all years
Reviews describe the North Reach as a light, responsive all-rounder that works across freeride, foil, waves and jumping. The 2021 and 2022 models are praised for easy relaunch, strong low-end performance and quick turning, while later generations focus on lighter and stiffer construction materials.
Strengths
- Highly versatile for twintip, foil and wave riding
- Strong low-end performance and easy upwind ability
- Fast turning with approachable loops
- Easy relaunch and forgiving handling
Weaknesses
- Less specialized than a dedicated big-air kite
- Light bar pressure may offer less feedback for some riders
- Year-to-year differences are not always clearly isolated
- Few clearly independent tests are available for every model year
Who for
Best for riders wanting one versatile kite for freeride, foil, waves and learning loops, from beginner to advanced.
Sources
- TheKiteMagNorth Reach Review - TheKiteMag Tests2026-04-01
- MACkite Boardsports Center2022 North Reach, Is This Your Do-It-All Kite?2026-11-08
- MACkite Boardsports CenterNorth Orbit vs the Reach2026-11-07
- MACkite Boardsports Center2024 North Reach Kite Review with Kristen2026-11-05
- TheKiteMagNORTH REACH Review - TheKiteMag Tests2025-11-03
- IKSURFMAGNorth Kiteboarding Reach 9m 2021 Review and Test2026-11-03
- IKSURFMAGNorth Kiteboarding Reach 9m 20222026-10-11
- Elite Watersports2023 vs 2024 vs 2025 North Reach: What's Changed2025-10-13
