Sooo good Jason! Really appreciate the in depth look on toys that we only dream of! Appreciate you throwing that board review quickly in there. Very relateable!
My choice was to stay with the Orbit Pro (8m & 11m) and order a new Atmos Pro board even before watching this video. Now, you have just given me confirmation to do that. As a regular rider who just jumps up to 20m and performs some lower loops, backroll loops, etc., I don't think I need this double loop machine. Thank you for your review, Jason! I will sleep more peacefully now because I was torn about whether to buy the Ultra, considering its price. However, with all the information from your review, I'm no longer worried.😊🏄♂️
@@dirkkroon2278 I’m not sure, I covered older models in my first video. I was trying to do a reedin range focussed one earlier this year but couldn’t get hold of them.
Thanks for a great review 😊 Unfortunately I live in a place with less wind and I often have to opt for the 12. Would orbit ultra make sense in this regard. I would guess that the lighter aluula would make the large size feel a bit less like a truck?
I've not tried the 12, but according to the North release video info, they kites are the same weight, the only advantage you would get in low end would be from the thinner leading edge... but I'm not sure how much I'm afraid.
Sick review once more, sticking with my 2024 atmos pro en standard orbits as im learning my kiteloops. First gotta get those over 10m jumps and kiteloops locked down, struggling too much with 20knots to go higher than 8m sadly
@@jasonofmontreal yea sadly thats the netherlands and working 40 hours and evening study. Summers little good days and in autumn and winter little time to go surfing.
Amazing review, I’m now riding a 2016 switchblade and a 9m edge v10. Looking to get either a orbit pro or wait for the new f-one brainchild kites to get into looping
Nice review as always, board looks gorgeous for 2025. This is my personal fav of the video, not the kite :) Competitors catch up, however DLAB is still the benchmark.
DLAB design is great, but the quality is going down with duotone… as much as I love those classic aluula monsters I cant see myself trusting them again.
@@lorenzo5781 Yes fully agree. I have the very subjective opion that the quality (especially of the canopy) is way worse than on the SLS or standard models. I am flying allula only on my 15m now, smaller sizes in SLS construction for a longer life span
@kitemana, please get this man a core xr8, xr-pro and pace, also a reedin spaceagency and hypermodel would be great. @harlemkites, please get this man a thrive and force. That's it, thank you very much. Hi Jason, Nice work buddy. I am a bit like you, I always like to try new stuff. I have a d-lab 13m juice, then 11,9,8,7 xr. I am thinking of switching the xr's to aluula or harlem thrive and force. My question, is 3 strut Aluula the way to go? For me 5 strut dacron in high wind is more stable and better then 3, but does that translate to aluula? Side note, I was watching Maarten Haeger and the rest of the core boys in 50 knots at my local beach, those dudes make it look so easy. You are also one of those top guy's, even Joshua is a plus size guy, so no excuses. Ask the north dudes for a session next time and bring the camera, I would wach that. You can do more then just reviews.
Cheers man... when picking kites, everything is relative to riding style, level, and what conditions you get the most... if you want to msg me on insta to tell me all the variables where you are and what you are looking for, I can try my best to suggest some options.
Wow, this review has me really confused! Usually, your reviews are spot on, but this time I'm left scratching my head. Is the North Orbit Ultra really just for pro riders? Because that's what it sounds like. I also didn't agree with your take on the North Orbit Pro. In my opinion, it steers super direct and you always know where it is in the sky - easy handling for sure!Now I'm wondering who the normal Orbit is for. I thought it was always the go-to for looping, but now North has three different big air kites at different price points. It's like they’re trying to confuse us on purpose! Honestly, North used to be clear with their focus on the Orbit, but now with these three kites, it feels like a mess. Trying to be the best kiter on the podium just got a whole lot more complicated! I’m just not agreeing with some of your points, especially about the Orbit Pro’s handling. Overall, North’s strategy is a bit of a mess right now. Keep up the reviews though - they’re always a fun watch🤙
One thing to note too is that by producing 3 different models, the manufacturing cost of each goes up, which means higher selling prices. For example, if you sell 300 kites of one model, the cost to produce each kite would be low. But if you sell 3 models, and still only sell 300 kites, you only produce 100 kites for each model which results in a higher manufacturing cost per kite. Unfortunately, for this reason, Aluula kite models will bring up the cost of all models, including the "heavier" models. And the more models that exist, the higher the costs of each kite sold.
