North Neo 12M as light wind kite

[mkNY]

I currently have a Juice 15M that I ride with TT in light winds (11-16knts) at 150lbs.

I'm looking to switch to riding a surfboard in light winds and wanted something more agile than the Juice, which turns like a truck. Would a 2015 NEO 12M be a good option and give enough low end to get out in 11-12knts on a surfboard?

The North site says 11-22knts range but wanted to hear some first hand reviews.

[MMac22]

I'm using a 2016 12m Neo as a light-med wind kite. I weigh 200lbs and was riding upwind yesterday in 12-15mph winds with a surfboard. One thing I did was to add some extension lines to my 24m bar to extend the lines to 27m+. This seems to help the 12m Neo pull more like a 13-14m kite in lighter winds. In stronger winds I just remove the extensions.

[mkNY]

Thanks that helps. How do you like the 12M in terms of turning speed and upwind ability?

[foilholio]

The neo is too heavy for light winds. I would choose the mono which looks like the exact same kite as the neo except it's missing 2 struts so it's lighter.

[OldGuy]

To say the Neo " too heavy " is an exaggeration. Yes the Mono is lighter and will stay in the sky in ultra light winds, but the Neo is a better performing kite in slightly more wind. It's a trade off........

[ciscokitesurfer]

I am a fun of Neo kites . I have a 12 9 and 7. For light wind below 10 knots I use my Solo 15.5 m kite. Over 12 knots of winds the NEO is ok but add the extension lines. cheers

in the ocean with waves and current you will need 12 knots .

[mkNY]

I'm not looking for an ultra light wind kite, as even the Juice 15 was not very good at anything below 11-12knts for me.
I just want something that turns a bit faster and is more agile than the Juice 15 in 12-15knts on a surfboard.

Mono would be great but there are no used Mono yet, used 2015 Neo 12s are going for ~$700

[ThickAir]

mkNY, have you ridden the 13m Dyno? Sounds like it would fit your needs perfectly. I ride mine with a Nugget down to 10knts. Nice thing is the kite just wants to fly - wind has to basically shut off for Dyno to fall out of the sky. Super precise and agile steering, as well.

[mkNY]

Dyno would be an option but I don't see a big re-sale market for them as they are not that popular and I'm not looking to buy new. I'm also a bit concerned about durability since that kite is built to be light for racing.

[ThickAir]

There's a 2015 13m on eBay right now. Exact same kite as 2016, BTW - nothing changed. You should demo one if you can. It really is VERY different from the Juice and an awesome freeride kite.