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Review of the North 2005 Vegas 6-meter Kiteboarding Kite
North Kites are continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in kite design and ease of use. This
years line up is the culmination of the best features invented over last three years. The six-meter Vegas is one
of the best wave riding kites I have ever ridden. It’s ridiculously fast on the widest settings which is great for
experienced riders and can be slowed down for beginners. Both the Rhino 05 and the Vegas 05 are designed
to be flown using the 5th Element bar system, however the Vegas can be flown as a standard four-line kite as
well for more bar feel.
North Kites are continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in kite design and ease of use. This
years line up is the culmination of the best features invented over last three years. The six-meter Vegas is one
of the best wave riding kites I have ever ridden. It’s ridiculously fast on the widest settings which is great for
experienced riders and can be slowed down for beginners. Both the Rhino 05 and the Vegas 05 are designed
to be flown using the 5th Element bar system, however the Vegas can be flown as a standard four-line kite as
well for more bar feel.
Construction - The most noticeable difference from last years kite is the reinforced leading edge. Triple
stitching and an oval patch at key stress points, which allow the kite’s leading edge to be pumped up rock
solid (6 psi). As with last year’s kite, the struts (pumped up to 10psi) are built with a hexagonal shape and are
connected to the leading edge via fusion rib joins, which allows the canopy to maintain rigidity. Another
improvement is the rubber patches (shown below right) which prevent the wing tip batten from wearing
though the leading edge.
stitching and an oval patch at key stress points, which allow the kite’s leading edge to be pumped up rock
solid (6 psi). As with last year’s kite, the struts (pumped up to 10psi) are built with a hexagonal shape and are
connected to the leading edge via fusion rib joins, which allows the canopy to maintain rigidity. Another
improvement is the rubber patches (shown below right) which prevent the wing tip batten from wearing
though the leading edge.
Power – Pumping up the six meter I thought the kite would need at least 30 knots because of its small size. I
was pleasantly surprised when I (150lbs) was able to ride the kite at 20knots. The wind range on this kite is
amazing, great low end power but also incredibly easy to edge out when over powered. I have ridden this kite
in 30+ knots and have never been overpowered, most likely due to the 5th element bar set up.
was pleasantly surprised when I (150lbs) was able to ride the kite at 20knots. The wind range on this kite is
amazing, great low end power but also incredibly easy to edge out when over powered. I have ridden this kite
in 30+ knots and have never been overpowered, most likely due to the 5th element bar set up.
Turning Speed – As with all North kites the turning speed is adjustable by moving the pigtails in or out on the
trailing edge of the kite. On the fast settings the six-meter Vegas is one of the fastest kites I have ever flown.
Advanced riders will love the speed in which the kite turns on itself and the responsiveness of the bar input.
During a wave riding session with this kite, I was able to loop the kite consistently while riding down the face
of the wave at top speed. If you are used to flying a slower turning kite, I suggest starting on the middle turn
setting and then adjusting as you see fit.
trailing edge of the kite. On the fast settings the six-meter Vegas is one of the fastest kites I have ever flown.
Advanced riders will love the speed in which the kite turns on itself and the responsiveness of the bar input.
During a wave riding session with this kite, I was able to loop the kite consistently while riding down the face
of the wave at top speed. If you are used to flying a slower turning kite, I suggest starting on the middle turn
setting and then adjusting as you see fit.
Lift – As with any kite that is flown in high winds, it is incredibly easy to jump to ear popping heights. The kite's
speed across the top of the window makes jumping a breeze albeit a little tricky when attempting your first
jumps on this kite. The hang time is good, but because of its small size the descent is rather quick.
speed across the top of the window makes jumping a breeze albeit a little tricky when attempting your first
jumps on this kite. The hang time is good, but because of its small size the descent is rather quick.
Re-launch – Using the 5th Element bar system for re-launch is simple and quick once the proper method is
used. When using the 5th line to re-launch the kite you only need to pull in on the red line enough to flip the
kite half way onto its back. It is very important not to flip the kite all the way onto its back, as in a standard re-
launch. Once the kite is half way onto its back pull on the left or right side of the bar to move the kite to the
edge of the window. For more information on the 5th Element bar system, go to our review page.
used. When using the 5th line to re-launch the kite you only need to pull in on the red line enough to flip the
kite half way onto its back. It is very important not to flip the kite all the way onto its back, as in a standard re-
launch. Once the kite is half way onto its back pull on the left or right side of the bar to move the kite to the
edge of the window. For more information on the 5th Element bar system, go to our review page.
Wind Range –
<150lbs, 20-35 knots
>150 lbs, 25-37 knots
<150lbs, 20-35 knots
>150 lbs, 25-37 knots
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