Standard = getting into big air and doing first loops Pro = most big air riders who have already progressed into loops looking for a bit more performance Ultra = advanced big air riders looking for the highest tier of orbit and have the budget to pay for it
Waiting so much for your ORBIT - ORBIT PRO - ORBIT ULTRA back-to-back comparison! As i'm finally getting into raising the high of my kiteloops i've been wondering which one should I go for. Let me put it simple: i'm very tempted, because of a possible ligher bar (and because i tried the harlem force and i liked the bar feeling with an higher boost power straight away) to go for the PRO. Only thing that bothers me a little is the fact that they made it only until the 11m... (the 12 for me would be a no brainer..). Question, if money were just an object and you could buy at the same price THE CLASSIC, THE PRO OR THE ULTRA at the level of jumping avarage 8-9m and starting to loop always a bit higher which one would you choose? Would the PRO or the ULTRA hinder your progression at this rate?
@@Rgm1202 are you saying you want to get a 12m for loops, or are you just worried about the kite because they don’t make a 12? If you are just doing basic kite loops up to say 7m, the classic is great up to 8m kite size, then the pro is probably what I would recommend from 9 or 10m and up.
@@jasonofmontreal Thanks for the answer! I meant before that if North had produced a 12m PRO (they stop at the 11m size idk why) for me personally it would be a must buy because of the great combo of a ligher bar pressure, less weight and higher performance overall for a couple more bucks!
How choppy are the waters you ride in. I ride in predominately choppy conditions and I have a very hard time holding an edge. i was thinking of maybe buying a Lieuwe Shotgun. But I am obviously interested in the Atmos boards because of the characteristics you mentioned. Though I think the Astra would be the best for me as I weigh 70kg and I am 178cm tall, I am a man btw. So in terms of softness and choppy riding the best for me would be Astra, followed by Atmos and then Atmos pro. Jason do you agree with this assessment.?
@@GoranBarac-e8k unfortunately I’ve not ridden the astra or shotgun… but for choppy conditions it makes sense to have something softer depending on your level. my preferences of the boards I tested would be the falcon or the 2025 atmos pro, at your size going for a 133/134 would also help I’d say
Aluula increse bar pressure for sure. Its stiffer and difficult to handle, the shake generated from chop and gusty cost alot of energy to keep body balance. I was riding a normal orbit, now i brought a OR rise and a little regret, the bar pressure is so much heavier than orbit, triceps pan after 20 minutes, im sure all aluula have a heavier bar pressure than standards kite. Aluula is for strongs guys like bodybuilders😂
@@jasonofmontreal yesterday im was in doubt, i was very upset with my purchase and trying to think whats wrong with the bar pressure to the rise. Could be impossible to be a heavy bar like too heavy that i couldnt stay 20 minuts on the water. But I remember that you test the kite with a north bar and today I came to kite and try my old ozone bar than pilot 2.0. The difference is bizzare, the pilot is total unbalanced bar, light in the middle and heavy on the tips, i dont know about the lines as well. Anyway with the ozone bar the kite is light bar, almost as a orbit more similar to the pivot. 2 hours on the water today. Tks bro .. just to correct... aluula making me happy, lets walk forward 😅
I just noticed that Mac Kiteboarding put something up about the Slingshot Code NXT Aluula kite. Would love for have your review on it. I also enjoy if you would compare to the other Aluula kites. Thanks 🙏
Hi Jason I have been dealing with constant pain on my triceps whil kitesurfing it got worse and worse now I want to change my kite to as low bar pressure as possible to ride as long as possible. I currently Ride Core xr 7 and I am not able to ride it longer then 30 minutes before the pain starts. Could you recommend in your honest opinion what kites that you have tested have lowest bar pressure. Thanks and love watching your videos!
@@arenpolat2420 I own some core xr7’s… basically anything is lighter 😂 Harlem force and Evo dlab possibly lightest, orbit pro or nitro v2 also quite light.
I have 2 trust bars so I go both ways... I ride 22 on 8 and 10 usually, 24 on 12m, sometimes I do ride the 24 on my 10m if the wind is a bit light for a 10. I prefer 22 for loops, and 24 for lighter winds and more hangtime.
