Naish pivot vs North reach vs Fone bandit as a first kite

[Sun]

I have flown Bandit and Pivot. Kited just last week with a guy flying a Demo Reach.

Pick the kite that is cheapest or has the best colors. They are all fine kites for a beginner, and none will set you back for progression.

Of all the bars, the North bar is my favorite. Clean, simple, and so far my two examples are wearing very well. You can use the North Bar on any of the three. Even the Bandit should work well with it, low V and all.

[Leo L]

I have flown Bandit and Pivot. Kited just last week with a guy flying a Demo Reach.

Pick the kite that is cheapest or has the best colors. They are all fine kites for a beginner, and none will set you back for progression.

Of all the bars, the North bar is my favorite. Clean, simple, and so far my two examples are wearing very well. You can use the North Bar on any of the three. Even the Bandit should work well with it, low V and all.

Regarding the Bar I really agree. the navigator is the best of all the three big time.
the only issue is that it is 22m line vs 24 of the other. isn't it affect the way the kite will react? do they have extension to the lines?

[Sun]

You can get extensions if you want. Line length is user preference. If you feel the kite is too responsive or the window is small, add extensions.

[andylc]

From what I can see the North Navigator doesn’t have adjustable high / low V, so not as versatile as the F-one bar.

[Blackened]

Regarding the Bar I really agree. the navigator is the best of all the three big time.
the only issue is that it is 22m line vs 24 of the other. isn't it affect the way the kite will react? do they have extension to the lines?

From the North website:

"22m lines have a split at 12m, which is far enough for the bar to travel to completely depower our largest kite when you flag out. Remove the standard 10m top section of flying line and 12m lines are ideal for schools to teach with and for foil racing. 8m and NEW 6m line extensions are available as an accessory for wave riding or tighter kiteloops."

You could always get 8+6 set for longer lines. I'd probably stick with the 22s unless you really want to use a 15m Reach or 14m Orbit in light winds.

[Windigo1]

The Bandit is real truck a lot of power probably the worst of the 3 for durability. I demoed a few Reach and was not very powerful compared to what I like as a beginner you want good power because you are less efficient but you want a great depower too not to get in trouble. The Pivot would probably be the best all around good power good for jumping good in waves and good build quality.

[Kiterisland]

Flown pivot 9, 12, 14 a fair amount. They are amazing kites and excellent for beginner to advanced. I have flown bandits in 10 and 14m one session each. Also fantastic kites, but I like the pivots more but it is only cause I’m more used to them I’m sure. Would be happy with a quiver of either. As for build quality they seem the same to me, both great. Never had a single issue with Naish over the years.

[Leo L]

The Bandit is real truck a lot of power probably the worst of the 3 for durability. I demoed a few Reach and was not very powerful compared to what I like as a beginner you want good power because you are less efficient but you want a great depower too not to get in trouble. The Pivot would probably be the best all around good power good for jumping good in waves and good build quality.

Does the kite states the depower? I thought it is the bar...
Does the pivot has "great" depower?
Will the Pivot work good with North Navigator bar (I like it over the Naish control bar...)?

[Sun]

You can use the Pivot with the North bar, yes. I use my North bar with my Ozone, Duotone, Naish, and Best kites.

[Iridian]

Bandit is absolute trash. Don't get one.