North Kiteboarding Vegas 9m 2016
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
The legendary Vegas has returned for its 12th year, yes you heard that right, 12th year! Now, with the likes of Aaron Hadlow influencing its design we’re sure that the kite is only going to improve. For 2016, the profiles have been optimised to offer a more consistent pop; also the tension in the canopy of the kite has been increased, which leads to a higher structural stiffness and smoother ride. The new 3D-shaped canopy panels offer a cleaner airflow, while the new strut reinforcements enhance the durability of the kite so it can handle the beatings dished out by North’s Pro Team! Anti-Snag is a new design for the leading edge tips, reducing the risk of lines tangling and the 2016 Vegas also benefits from North’s improved Lazy Pump inflation system for better airflow.
Something quite different for the 2016 model is the graphics on the kite, they’ve gone for a simple yet bold design. Very different to gangster models of the past but we like it!
The Bar
The entirely new Wakestyle Bar is based on the Trust Bar but has been thoroughly influenced by the North Kiteboarding Wakestyle/Freestyle Team. They wanted a shorter bar (42cm), a bigger chicken loop, 22m lines, single line depower with a rubber coating and the 5-line “V" split very low at 2m away from the bar.
What you’ll notice first is how awesome this bar looks; it’s a very different design from other brands. The short bar & large chicken loop make perfect sense for this kite, and we’re surprised it hasn't been done before now!
The delay in steering and heavier pressure on the Wakestyle Bar with the recommended medium depower setting allows you to concentrate more on doing your trick and less about what's happening with the kite or your input on the bar. The kite can move and produce power just as quickly as the stock Trust Bar, it just takes a little bit more input and effort on the bar for steering. The lower split on the 5-line “V” noticeably changes the overall performance of the kite generating more power release delay, more slack, more pop and a delay in steering that makes doing doubles or holding grabs much easier and un-matched by the stock Trust Bar.
In The Air
I had the 2011 model for my season in Western Australia, and it felt like a welcome return to pick up the Vegas again! It still has that same explosive and fun feeling while holding its forgiving traits. The Vegas is capable of some seriously high performance, huge airs, loads of pop, aggressive loops (and King Of The Air titles) are all within its reach! However, it is also a fantastic kite for the intermediate rider who aspires to all these things. The settings on the bridles allow you to fine tune the kite for your needs. We even rode it in the waves in the soft setting and it was surprisingly fun and capable!
As always with North, the kite has an exceptional build quality that is designed to last. For a freestyle kite it has an impressive upwind capability and trust us, it’ll take a lot of wind to become overpowered on one of these!
For
Outstanding build quality, bold graphics, highly tuneable. If ever there was a kite to help your progression, it’s this one.
Against
It’s honestly hard to find anything wrong with this kite; it sets the benchmark that other kites aim to match.
Overall
If you are yet to try a Vegas, do it! This freestyle & wakestyle kite is an absolute weapon, what’s incredible is its usability for aspiring riders.
Videos
This review was in Issue 58 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit North KiteboardingRelated
By Jack Galloway
Jack is a fanatically keen kiter from the South West of England, he loves riding just about anything with a kite from foil boards to surfboards and everything in between. He's competed in the Red Bull Ragnarok snowkite race on numerous occasions as well as some world class kite racing events. He's our Web Editor for the magazine, as well as one of our testers where his vast knowledge of the sport and different kites and boards comes in handy!
