North Kiteboarding has officially released the Orbit Ultra, the first model in its new high-performance Ultra Series category. The kite enters the market with immediate competitive weight, following a victory by Nathalie Lambrecht and a third-place finish by Cohan van Dijk at Red Bull King of the Air 2025.
The release marks a shift for the brand toward ultra-lightweight, high-tensile materials designed for the highest level of Big Air. By utilizing the new N-u80 airframe, the Orbit Ultra targets riders who prioritize loop speed, recovery, and stability in overpowered conditions.
The N-u80 Composite Airframe
Central to the design is the N-u80 material, a 100% Ultra PE (UPE) weave. North indicates that this fiber offers five times the tensile strength of polyester at the same weight. The material occupies the 81–85gsm weight class, balancing structural stiffness with a reduction in overall mass compared to standard Dacron airframes.
A 30-degree Technora reinforcement cross-ply and a PET lining are applied to the inner side of the weave. This specific construction allows for dynamic torsion, where the airframe maintains directional stiffness while retaining the torsional flexibility required for fast, responsive steering.
The strength lets us build the weave in the 81–85gsm range, striking a balance between stiffness and weight.
Re-engineered Geometry
The Orbit Ultra features a thinner leading edge and strut diameter than previous Orbit models. To support this reduced diameter under high loads, North implemented a six-point Response bridle system. This setup uses ultra-thin, high-velocity lines to minimize drag and provide a more direct bar feel.
The kite has a higher aspect ratio and a more forward-cambered profile compared to the standard Orbit. These changes are designed to make the kite fly further forward in the window, improving upwind efficiency and providing a snappier response during loops.
- N-u80 Airframe: Ultra-light UPE weave with Technora reinforcement.
- Lo Drag Design: Thinner leading edge and struts for increased flight speed.
- Response Bridle: Six-point system with high-velocity thin lines.
- Podium Proven: Validated at King of the Air 2025 by Lambrecht and Van Dijk.
Performance and Sizing
North has tuned the Orbit Ultra for stability in unpredictable, extreme winds. The five-strut design remains the foundation for the kite's shape retention, while the segmented C-Arc curve provides aerodynamic efficiency. The brand offers two bar pressure tuning options on the wingtips, allowing riders to customize the feedback and turning speed.
The kite is available in linear sizing focused on competition needs:
- 5.9m, 6.6m, 7.3m, 8.1m, 9m, 10m, 11m, and 12m.
The 5.9m size is rated for winds exceeding 20 knots, while the 12m extends the low end down to approximately 9 knots. Each kite includes a premium recycled fabric bag and a repair kit.
The Orbit Ultra was officially released to the public on September 8th at 18:00. It is now the flagship model for North's most demanding Big Air athletes, bridging the gap between standard construction and the specific requirements of the world tour.
