Short answer: the North Mode Pro is North's speed wing. It is the only wing in the range North rates 5/5 for top-end speed and 5/5 for pumping response, and it gives up low-end grunt (3/5) and stability (3/5) to get there. Five sizes, 3.5m to 6.5m, covering roughly 7 to 36+ knots across the line. If you ride powered, go upwind hard and jump, it is the one. If you cruise, ride light wind or surf flagged-out, the Nova Pro is the better buy.
Wind range per size
North publishes a wind range for each size on the Mode Pro spec sheet. These are the 2026 figures; the 2027 keeps the same five sizes (the 2.9m was dropped):
| Mode Pro size | Wingspan | Wind range (knots), North |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5m | 262 cm | 18–36 |
| 4.2m | 283 cm | 16–33 |
| 4.8m | 305 cm | 13–31 |
| 5.5m | 315 cm | 9–24 |
| 6.5m | 326 cm | 7–21 |
For an 80 kg (176 lb) rider the 4.8m is the one-wing size on most US coasts: 13 to 31 knots is a wide band. Lighter riders drop to the 4.2m, heavier riders or light-wind spots go 5.5m. Two Mode Pros about 1.3m apart (4.2m and 5.5m) cover almost everything.
North's ratings, Mode Pro against the rest of the line
| Dial (out of 5) | Mode Pro | Nova Pro | Nova | Loft Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-end grunt | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Top-end speed | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Pumping response | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Handling | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Stability | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Read the two 5s and the two 3s together. The Mode Pro is built to convert a gust into acceleration without the profile moving, and to pump hard. It is not built to feel soft when you are underpowered, and North says so with the 3 for low-end grunt.
Mode Pro vs Nova Pro
Size for size the Nova Pro is rated a couple of knots lower at the bottom: North's 2025 Nova Pro sheet gives the 4.2m 14–32 knots and the 4.8m 12–30, against the Mode Pro's 16–33 and 13–31. Shop testers split the two the same way: the Nova Pro launches more easily, lifts earlier and suits larger sizes for waves and freeride; the Mode Pro is faster and more direct and gets picked in smaller sizes for gusty 20–30 knot days. Riders who want speed and upwind angle go Mode Pro; wave and recreational riders go Nova Pro.
What changed, and what did not
Independent reviews of the 2026 Mode Pro agreed North fixed the two complaints about the 2025 — the low end became genuinely usable and tacks got easier — while keeping the locked-in top end. The 2027 refines the strut shape, panel layout and wingtip seam and stiffens the leading-edge centre and XLT joint; there are no independent 2027 reviews yet, only dealer first impressions. The one criticism that survived every generation is weight: North does not publish wing weights, and forum owners who weighed their own 2026 wings report the Mode Pro among the heaviest per size. You feel it in the big sizes in light wind and in the swing weight through jibes; you do not feel it when powered.
Honest limit: North's wind ranges assume an average rider. A heavy rider lives at the top of the band and should size up; chop and gusty onshore wind eat the low end. The Mode Pro also ships without handles or a boom — the ShiftLock track takes North's 1100 or 950 boom or 500/400/250 handles, sold separately — so budget for them. If you are buying your first wing, the Nova (boom included, 5/5 stability) is the better first wing; the Mode Pro is a second or third wing for a rider who already knows they want speed.
What it costs
As of this post the 2026 Mode Pro is on clearance at 20% off: $1,039 (2.9m) to $1,247 (6.5m), most sizes in stock. The 2027 Mode Pro is in stock in all five sizes at the price shown on the product page. Both come with the wing, wrist leash, Sonar T40 tool, bag, compression strap, repair kit and sand bag; handles or boom are extra. Orders over $100 ship free in the US.
FAQ
What size Mode Pro for an 80 kg rider?
The 4.8m, rated 13–31 knots by North. Add a 3.5m or 4.2m if your spot regularly blows over 25 knots, or a 5.5m if it often sits under 15.
Is the Mode Pro good for beginners?
No. North rates it 3/5 for stability and 3/5 for low-end grunt, and reviewers agree it wants to be ridden powered. Start on the Nova, then move to the Mode Pro when speed and upwind angle are what you are chasing.
Does the Mode Pro come with handles?
No. The ShiftLock track ships empty; choose a 1100 or 950 boom or 500/400/250 handles separately. The standard Nova is the only North wing with a boom pre-installed.
Full wing chart on the wing sizing page, or ask the gear advisor for a size from your weight and your usual wind.