North Kiteboarding has, like most other brands, multiple kiteseries ready for 2014. Most kites are catering specifically to a certain riding style like freestyle or race. But the all-rounder kites are always harder to define. So we had a look at the form and function of the new North Evo and Neo offerings for 2014. We tested them in different conditions and found the most important characteristics that define these new all-round kites.North Evo 9m
The North Evo's shape has a higher aspect ratio than the Neo's. It's more like a wide & narrow wing with a thinner leading edge. It has 5 struts (the Neo has 3) and a 6-point bridle system which connects more to the center of the leading edge. The Evo generates a broad wind window and builds up its power strongly while generating flying speed.| Kite characteristics North EVO 9m |
Flying Characteristics EVO
With
the storm
conditions that we had was it the perfect setting - See more at:
http://www.kitefinder.com/en/kites/1306/ozone-reo-2014#user-reviews
- high-end
- light steering
- full de-power
- explosive lift
- broad wind window
- up wind
- gliding phase lighter riders
Cons
- stability in gusty winds
- low-end
- less relaunch in light wind
North Neo 9m
The North Neo is a freeride/wave kite. The Neo is more compact compared to the Evo with a rigid 3 strut frame. The Neo's canopy has more panels that make it even more compact and rigid than the Evo. This rigid form with deeper placement in the wind window is what defines the new Neo. It is what gives it more power and rigid feedback on the edge of the wind window. The Neo is more direct and powerful than the 2013 Neo and the 2014 Evo. The new Neo is compared to the new Evo more powerful but it generates a more gradual power than the 2014 Evo, which has an explosive power build-up while getting up to speed.Flying Characteristics NEO
With
the storm
conditions that we had was it the perfect setting - See more at:
http://www.kitefinder.com/en/kites/1306/ozone-reo-2014#user-reviews
| Kite characteristics North NEO 9m |
- low-end
- relaunch in light wind
- stable and good feedback edge of the wind window
- always bar feedback
- small turning circle with continuous feedback & power
- sheet & go
- great steering under lack of steering line tension
- gliding phase heavier riders
Cons
- powerful and no full de-power in its high end (consideration for starters)
- lot of grunt so its harder to go upwind compared to the Evo
Conclusion:
This year's Neo has been upgraded to be a more compact and powerful sheet & go kite. It has good surf characteristics, specialy in it's low-end. The Evo is a performance wing that likes the high end spectrum of the wind. It will generate a lot of lift and float with more wind.
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| North Evo vs Neo |
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| LE Neo is thicker. Bridle attach. point Evo (green) closer to the center. |
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| Neo 2 wingtip batten |
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| Evo 1 wingtip batten next to the strut |
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| New North inflate system |
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| Different wingtip shapes Evo (green) Neo (blue) |
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| Neo (blue) smaller canopy panel |
Source: http://www.kitefinder.com/en/kites/blog/1364/north-neo-9m-vs-north-evo-9m
For our school, we tested the Evo next to the Neo
2014. First, we tested them in low wind. The Neo had
a better low end, more feedback and power. We
thought we would go for the Neo. But the big
question was how would the Neo reacts in more wind.
Is the power still controllable? Well, we found out
in moderate winds that the new Neo is pretty strong.
Generates a constant grunt (pull) with a pretty
gradual but strong lift and boost. Something its
great for a good all rounder but can be scary for a
beginner.
For a starter kite you like a kite with good feedback & power control on the edge of the wind window (Evo cons light wind, pros in moderate wind). The Evo is a higher aspect ratio kite. It generates power in its flight lines, that means you need a bit more kite feel and control than a sheet and go kite as the new Neo. Kite feel is what lacks most of the beginners, so we prefer the Neo for starters. The Neo had the better stability, feedback and ease of control in light wind. But if the wind picks up we will changed the kites earlier to the 7m sizes!
Don't throw the Evo away, this kite is great for moderate and high winds jumps. Especially for more experienced & light weight riders. - See more at: http://www.kitefinder.com/en/kites/1319/north-evo-2014#user-reviews
For a starter kite you like a kite with good feedback & power control on the edge of the wind window (Evo cons light wind, pros in moderate wind). The Evo is a higher aspect ratio kite. It generates power in its flight lines, that means you need a bit more kite feel and control than a sheet and go kite as the new Neo. Kite feel is what lacks most of the beginners, so we prefer the Neo for starters. The Neo had the better stability, feedback and ease of control in light wind. But if the wind picks up we will changed the kites earlier to the 7m sizes!
Don't throw the Evo away, this kite is great for moderate and high winds jumps. Especially for more experienced & light weight riders. - See more at: http://www.kitefinder.com/en/kites/1319/north-evo-2014#user-reviews
For our school, we tested the Evo next to the Neo
2014. First, we tested them in low wind. The Neo had
a better low end, more feedback and power. We
thought we would go for the Neo. But the big
question was how would the Neo reacts in more wind.
Is the power still controllable? Well, we found out
in moderate winds that the new Neo is pretty strong.
Generates a constant grunt (pull) with a pretty
gradual but strong lift and boost. Something its
great for a good all rounder but can be scary for a
beginner.
For a starter kite you like a kite with good feedback & power control on the edge of the wind window (Evo cons light wind, pros in moderate wind). The Evo is a higher aspect ratio kite. It generates power in its flight lines, that means you need a bit more kite feel and control than a sheet and go kite as the new Neo. Kite feel is what lacks most of the beginners, so we prefer the Neo for starters. The Neo had the better stability, feedback and ease of control in light wind. But if the wind picks up we will changed the kites earlier to the 7m sizes!
Don't throw the Evo away, this kite is great for moderate and high winds jumps. Especially for more experienced & light weight riders. - See more at: http://www.kitefinder.com/en/kites/1319/north-evo-2014#user-reviews
For a starter kite you like a kite with good feedback & power control on the edge of the wind window (Evo cons light wind, pros in moderate wind). The Evo is a higher aspect ratio kite. It generates power in its flight lines, that means you need a bit more kite feel and control than a sheet and go kite as the new Neo. Kite feel is what lacks most of the beginners, so we prefer the Neo for starters. The Neo had the better stability, feedback and ease of control in light wind. But if the wind picks up we will changed the kites earlier to the 7m sizes!
Don't throw the Evo away, this kite is great for moderate and high winds jumps. Especially for more experienced & light weight riders. - See more at: http://www.kitefinder.com/en/kites/1319/north-evo-2014#user-reviews
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