I’d say it’s definitely “relative” but not a “subjective” issue. I am also curious to know which attachment point he used. Unlike the regular Orbit (which has 3), the Ultra only has 2
Hi, how are you? Very nice kiteloops!! Could you tell me what settings you use on the GoPro to film in such great quality? Thanks, greetings from Argentina!
Excellent review as always! As a big Orbit fan the comments on the heavier bar pressure got me worried. Were you using the lower bar pressure connection point? Can you clarify your point regarding the Ultra’s bar pressure as compared to the XR Pro? Would you say that they are similar?
I’ve not flown and Xr pro (perhaps I didn’t make that clear?), the bar pressure on ultra is similar to orbit pro, so still lighter than most kites, just heavier compared to what I expected from an aluula kite
@@jasonofmontreal on this topic. What big air kite has the lightest bar pressure in your opinion. What kite would you buy if light pressure were your number one concern? I'm developing triceps tendonitis mostly from kiting and light bar pressure has suddenly become very important to me :) Thanks,
Heavy bar…. Vomit 🤮.. makes u wonder if that is the result of big MJ wanting more feedback in the smaller sizes for double loops etc, but in the 9m it shouldn’t feel heavy. Makes me sad. Strong work as always 💪🤙🤙
![[Sub Thai] APT. - ROSÉ & Bruno Mars](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bYjhzP8x_uc/mqdefault.jpg)
‘If my wife will allow me’ - probably the most relatable part of the video 😂
even my jokes are keeping it real with these reviews ;)
As always, very helpful review. Thank you Jason!
@@vayajefe no worries
The video I have been waiting for! Thanks for helping me justifying my Orbit Ultra purchases lol. Now I am even more stoked to get my kites.
@@Luis-ni5zx happy to help, you’ll be having some fun 🤘
Great video , love your honesty.
thanks
Sooo good Jason! Really appreciate the in depth look on toys that we only dream of! Appreciate you throwing that board review quickly in there. Very relateable!
@@lifeofgarrick my pleasure
Very very good!!
@@AdrianKerr cheers mate
Thanks mate!!! Solid contribution to the sport.
thanks
Great video again Jason 🎉 thx 🙏
@@pascalruego no problem
What a beautiful Kitespot, perfect ramps for PB🤩
I have gotten an older PB there before... but going right off the flat...
Great review as usual. Probably the first on the water review beating Kitemana. 👏
@@erincakture5916 I don’t think there has been much wind in Holland
@@jasonofmontreal Can confirm, no wind in Holland. I wish I could buy some
@@dajobra don’t we all… we’d all be broke though after a few weeks
Top notch as usual
Brands - send this guy stuff!
@@t.cichomski1782 haha, thanks
Best reviews for Big Air on the web .... will be super keen to have alook at the new Atmos !!
@@soulkiteaustralia1773 thanks
Thank you for an honest review! I'm waiting for the next ones
@@damiankowalczyk572 thanks
Cheers Jason. Great review!
@@chrismenere6129 thanks
Thank you Jason! Great review as always! Best kite reviewer ever
@@adrianc2303 thanks man
My choice was to stay with the Orbit Pro (8m & 11m) and order a new Atmos Pro board even before watching this video. Now, you have just given me confirmation to do that. As a regular rider who just jumps up to 20m and performs some lower loops, backroll loops, etc., I don't think I need this double loop machine. Thank you for your review, Jason!
I will sleep more peacefully now because I was torn about whether to buy the Ultra, considering its price. However, with all the information from your review, I'm no longer worried.😊🏄♂️
Happy to have helped.
Thanks! Great review! Keep them coming💪🏼
@@johandeinum3791 will do
Thanks for another great review
@@chi1i no problem
I love your content! I am also interested in the Naish Pivot Nvision and Reedin hypermodel. Any chance you will review those?
@@dirkkroon2278 I’m not sure, I covered older models in my first video. I was trying to do a reedin range focussed one earlier this year but couldn’t get hold of them.
Awesome review!
@@roaldarts7641 thanks
crazy good review ! :) compliments :)
@@Sunl0rd thanks
Another great review! I am very curious to see your aluula kite ranking video.
@@berkinmuslu4152 yeah it’s going to be a fun one
I need one!!! Thank you🎉
@@freesurfer8862 no problem
Thanks for a great review 😊 Unfortunately I live in a place with less wind and I often have to opt for the 12. Would orbit ultra make sense in this regard. I would guess that the lighter aluula would make the large size feel a bit less like a truck?
I've not tried the 12, but according to the North release video info, they kites are the same weight, the only advantage you would get in low end would be from the thinner leading edge... but I'm not sure how much I'm afraid.
Great review, interested to see one on the thrive, especially the wind range vs the d/lab.
@@NickAgidbashyan trying to get hold of one of
That is some major endorsement for the new Atmos carbon. Ouch I have to check it out now.
@@GoranBarac-e8k boards are quite subjective, but this one’s a winner for me
Love all the options, but fancy fabric prices need to come down.
There's still lots of amazing kites in dakron thankfully, and they keep getting better each year somehow!
Sick review once more, sticking with my 2024 atmos pro en standard orbits as im learning my kiteloops. First gotta get those over 10m jumps and kiteloops locked down, struggling too much with 20knots to go higher than 8m sadly
@@Makuba1992 lighter winds always a bummer for big air progression 😬
@@jasonofmontreal yea sadly thats the netherlands and working 40 hours and evening study. Summers little good days and in autumn and winter little time to go surfing.
@@Makuba1992 Save up for some time in Cape Town one January... or Far NE Brazil one Sept/Oct and you'll get a lot better!
Thank you!
@@collegepros no problem
Amazing review, I’m now riding a 2016 switchblade and a 9m edge v10. Looking to get either a orbit pro or wait for the new f-one brainchild kites to get into looping
thanks, so many hard decisions out there with so many things in the works
@@jasonofmontreal yeah hard to pull the trigger with the fear of missing out on something better
Nice review as always, board looks gorgeous for 2025. This is my personal fav of the video, not the kite :) Competitors catch up, however DLAB is still the benchmark.
It's important there are so many different styles of kites for different styles of riding
DLAB design is great, but the quality is going down with duotone… as much as I love those classic aluula monsters I cant see myself trusting them again.
@@lorenzo5781 Yes fully agree. I have the very subjective opion that the quality (especially of the canopy) is way worse than on the SLS or standard models. I am flying allula only on my 15m now, smaller sizes in SLS construction for a longer life span
@kitemana, please get this man a core xr8, xr-pro and pace, also a reedin spaceagency and hypermodel would be great. @harlemkites, please get this man a thrive and force. That's it, thank you very much.
Hi Jason, Nice work buddy. I am a bit like you, I always like to try new stuff. I have a d-lab 13m juice, then 11,9,8,7 xr. I am thinking of switching the xr's to aluula or harlem thrive and force.
My question, is 3 strut Aluula the way to go? For me 5 strut dacron in high wind is more stable and better then 3, but does that translate to aluula?
Side note, I was watching Maarten Haeger and the rest of the core boys in 50 knots at my local beach, those dudes make it look so easy. You are also one of those top guy's, even Joshua is a plus size guy, so no excuses. Ask the north dudes for a session next time and bring the camera, I would wach that. You can do more then just reviews.
Cheers man... when picking kites, everything is relative to riding style, level, and what conditions you get the most... if you want to msg me on insta to tell me all the variables where you are and what you are looking for, I can try my best to suggest some options.
Wow, this review has me really confused! Usually, your reviews are spot on, but this time I'm left scratching my head. Is the North Orbit Ultra really just for pro riders? Because that's what it sounds like. I also didn't agree with your take on the North Orbit Pro. In my opinion, it steers super direct and you always know where it is in the sky - easy handling for sure!Now I'm wondering who the normal Orbit is for. I thought it was always the go-to for looping, but now North has three different big air kites at different price points. It's like they’re trying to confuse us on purpose! Honestly, North used to be clear with their focus on the Orbit, but now with these three kites, it feels like a mess. Trying to be the best kiter on the podium just got a whole lot more complicated! I’m just not agreeing with some of your points, especially about the Orbit Pro’s handling. Overall, North’s strategy is a bit of a mess right now. Keep up the reviews though - they’re always a fun watch🤙
One thing to note too is that by producing 3 different models, the manufacturing cost of each goes up, which means higher selling prices. For example, if you sell 300 kites of one model, the cost to produce each kite would be low. But if you sell 3 models, and still only sell 300 kites, you only produce 100 kites for each model which results in a higher manufacturing cost per kite. Unfortunately, for this reason, Aluula kite models will bring up the cost of all models, including the "heavier" models. And the more models that exist, the higher the costs of each kite sold.
