The North Neo 2016 emerges in the North kites line-up as a comfortable and super easy handling all-rounder with easy relaunch and predictable bar feedback. The Neo has amazing drift capabilities and the top end has also been improved while keeping the amazing low end wind range.
The 2016 Neo is a performance wave riding kite that combines elements of the Evo, like smooth and predictable power development, with the simplicity of three struts into a stylish all-round package. For 2016, the North Neo 2016 geometry has been tweaked to achieve even more depower, whilst maintaining low end power delivery. This provides an intuitive feel to the hands, leaving you to concentrate on the wave rather than where the kite is. The Neo also has a new tip strut shape, making the Neo even faster through the turn.
The Neo's short, round shape and pivotal turning makes it the perfect tool for tight, compact kite loops. The reduced weight of three struts allows for comfortable " drifting" in the waves and provides excellent park and ride surfing.
The Neo can be ridden on 4 or 5 lines and is an ideal kite for riders with a keen eye on simplicity and ease of use. Super durable and made with our highest quality materials and construction methods, the Neo is built to last.
The struts have also been moved further towards the outside of the kite, this has shifted the centre of gravity allowing the kite to sit further back in the window. This enables the kite to drift down the line incredibly well, allowing you to park the kite and ride the wave without having to worry about it stalling.
Additionally it is responsible for an easy and fast relaunch. The Neo is extremely responsive to rider input on the bar, making it easy to manoeuvre on the wave. The lightweight construction makes the kite very lively in the air, but also means there is even less chance of the kite dropping back in the window as you race down the line.
The steering is lively yet absolutely predictable. The safety works fast and effective. The North Neo's round and compact shape flies equally well making it a great kite for a wide range of riders and riding styles.
The loaded 5th line design, in addition to providing safety, gives the Neo its short and aggressive power stroke that is up to 30% shorter than bridled kites.
This means huge range and top-end comfort on those super windy days and the ability to instantly turn the power off and on at will as you link your turns down the line.
The North Neo's unique steering sensitivity and smoothness have also been improved by implementing a straight segment in the leading edge for an ultra clean, flutter-free canopy near the tips that keeps you connected and in-tune to the kite's every movement.
Overall Geometry >
The change in geometry that is shared by all North Neo's is the reduction from three segements to just one segment in the span between tip and quarter struts. This is an idea North have tested and revisited over the years, but only now have hit upon the right way to do it.
From testing, and from observing some other kites on the water, North knew that having too few segments through the centre part of the kite – the part that has the most curve in the arc – has undesirable effects on canopy profile shape. Therefore, North knew they didn't want to use single-segment geometry through the middle of the kite. However, nearer the tips, where the arc of the kite is normally not so curved and where flat canopy profiles are desirable because of their resistance to fluttering and flapping, the single segment approach makes sense.
The result of this use of single-segment geometry gives canopy tips that are cleaner, less draggy and nearly flutter-free.
This simple yet high performing kite can be used with any 5th line control bar providing the depower line is more than 45cm long.
North Neo 4 / 5 Line control:
The North Neo 2016 can be ridden on 4 or 5 line control bars, uniting new-school and free-ride in one kite. The Neo's delta shape also offers great sheet and-go riding, excellent wind range and high de-power.
The overall shape helps the Neo turn quickly and predictably while the new bridle geometry stabilizes the arc for a soft, consistent bar feel and extreme back-stall resistance.
The 4-line mode boasts an innovative new safety system and bar-feel prefect for those who prefer soft, easy handling.
In 5-line mode the 5th Element additionally stabilizes the arc, providing very direct bar-feel for new-school riding and the ultimate 5th line safety.
Auto re-launch means that you can go for it and never have to worry about re-launchng your kite. Just take your hands off the bar and let the kite do the work for you!
For 2016 the Neo features the new " Adaptive Tip" . In recent years, there has been a trend leaning towards more reactive kites with even lighter sheeting forces than in the past. Such kites are really comfortable, lively for wave riding and offer more forgiving kite loops because they pivot around the wingtip.
However, comparison tests have shown that North team riders and testers actually prefer kites with a harder bar feel because they offer better feedback, precise steering and more dynamic turning, which in turn creates more power.
The new " Adaptive Tip" allows users to easily change the sheeting force and turning performance through a simple back pigtail adjustment, allowing you to customize your kite to your desired style and feel: