Hi,
I learned on North Rebels and switched to Cabrinha because I hated those 5 liners which inverted on me many times when a sudden wind lull occurred. Then Cabrinha had two years of very bad fabric, so I looked for another kite company.
After reading so many hypes about that little start-up kite company here on this forum, I thought give them a go. But that was a disaster and the 2 kite repair center owners rolled their eyes every time I came back to them because of another repair on those three kites. After 1 year I truly had enough of that crap, so I switched to North's Fuse and I never looked back!
Now a few episodes about North's *customer service*.
I asked my dealer if the 2013 North bar could be modified so I could install the micro loop/hook. They rang North and they said yes. Ok, so I bought that 2013 Fuse, 2013 bar and the micro loop/hook set. To my surprise the holes on the iron heart were different to the hook and there was no way to get that installed. I rang the dealer to let them know and contacted the North HQ directly and explained it to them in detail what the problem is. Without hesitations they sent me a 2012 iron heart and on top a new 2012 CL as well (and no- they did not ask me to pay for the freight).
I thought 'Wow!'...
3 months later a line broke (most likely due to the little plastic sleeve with a very sharp edge which rubbed on that). I fitted my beloved Q-Powerlines onto the bar but contacted Dan/North and the North HQ to let them know as a warning so they can check. To my surprise with my next order a new set of lines were attached (I did not ask for them since I won't use them anymore anyway).
It is true that it is hard to talk to these busy North guys, but you don't need to. Explain your problem to them and without hesitations they will send and honor whatever broke or is not correct. That is true *customer service*!
My first North order was made in April this year and since then I purchased for myself 4 x 12m Fuses, 1 x 10m Fuse, 1 x 9m Fuse, 1 x 2013 bar, 3 x 2012 bars and several Ion accessories (Ion is handled by North too).
What goes around, comes around...
The only sour grapes they give me is the discontinuation of (what I believe) the greatest kite on the market and the newer bars which can't be fitted anymore with the micro loop/hook. It is not a big deal to ditch that plastic insert and put back the aluminum insert with the 2 holes to install the micro loop. It would be good if they would listen a bit more to their clients. But maybe the old school guys are a niche market now...who knows...
Anyway, I have enough gear now which will last for some years.
Thank you North!
Cheers
Caesar