Standard = getting into big air and doing first loops
Pro = most big air riders who have already progressed into loops looking for a bit more performance
Ultra = advanced big air riders looking for the highest tier of orbit and have the budget to pay for it
Watch north's designer notes for this year, it's should clear up some of your confusion.
Waiting so much for your ORBIT - ORBIT PRO - ORBIT ULTRA back-to-back comparison!
As i'm finally getting into raising the high of my kiteloops i've been wondering which one should I go for.
Let me put it simple: i'm very tempted, because of a possible ligher bar (and because i tried the harlem force and i liked the bar feeling with an higher boost power straight away) to go for the PRO.
Only thing that bothers me a little is the fact that they made it only until the 11m... (the 12 for me would be a no brainer..).
Question, if money were just an object and you could buy at the same price THE CLASSIC, THE PRO OR THE ULTRA at the level of jumping avarage 8-9m and starting to loop always a bit higher which one would you choose? Would the PRO or the ULTRA hinder your progression at this rate?
@@Rgm1202 are you saying you want to get a 12m for loops, or are you just worried about the kite because they don’t make a 12? If you are just doing basic kite loops up to say 7m, the classic is great up to 8m kite size, then the pro is probably what I would recommend from 9 or 10m and up.
@@jasonofmontreal Thanks for the answer! I meant before that if North had produced a 12m PRO (they stop at the 11m size idk why) for me personally it would be a must buy because of the great combo of a ligher bar pressure, less weight and higher performance overall for a couple more bucks!
How choppy are the waters you ride in. I ride in predominately choppy conditions and I have a very hard time holding an edge. i was thinking of maybe buying a Lieuwe Shotgun. But I am obviously interested in the Atmos boards because of the characteristics you mentioned. Though I think the Astra would be the best for me as I weigh 70kg and I am 178cm tall, I am a man btw.
So in terms of softness and choppy riding the best for me would be Astra, followed by Atmos and then Atmos pro. Jason do you agree with this assessment.?
@@GoranBarac-e8k unfortunately I’ve not ridden the astra or shotgun… but for choppy conditions it makes sense to have something softer depending on your level. my preferences of the boards I tested would be the falcon or the 2025 atmos pro, at your size going for a 133/134 would also help I’d say
@@jasonofmontreal thank you jason
Aluula increse bar pressure for sure. Its stiffer and difficult to handle, the shake generated from chop and gusty cost alot of energy to keep body balance. I was riding a normal orbit, now i brought a OR rise and a little regret, the bar pressure is so much heavier than orbit, triceps pan after 20 minutes, im sure all aluula have a heavier bar pressure than standards kite. Aluula is for strongs guys like bodybuilders😂
@@giu.kitesurf most aluula kites that I’ve flown are lighter on the bar in my experience
@@jasonofmontreal yesterday im was in doubt, i was very upset with my purchase and trying to think whats wrong with the bar pressure to the rise. Could be impossible to be a heavy bar like too heavy that i couldnt stay 20 minuts on the water. But I remember that you test the kite with a north bar and today I came to kite and try my old ozone bar than pilot 2.0. The difference is bizzare, the pilot is total unbalanced bar, light in the middle and heavy on the tips, i dont know about the lines as well. Anyway with the ozone bar the kite is light bar, almost as a orbit more similar to the pivot. 2 hours on the water today. Tks bro .. just to correct... aluula making me happy, lets walk forward 😅
Hey Jason, what was your thoughts on the wind range noted for these kites, low end of 18 knt for a 8.1m seems low.. 😂
@@707rudo I don’t know what was suggested, but in 18 knots I’d be on the 12
I just noticed that Mac Kiteboarding put something up about the Slingshot Code NXT Aluula kite. Would love for have your review on it. I also enjoy if you would compare to the other Aluula kites. Thanks 🙏
I actually made a post about this on Instagram just this morning actually...
