility

One unique aspect of the Pulse is its adjustable bridle. The wing tips come with three different knots for customization. Depending on how you want to ride, you can choose your setting to make the kite faster or more responsive or have a heavier bar pressure.

Another bonus? The Pulse isn't just a freestyle kite. It transitions beautifully into a freeride kite when needed, making it an adaptable choice for varying wind conditions.

My Personal Experience

While the 2024 North Pulse doesn't compete with the loftiness of some kites like the Reach or Orbit, it holds its own. I've thoroughly enjoyed freeride sessions on it. The Pulse stands out, especially for hooked-in freestyle tricks, and is adept at unhooked riding.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the 2024 North Pulse has won me over with its versatility. It's perfect for freestyle and park rides, and its adjustability allows it to be customized for specific conditions or riding preferences. While it might not be the top choice for waves or foiling when compared to specialized kites like the North Carve or Code Zero, it offers a fun ride regardless.

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