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Dustin has been riding the new 2024 North Navigator Pro control bar, and he's super stoked on it. Is a control bar really something to get that excited about? What makes it so special?Auto-UnswivelThe auto-unswivel feature is absolutely amazing. The ceramic bearings are like butter, and nothing's going to get caught up there. There isn't going to be any wear and tear on it.Quick Release and LoopThe release is rock solid. It's got 20mm of travel before it releases, so you won't accidentally …

Dustin from MACkite got a chance to get out on the 2024 Reedin Supermodel HTF V2. It's had some tweaks and upgrades, but do they make a difference?What Is the Supermodel? The Supermodel is Reedin's 3-strut do-it-all kiteboarding kite. If you like to cross over disciplines but want just one kite, this is one you should look at. You can get big air, foil, it's fast, and it even drifts so well you can ride right at it, so you'll be very happy if you like to surf in the waves. Although Dust …

Today's big air kite review from Jason focuses on the Harlem Force, comparing it to the North Orbit Pro, Duotone Evo D/LAB, and Cabrinha Nitro v2. As always, he'll highlight his favorite aspects of each while being as fair as possible.Harlem ForceI had the benefit of testing the Harlem Force over five sessions, but unfortunately four of them were under 30 knots due to the summer conditions here in Auckland not being very favorable for big air. In the end, some of us did a little road tri …

Jason is an excellent reviewer of kiteboarding gear, limited only by what he's able to get his hands on in New Zealand. He and MACkite have teamed up to get more gear in his hands, so hopefully you'll be able to enjoy even more of these in-depth reviews in the near future. Today Jason is talking about the North Navigator Pro control bar but, as is true of any of us, his perception of it is going to be influenced by what he's ridden in the past. So a little backstory will help bring …

Unparalleled Performance Meets Unmatched Sustainability The kiteboarding industry is on the brink of a revolutionary shift, spearheaded by the introduction of the Harlem Force, a product of Harlem Kitesurfing's innovative Game Changer Lineup. What sets the Harlem Force apart is its rare combination of high speed, exceptional hang time, and reliable performance in down loops. It's not just a kite; it's a testament to the possibilities of combining high performance with environmental conscio …

Today Aaron takes a look at a product he's been using for a long time, the Dakine Compression Bag. They used to come in multiple sizes for your different kite sizes, but now it's one size fits all. What does Aaron think about that and, more importantly, will these bags let him fit his entire quiver of three North Carves into a single Carve bag?Dakine Compression Bag FeaturesThe bag is made from a heavy duty nylon that holds up surprisingly well as a daily driver. It's a simple bag with o …

Today Tucker has something a bit different from his usual wing or hydrofoil review. Whether you're a winger or enjoy any other watersport, you may find this product interesting. The Drydor dry suit is made in Switzerland, and the quality is just what you'd expect. It's lightweight and feels like a high-end ski or snowboard parka.Although Tucker prefers wetsuits, he has tested a number of dry suits over the years. So far, none have changed his mind. After testing the Drydor suit for a coupl …

Kristen Cooper is back with a look at a new offering from North that shorter riders, women, and kids may find interesting, if not long overdue. The 2024 North Navigator Short Throw bar is out, and Kristen has had a chance to ride it in the Florida Keys. If you have ever had trouble reaching the bar when it's fully sheeted out, this may be worth a look.Who's It For? In addition to shorter riders, it's also a nice bar for beginners. It can be frustrating and even intimidating to have …

The Cabrinha Switchblade has been a cornerstone in the kiting world, renowned for its performance and versatility. The latest iteration, the Switchblade, marks its 17th year with significant advancements, promising to elevate the kiting experience for enthusiasts around the globe. A Legacy Reinvented: The New Switchblade The Switchblade is not just an update—it's a complete overhaul of its predecessor. By incorporating new technologies and construction techniques, the Cabrinha team has e …

Not all things are created equally, and neither should they be. We all have different requirements, different points of focus, different needs. For some, they just want to get out there and enjoy mother nature’s finest, for others they are looking for that little bit extra to help them push their boundaries or that of the sport.  As our sports continue to grow and develop, we are seeing that products have to evolve to meet the new demands. In the 03 season we introduced the Ape …

Jeff and Tucker are excited to share one of their favorite accessories: the Ride Engine Air Box, an electric pump. ...Wait. They're excited about an electric pump? Are they really that old?? Perhaps, but that's not why they're willing to forego the traditional pre-session warm-up. Here's what's great about this magic box and why you might want one, too. Accessories Let's first dive in to what you get with your pump. Tucker's favorite accessory that comes with the pump is the car charger. It p …

This is Dustin and Cado here with the all new Cabrinha Moto X. We just got off the water with it, and we're going to do a quick session impression with beginner vs. advanced viewpoints on the kite.Dustin: It was a windy day, and I was out on the 12m. It was blowing a pretty sustained 25-ish knots. It's a super boosty, lofty kite with jumbo jumps. It feels like an old Vector, for the people who've been with Cabrinha forever. It's a tuned-up Moto, and an unbelievable advancement for Cabrin …

The Reedin HyperModel and Duotone Evo D/Lab are both freeride kites made with the premium Aluula material, but is one better for you? Pat and Dustin rode both 9m kites on the same day in order to see how they compare. Dustin: As soon as we swapped kites, I immediately noticed that the Reedin bar pressure was so much lighter than the D/Lab. Pat: I thought the exact same thing. When I got on the D/Lab, I thought the wind had ticked up because the bar pressure on the Evo was that much str …

Dustin and Pat take a look at some kites made with Aluula. What is it, and is it worth the hype? Is it right for you?What is Aluula?Dustin: Aluula is a step up from your normal kites. It's like the carbon bike of the kite world.Pat: Absolutely. It's that carbon fiber frame mountain bike in the kite industry. Is aluminum or steel good for most people out there? Yes. Do you need carbon? Probably not, but is it a nice upgrade and do you get some performance benefits from it? Absolutely.What a …

The 2024 Naish Pivot NVsion is here. What's special about this version of the Pivot? Pat and Dustin got some water time with it and are ready to share some insights. Dustin: We got the all new Naish NVision Pivot, and it's pretty sick. It's the Ferrari of the Pivots. Pat: Yeah, it's the Aluula version of the Pivot. It has slight tweaks to the same Pivot we've known and loved for last couple years, but has been brought to the next level with the Aluula material. …