North Kiteboarding Fuse 10m 2011
Reviews / Kites
12,673
At A Glance
Last year the North Fuse was a new kite in the line up; it was the first 4-line kite that North had produced for some time. It paved the way for a direct competitor to rival the 4-line kites from other brands. Essentially it was a Rebel with a bridal. The kite canopy and shaping was very similar. This year though a lot has changed and the Fuse has evolved into something altogether different. The aspect ratio is higher, giving the kite a thinner chord depth and the arc has been tightened to give it more of a “C” shape. The optional 5th line is still there, as are the 5 struts. And the short bridle is similar to last year too, the most obvious change though is the graphics. Last years kite was rather plain by North’s standards and this year you’ll be pleased to see the Fuse has been decked out in a fitting livery. The canopy features the Technofibre D2 material which is much more resistant to UV and wear than traditional canopy material. There is also plenty of reinforcement in all the right places with a segmented Dacron leading edge and plenty of scuff pads for self launching and landing.
On The Water
Last years Fuse was solid, and this years kite is no different, the canopy, bridle and frame combine to give you a kite that is very stable even in gusty conditions. It remains an easy kite to fly although the higher aspect ratio allows it to fly around the wind window with a little more speed. You’ll also notice the kite still blasts upwind, the more aggressive shape allowing it to penetrate the window. With the more C shaped arc the feeling at the bar has been improved and the kite feels very direct when you initiate a turn. The turning arc isn’t a six pence, it is a wider more powerful arc that generates lots of grunt as you move the kite around the window. Kite loops are OK, but nothing amazing in terms of pull. This kite excels in the waves however, the progressive powerful turn really allowing the rider to crank in the power as and when you need it. The range on the 10 is huge, with a surfboard and a bit of skill you’ll be flying in lighter airs and yet you can still hold it down when it really blows up. The bridle ensures the kite still has lots of feel when depowered too. Intermediate freeriders and waveriders will get lots out of this kite, it’s also going to be our weapon of choice for the upcoming race season, wish us luck!
For
4-line simplicity from North, positive changes to the profile, arc and canopy this year as well as some subtle changes to the fixtures and fittings.
Against
Last year we said the Fuse was a bit of a Plain Jane, this year it is anything but. Be aware that this years Fuse is a little more performance orientated than last years.
Overall
A cracking kite from North that has plenty to offer the intermediate rider, blasting, jumping, waveriding are all areas where the kite will excel. Start whipping it around the window and it will deliver bags of performance that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
This review was in Issue 25 of IKSURFMAG.
Related
By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!
