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some mediocre to less than mediocre reviews on 1st gen orbits. any reviews yet on updated 2021’s?

Yeah. Looking for them myself. I guess Real might have had one, but they are usually positive to every single kite so it doesn't say much.

Waiting for a strong windy day. Got my 2021 Orbit in 9 and 7 but the last days I just had wind for my Reach 12m. Hopefully I can write something soon

The reviews will depend on who is riding it. The Orbit is purpose built for big air / megalooping in overpowered conditions. It does this extremely well - better than any kite I've used. However, if you aren't doing this, then the Orbit isn't going to do well in your review. It is not an all-around kite. It is not a learner kite. Can you use it for these? Yes. Should you? Probably not. The larger kites are a bit more normal, but still have similar characteristics.

The new Orbit is very similar to the old one. It has been toned down slightly to make it a little more user friendly and less prone to overflying (most reviewers highlighted this and I had a lot of issues with it when I first got one). Other than that, it's a little lighter - with the usual performance benefits a lighter kite brings.

Basically, if you have a 2020 Orbit, there's no need to get a 2021. If you are thinking about getting an Orbit, then a 2021 will probably be a little easier to transition to from other kites.

wetestkites - no likey 2020
https://www.wetestkites.com/2019/12/22/ ... rbit-2020/

kitefinder - liked 2020 but can see unstable at the edge of the window.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By88LG6 ... Finder.com

real - usual 'sick' likes. talks about 'balancing' it out vs previous versions so better at the edge of the window
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eaahwma ... atersports

Mackiteboarding - 'balanced the kite out, more user friendly but still get all the perks'


kook academy - liked his comments and why I am considering switching brands
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmHkv8i ... vityCenter

north interview - Matt talks about tweaks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvMX9Qt ... roductions

I demoed the 2020 but unfortunately was light wind and low end no bueno. North saying they increased low end and stability with shape and bridle. Seems like a reason 2021 vs 2020. liked idea of 5 strut high wind jumping kite that can loop and is playful.

Hey guys! here is a link to my review video for the 2021 North ORBIT. I have been riding the Reach quite a bit and now that the new ORBIT is out I must say they have made some significant improvements. It is definitely less prone to back stall in lighter winds and re launches a lot better. The 2021 is a bit more user friendly right out of the bag. Way less Dacron along the struts and trailing edge. Adjusted bridals and lighter bladders in sizes 12m and up. While the 2020 is a sick kite, the 2021 has some great upgrades that just cannot be overlooked. I'm sure we will some good action from Jesse this year in KOTA.

I flew my new 2020 Orbit yesterday for the first time (I know this is a bit off topic bc it's not 2021). 8m in about 25-30mph of wind (I weigh 165lbs). WOW!!! I am dumping my 11m Cab Switchblade and am picking up another Orbit. Compared to the SB, the Orbit loops faster, has less bar pressure and seems to jump just...easier. Maybe I've been flying SB's for too long, but I was completely blown away at how awesome the Orbit was to fly and ride. I let a couple of my buddies fly it as well, they're sold. North oughtta send me a commission for any kites they buy from demoing my new Orbit

Hi Everybody,

Disclaimer: I am a Teamrider for North so this is not really a review and more of an overview of the changes and how it flies compared to the 2020.

I have the 2021 Orbits in 9, 11 and 14m and had the same sizes in the 2020.

The biggest change is the bridle geometry. The Kites are more back bridled now, which gives them more stability and depower. It also gives a more progressive power up when pulling in the bar. It also slightly increases the steering and holding forces on the bar. The kites feel a lot more direct and stable now. I find them a lot more forgiving than the 2020 when it comes to boosting in gusty conditions.

The Kites are lighter. The Dacron Frame has been reduced so now the kites feel even more nimble in the air and the lowend is improved. This makes them great for foiling now too. I have lots of fun on my 9m on a foil.

The new Bar also just puts the icing on the cake. It is a but even more refined now and the harder EVA grip gives it a more solid feel which translates for a nicer flying experience overall.

I Love flying the 14m overpowerd with 8m extensions (30m total) for olsschool. The Hangtime is amazing. Video will be coming soon.

Until then, here is some foiling action on the 9m if you have not already seen it.



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Gunnar

gmb13 wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 04, 2020 10:28 pm

I find them a lot more forgiving than the 2020 when it comes to boosting in gusty conditions.


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Gunnar

Hi Gunnar can you elaborate further on how more forgiving? What did you find on the 2020's when boosting in gusty conditions?

Cheers,