@@jasonofmontreal, I guess I’ll have to get an Instagram acct. 😂🤦♂️
@@jasonofmontreal It would be cool if you could review all the Aluula kites back to back! 🙏
@@collegepros I am planning to review the top 3-5 aluula and dakron kites of the year later in the year in a best of 2024 series where I do just that!
@@jasonofmontreal Saweet Christmas!
Hi Jason I have been dealing with constant pain on my triceps whil kitesurfing it got worse and worse now I want to change my kite to as low bar pressure as possible to ride as long as possible. I currently Ride Core xr 7 and I am not able to ride it longer then 30 minutes before the pain starts. Could you recommend in your honest opinion what kites that you have tested have lowest bar pressure. Thanks and love watching your videos!
@@arenpolat2420 I own some core xr7’s… basically anything is lighter 😂
Harlem force and Evo dlab possibly lightest, orbit pro or nitro v2 also quite light.
Why do the new North kites come in odd sizes with decimals now?
@@hanno729 I think they are more consistent relative increases of something like 12% per increase
@@jasonofmontreal ah ok
Great review, what kites next?
@@tobybloomfield6193 I usually make some Instagram posts when I have a new one in the mix
Does the AARDVARK bend wjth the bleiblob?
Rarely
Great vid as always. Hey when you ride your d labs, do you ride them on 24 meter lines? Or 22. Curious what you prefer in general?
I have 2 trust bars so I go both ways... I ride 22 on 8 and 10 usually, 24 on 12m, sometimes I do ride the 24 on my 10m if the wind is a bit light for a 10. I prefer 22 for loops, and 24 for lighter winds and more hangtime.
Another great review. Waiting on Core Pace review. When will you get your hands on one?
@@yountune9799 I’ve tried, but unfortunately no luck
@@jasonofmontrealwhat about Harlem thrive, cabrinha moto x design works and slingshot NXT
@@sekitalander333 I do have at least one of those on the way
Do you think it would work for short lines since it loops so fast.
I think it would be a beast for short lines, in a good way
Bar pressure is very subjective. Did you try any of the different attachment points?
@@eightytwo8282 for sure, I like harder/interior on 9 and smaller, and outer on 10 and up generally
@@eightytwo8282 for sure, I like harder/interior on 9 and smaller, and outer on 10 and up generally
I’d say it’s definitely “relative” but not a “subjective” issue. I am also curious to know which attachment point he used. Unlike the regular Orbit (which has 3), the Ultra only has 2
@@rubensbrazilianbrothers faster looping kites 9 and smaller usually harder setting, 10 and up lighter setting.
Great review as always, any chance you can get your hands on a slingshot code NXT?
@@s0346030 working on it
Hi, how are you? Very nice kiteloops!! Could you tell me what settings you use on the GoPro to film in such great quality?
Thanks, greetings from Argentina!
GoPro 11 or 12, in 4k with superview in 120fps
@@jasonofmontreal use lent 2.0?
@@WindRidersArg nope
Excellent review as always! As a big Orbit fan the comments on the heavier bar pressure got me worried. Were you using the lower bar pressure connection point? Can you clarify your point regarding the Ultra’s bar pressure as compared to the XR Pro? Would you say that they are similar?
I’ve not flown and Xr pro (perhaps I didn’t make that clear?), the bar pressure on ultra is similar to orbit pro, so still lighter than most kites, just heavier compared to what I expected from an aluula kite
@@jasonofmontreal on this topic. What big air kite has the lightest bar pressure in your opinion. What kite would you buy if light pressure were your number one concern? I'm developing triceps tendonitis mostly from kiting and light bar pressure has suddenly become very important to me :) Thanks,
@@noliva possibly Harlem force or Evo dlab
Oh and you seem to loop the ultra with half depower most of the time. Is it because of the higher bar pressure?
@@hendrikairborn it’s a bit of the conditions, a bit of feel in bar, and a bit of trying to get the faster kite a bit lower
Any plans on reviewing the Harlem Thrive yet?
@@hendrikairborn trying to get hold of one but no luck so far
Heavy bar…. Vomit 🤮.. makes u wonder if that is the result of big MJ wanting more feedback in the smaller sizes for double loops etc, but in the 9m it shouldn’t feel heavy. Makes me sad. Strong work as always 💪🤙🤙
@@corpuskiter heavy is relative, it’s still lighter than most kites, just heavier in relation to some other aluula kites mainly