North Orbit

As we write these lines, we’re just a few weeks away from the official launch of the all-new North Orbit, but we’ve got our hands on one for early testing, just for you! The Orbit is a legendary name in the kite industry, having been one of the best-selling and highest-performing kites in recent years. Until now, riders could choose from three variants: the Standard, the Pro and the Ultra, each primarily differentiated by the materials used in the airframe, along with subtle design tweaks like revised bridles or canopy fabrics to match. For 2026, North has streamlined the lineup, offering just two models: the Standard version, which we’re currently reviewing, and the Ultra, which promises some exciting innovations (stay tuned for more in upcoming issues!).

For the past few seasons, the Orbit has remained virtually unchanged in both appearance and performance, so we expected more of the same from this new version. However, while pumping it up, we noticed a different shape. Once laid out on the sand, it became clear: North has given the Orbit a more pronounced delta shape than in previous years. The leading edge now uses North’s N-Max2 Dacron, the same material found in their current Pro model, offering a slightly lighter yet stiffer construction than the standard Dacron. The canopy features a high-quality triple ripstop fabric, providing both durability and crisp responsiveness. Overall, the material selection closely mirrors the current Pro version. Beyond these updates, the construction stays true to North’s signature quality: meticulous attention to detail and bombproof durability that riders have come to trust.

Within moments of flying the new Orbit, it became clear that its shape has indeed shifted toward a slightly more delta-style design but it still retains the core DNA of previous versions. What does that mean in practice? A kite that’s intuitive to fly, with light bar pressure and quick, responsive handling. The Orbit feels fast in the air, so much so that it often seems like you’re flying a size smaller than what you’re actually riding. Despite its speed, it remains highly intuitive at the bar, never feeling twitchy or overwhelming. Throughout our testing sessions, we faced classic Levante conditions: strong and gusty winds. Even in those challenging conditions, the Orbit delivered a smooth, comfortable ride with solid upwind performance and excellent gust absorption. Where the kite truly shines is jumping. The 2026 Orbit shows a noticeable improvement in both lift and hangtime compared to previous years. The magic that made the Orbit so popular is still there: huge, easy jumps that even intermediate riders can enjoy. Kiteloops are tight and controllable, reinforcing the Orbit’s status as a top choice for those progressing into Big Air.

In the past, the Orbit had something of a split personality: a great freeride kite in lighter winds, and a solid Big Air machine as conditions ramped up. Yet in recent years, it started to fall slightly behind its closest competitors in the extreme performance category. With this new version, North has clearly shifted the balance, delivering a more Big-Air oriented kite across the entire wind range, while still preserving the accessibility and forgiving nature that make it a great freeride option. The jumping sweet spot is wide and the kite’s predictability and smooth power delivery inspired confidence from the very first session. Even in harsh, overpowered conditions, it remained fun and easy to handle. That said, in a couple of (to-the-limit) high-end sessions, we found ourselves wishing for a slightly longer bar throw.

The Orbit has long been one of the industry’s best-selling kites and for good reason. The new model stays true to its roots, offering the same ease of use, smooth handling and comfortable ride, now paired with a noticeable boost in Big Air performance. It’s an ideal kite not only for riders looking to push their limits, but also for those who just want to cruise around and enjoy a fun, relaxed session on a twintip. If you’re a current Orbit owner wondering whether the upgrade is worth it, our answer is a resounding yes. The new Orbit retains its user-friendly, freeride-focused nature, but it’s been refined and made noticeably more dynamic. The improvements in lift and hangtime are clear from the first session and the overall riding experience feels sharper, more responsive and more exciting.