Short answer: the North Reach is a three-strut freeride kite built to be the one kite most riders own. North rates it 5/5 for ease of use and 4/5 for low-end power, turning and depower. It comes in 12 sizes from 5m to 19m, covering 8 to 37 knots across the line. Its weak spot is top-end depower when you are heavily overpowered.
North's own ratings
North scores every kite on the same five dials. These are North's numbers for the Reach:
| Dial | Reach (out of 5) | What it means on the water |
|---|---|---|
| Low-end power | 4 | Gets going early for its size |
| Turning speed | 4 | Quick, pivot-style steering |
| Hangtime | 3 | Decent float; not a dedicated big-air kite |
| Depower | 4 | Good sheet-out range, less than the Orbit's 5 |
| Ease of use | 5 | The most forgiving kite in North's line |
Wind range per size
North publishes a wind range for every Reach size. The table below is North's 2025 spec sheet, the newest per-size table we have. From 13m up, North rates each size for a rider weight instead of a different wind band.
| Size | Wind range (knots) | North's rider weight |
|---|---|---|
| 5m | 22–37 | — |
| 6m | 20–34 | — |
| 7m | 18–32 | — |
| 8m | 16–30 | — |
| 9m | 14–28 | — |
| 10m | 12–26 | — |
| 11m | 10–25 | — |
| 12m | 9–23 | — |
| 13m | 8–20 | under 70 kg (154 lb) |
| 15m | 8–20 | 70–85 kg (154–187 lb) |
| 17m | 8–20 | over 85 kg (187 lb) |
| 19m | 8–20 | over 100 kg (220 lb) |
That spread of sizes is what sets the Reach apart from the Orbit, which stops at 14m. For a two-kite quiver, the usual pattern is two sizes about 3m apart, such as a 9m and a 12m.
What changed, year by year
- 2024: N-Max Dacron and a deeper canopy. Testers found it crisper in the air and steadier on landings, with slightly less upwind drive than the 2023.
- 2025: the N-Max2 Pro airframe, which used to be an Orbit Pro material. It also got lighter bladders, a slightly higher aspect ratio, two steering-line settings and a size range stretched to 19m. Testers called it a refinement.
- 2026: a slimmer leading edge, a triple-ripstop canopy, a more swept outline and added bridle points. Magazine testers called this the bigger step: faster flying, punchier lift and better drift.
What testers keep saying
Across the 23 independent sources we track, reviewers agree on a few things. The bar pressure is light, which cuts arm fatigue on long sessions. The kite relaunches easily from the water and loops without much yank, which makes it a common choice for learning kiteloops. Owners report the 9m working from about 12 knots, and several riders say it pulls like a kite one size bigger. Drift is good enough for surf and foil days.
Honest limit: the most repeated complaint is top-end depower. When you are well overpowered, the Reach gets harder to manage than the Orbit, and one shop caps the 8m at about 30 knots in practice. The jump gives strong initial lift but less hangtime than a dedicated big-air kite. North's wind ranges also assume an average rider. Heavier riders sit at the top of each band and lighter riders at the bottom, so two people on the same beach can correctly be on different sizes. The kite sizing page has every model's table, and the gear advisor will give you one size from your weight and your usual wind.
Who should buy it, and which one
Buy the Reach if you want one kite for twintip, surfboard and foil, if you are coming out of lessons, or if you ride a lot of sub-20-knot days. If you boost every session, look at the Orbit. For dedicated wave riding, look at the Carve. For pure light-wind foiling, look at the Code Zero.
As of this post: the Reach 2026 runs from $1,579 (5m) to $2,729 (19m), with most sizes in stock. The Reach 2025 is on clearance at 35% off, about $1,033–$1,189, with only a few sizes left. The kite comes with a bag, a repair kit and a sand bag. The bar and pump are sold separately, and any Navigator control system fits.
FAQ
Is the North Reach good for beginners?
Yes. North rates it 5/5 for ease of use, the highest score in its line. Testers point to the wide sweet spot, strong low end and easy relaunch. Kite schools use it for the same reasons.
What is the wind range of a 9m North Reach?
North publishes 14–28 knots for the 9m. Owners report it working from about 12 knots, and heavier riders will want to size down before the top of that range.
Is the 2026 Reach worth it over the 2025?
Testers called 2026 a real step: a slimmer leading edge, a new canopy cloth, faster flying and better drift. The 2025 already has the N-Max2 Pro frame and is 35% off while sizes last. If your size is in stock, the 2025 is the value pick.