Hello, I was wondering whether anybody had experience riding these two kites and could give me some feedback as to their differences. I have flown the Evo and was about to pull the trigger on a couple of the kites (9 and 12), but now I see the Reach and I'm wondering if I should wait to try that too, particularly since I can get the setup for a little bit cheaper.
I have seen the kitefinder.com YouTube video comparing the kites and it made it seem like they were extremely similar, but that's the only comparison I have seen.
I have been riding for four years and almost exclusively ride twin tip although I would like a kite that can be ridden on a foil as well. I ride waves and freeride and like to air and progress hooked tricks. Generally riding 16-35 knot winds. Thus far have generally ridden 5 strut kites and want something lighter and more versatile.
Hello, I was wondering whether anybody had experience riding these two kites and could give me some feedback as to their differences. I have flown the Evo and was about to pull the trigger on a couple of the kites (9 and 12), but now I see the Reach and I'm wondering if I should wait to try that too, particularly since I can get the setup for a little bit cheaper.
I have seen the kitefinder.com YouTube video comparing the kites and it made it seem like they were extremely similar, but that's the only comparison I have seen.
I have been riding for four years and almost exclusively ride twin tip although I would like a kite that can be ridden on a foil as well. I ride waves and freeride and like to air and progress hooked tricks. Generally riding 16-35 knot winds. Thus far have generally ridden 5 strut kites and want something lighter and more versatile.
Thanks in advance
Re: Any North Reach vs Duotone Evo comparisons?
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:31 pm
by patternw
I've flown the past few year's versions of the Evo, as well as the Reach and feel like I could help you out here. Honestly, they're both really great kites. Based on your riding styles and preferences, I'd suggest the Reach. The Evo and Reach are both very fun twin-tip kites. The Reach jumps better than the Evo, but the Evo loops with a touch more power. Here's where you'll get the separation between the kites - foil and surf. For me, the Evo felt too heavy and needed to be attended to a bit more than a traditional surf kite (Drifter, Reo, SST, Carve, etc.) The Reach is 90% as good as any surf kite listed, and behaves just as well with a foil under you. It is light in the air, has the perfect amount of power/drift, and has ultimately turned into my favorite kite for that reason.
I'm like you, was looking for an all-around kite I could use for any discipline. The Reach is the first kite that does this well, in my opinion.
Hope it helps! Any questions, feel free to ask. Also - 12/9 is a great setup - I'm running that now. I've heard the 15 is really great, too!
Good luck!
Re: Any North Reach vs Duotone Evo comparisons?
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:58 pm
by purdyd
Duotone lightened up the 2020 evo, tightened the canopy and removed the pullies which took it up a notch in foiling and drift.
I’m guessing that is why kitefinder gave an edge to the evo over the reach for foiling and light wind waves. But the reach better for twintip.
I've flown the past few year's versions of the Evo, as well as the Reach and feel like I could help you out here. Honestly, they're both really great kites. Based on your riding styles and preferences, I'd suggest the Reach. The Evo and Reach are both very fun twin-tip kites. The Reach jumps better than the Evo, but the Evo loops with a touch more power. Here's where you'll get the separation between the kites - foil and surf. For me, the Evo felt too heavy and needed to be attended to a bit more than a traditional surf kite (Drifter, Reo, SST, Carve, etc.) The Reach is 90% as good as any surf kite listed, and behaves just as well with a foil under you. It is light in the air, has the perfect amount of power/drift, and has ultimately turned into my favorite kite for that reason.
I'm like you, was looking for an all-around kite I could use for any discipline. The Reach is the first kite that does this well, in my opinion.
Hope it helps! Any questions, feel free to ask. Also - 12/9 is a great setup - I'm running that now. I've heard the 15 is really great, too!
Good luck!
I'd totally agree with the above, I have been so impressed with the Reach for foiling and have heard the same from many customers. North also mention that the kite really does excel at foiling, it is pretty much there foil kite after all.
Re: Any North Reach vs Duotone Evo comparisons?
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2020 5:16 pm
by walester
I’m selling a 9M 2020 orbit in case you want to save some $$ and stick to a 5 strut. Flies very similar to the reach as I’ve tried them both.
I’m selling a 9M 2020 orbit in case you want to save some $$ and stick to a 5 strut. Flies very similar to the reach as I’ve tried them both.
I'd have to disagree here...Orbit is a totally different kite. Likes to ride with loads of power, very structured and solid feel. The Reach is much more dynamic. Orbit in a 9 or 10 in 25+ knots is an absolute riot, though!