NORTH Neo
Sizes Available: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12m
Sizes Tested: 8, 10m
North Says:
The Neo is the definition of a high performance wave kite and continues to meet the needs of the rider with ease. Thanks to the design concept behind the Neo and the power it delivers, riders are able to ride at least 1-2 meters less in comparison to any other kite. This advantageous aspect further enhances its already rapid turning abilities, effortless float down the line and responsiveness to handling to ensure ease of maneuverability on the wave. Taking wipeouts into consideration, we’ve made the Neo incredibly easy to relaunch so you can get up and away before the next wave hits. The new anti-snag leading edge tips will keep the kite tangle free no matter how bad the crash. If you want to ride the best waves in the world, you’ll need the best wave kite on the market to take you there. The Neo is the ultimate engine for slaying the waves!
Visit for more info: www.northkiteboarding.com/products/kites/neo/
Our Testers Say:
“All around great performance in waves, going upwind and getting big air,” Tom Fristoe.
“The kite sits deeper in the window and provides immense power in the low end wind range,” Dray Murray.
“An upwind powerhouse that turns on a dime,” Davey Beard.
TKB Says:
The 2016 Neo is a 3-struts C-shaped SLE medium aspect kite that North markets as their surf kite which also works for freeriding. This year North made subtle changes to its inflation valve, beefing up its internal parts to make for a quick and reliable inflation every time. North’s large diameter inflation valve connects directly with the standard pump hose without the use of a nozzle and the inflation system’s twist valve rotates with the insertion and removal of the hose and makes inflating and packing up quick and easy. The Neo features two wingtip steering settings which offers “hard” and “soft” performance and a front bridle with pulleys that also offers two settings, one for smoother turning/drifting and the other for more depower and shorter bar stroke. Among small changes like a Dacron new trailing edge and no-bend inflation tubes between the struts and LE, the Neo has also undergone some small tweaks to its profile and wingtip shape. Testers commented on the Neo’s grunty low-end power, solid boosting on the high-end and good downwind drift. The Neo’s steering arc is a little broader than the pivot style turn of the Evo, and the Neo’s bar pressure might be a little more than the Evo, but overall medium and very comfortable. The Neo offers a quick relaunch with the pull of one side of the bar. While last year’s Neo was known for it’s low end grunt, this year’s kite has a little more depower when you sheet out. Testers recommend this kite for those that are looking for a kite that will serve them well in the surf and all around freeriding.
The Neo comes with the Quad Control Trust Bar which is a dual adjustable length bar (42/49cm and 46/53cm) that comes with four line length options: 19m and 22m lines on the 42/49cm bar and 24m and 27m lines on the 46/53cm bar. This bar features a single center-line safety depower, spectra sheeting/throw line with a sliding stopper, high V, above the bar cam cleat that can be adjusted to accommodate longer throw length without disturbing the kite’s tuning, as well as a Velcro tuning handle which keeps tuning slack out of the way when in under depowered conditions. The push away quick release features a plastic molded loop and finger lock, as well as a below the bar hand swivel which doubles as a quick release travel guard. The integrated floats and bar ends are padded and provide sufficient space for easy winding and allow riders to adjust the length of the outside lines for stretch or tuning. The Quad Control bar is a favorite of Tkb staff and earned high praise for its slick combination of comfort and functional performance oriented features in a lightweight and durable design design.
Visit for more info on the bar: www.northkiteboarding.com/products/bars/quad-control/
