North Orbit / Orbit Pro / Orbit Ultra

The North Orbit retains a legendary reputation from two consecutive years of KOTA wins and has remained at the forefront of competition riding ever since its release. This year there is a choice of three iterations of very similar shape, maintaining the same competition winning DNA. All are designed to perform at the very extremes of nature, and the definitive smoothness and stability we have come to enjoy from this kite are very much retained throughout. We put these three iterations of the Orbit to the test to identify how these products differ and who might benefit from each step up in performance.

Though the classic Orbit is the cheapest in the range, that does not mean it is short of performance features and high-end construction. Utilizing the highest strength to weight ratio N-Dure2 Dacron, pre-stretched bridle lines, and Kevlar reinforced strut connectors, weight and durability have been prioritized at a price which won’t break the bank. For the weekend warrior looking to throw some gnarly kiteloops or kickstart their Big Air progression, this kite provides excellent stability throughout boosts as well as predictable kiteloops that maintain a smooth pull through the bottom of the loop. The kite climbs instantly out of these towards a reliable catch and tends not to fly too far overhead so making landings a little less off-putting for those starting out in the game. The classic model contains the most tuning options with three bar pressure and steering settings. Everyone, from those who may like some heavier bar pressure for a slightly more old-school bar feel, as well as the modern, low-bar pressure ride should be satisfied with the options given.

Last year, the Orbit Pro was designed as North’s answer to the startling rate of progression in kite materials over the past couple of years. The lighter and stiffer N-Max airframe is complemented with stripped-back scuff guards, HyperFlow hardware, and steering impulse attachments. In addition to lighter bladders and reduced diameter struts, these combine to make the lightest possible product, which translates to a significant step up in speed and handling without a major increase in cost. The Orbit Pro feels instantly faster and more direct on the bar both due to the decrease in weight and the exceptional spring-back of the N-Max airframe. Kiteloops still retain a similar stability to the classic Orbit. The main difference is evident in the catch after a kiteloop. The kite climbs faster and maintains greater line tension out of the loop. This leads it to fly further over the rider’s head, slowing them down on landing and enabling greater hangtime for moves such as late rotations due to a lofty heli-loop. Naturally, an extra benefit of a lighter kite is the lightwind performance increase which the Orbit Pro delivers in spades. Much less prone to stalls, it retains greater steering input in its low end.

Jumping to the Orbit Ultra instantly delivers a more direct feel on the bar. The stiffness of the Aluula lends the Ultra an incredibly precise and instantaneous bar feel, making the other iterations of the Orbit feel slightly dampened in comparison. For top-level riders, this allows better feeling of the wind enabling excellent reading of gusts for takeoffs and orientation of the kite whilst spinning through the air. Unlike some Aluula kites which end up feeling somewhat mechanical in their loop and catching ability, the Orbit Ultra does retain a hardcore feel with a thoroughly satisfying pull through the loop before a staggeringly reliable catch. The heli-loop is incredibly lofty and reliable, allowing the rider to have the utmost confidence in their gear. This enables late rotations and risky maneuvers like double loops to be executed in less than perfect conditions. Overall, this helps push the realms of Big Air safely into increasingly marginal winds.

Overall, all three versions of the legendary Orbit have an audience of their own. Those looking to boost big and enter the realms of Big Air tricks without cash to burn will thrive off the classic Orbit’s stable nature and greater tuning options. For those looking to push their skills with a kite that sits in a happy medium of price and performance will no doubt relish the Orbit Pro’s step up in speed and hangtime. Finally, those riders ultimately looking for a no-compromises Big Air machine to accelerate their trick progression will be blown away by the catch and handling of the Aluula Orbit Ultra.