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2014 North Evo

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Created by axion > 9 months ago, 10 Nov 2013
axion
VIC, 144 posts
10 Nov 2013 2:36PM
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Just wondering if anyone knows anything about the 2014 Evos, I currently have a 2013 8 and 12 which I love to fly, I am thinking of buying a 10 also. There is good deals on 2013 ones but I am interested in what may have changed for 2014 and if it is worth waiting and getting one of those.

Drewm
VIC, 159 posts
10 Nov 2013 3:48PM
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The new Evo will be hitting the beaches hopefully sometime this month. Have seen a picture but not flown one yet, i don't think anyone has. Best to hang on until the new ones arrive and take one for a spin!!

Drew - WA Surf

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
10 Nov 2013 2:42PM
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Yes pretty please.

DaylightDebt
WA, 296 posts
11 Nov 2013 8:28PM
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Looking forwrd to it too.

FromSAtoAus
WA, 43 posts
11 Nov 2013 9:59PM
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I'd find it hard to believe that my 2013 Evo 12m could be improved - but I'm always keen to be pleasantly surprised :) In fact if North wants to improve anything please can they fix their pumps - always breaking!

Puetz
NT, 2172 posts
12 Nov 2013 5:07PM
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Select to expand quote
FromSAtoAus said..
I'd find it hard to believe that my 2013 Evo 12m could be improved - but I'm always keen to be pleasantly surprised :) In fact if North wants to improve anything please can they fix their pumps - always breaking!


... dude, check out the new white ones, not bad at all, I think made by Bravo. Anyway, finally they got a good one that's lasted more than one session, so far so good!



Robbie


14Toeside
27 posts
13 Nov 2013 1:39PM
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Pumping through the Big inflate valves reduces force on the Pumps. It is a nicer Pump.

speed brother
QLD, 126 posts
13 Nov 2013 4:35PM
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Check this link for pics on the Evo 2014:
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=121206&SearchTerms=north+evo+2014

Caesar
QLD, 109 posts
19 Nov 2013 10:07AM
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Hi,

I had my hands on the 2014 Evo today.
See here: kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2382761

Cheers
Caesar

axion
VIC, 144 posts
19 Nov 2013 9:06PM
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How did it compare to the 2013, I have read that the 2014 evo is going to be less freestyle and more freeride/wave orientated.

Hybrid_Z
VIC, 381 posts
23 Nov 2013 1:28PM
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Evo details up on the north site.



http://www.northkites.com/products/kites/evo/

deanrobi
VIC, 641 posts
26 Nov 2013 10:37PM
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EVO 2014, an insight view with Ralf Gr??sel



Ralf_portrait_902x505

Ralf, to start simple, what??s new about the 2014 EVO?

Ralf Gr??sel: A lot!! The Evo 2014 is not based on the 2013 model but a completely new design coming out of two different prototype directions. This Evo is a kite I??ve been developing for the last two years, this means the first prototypes have already been built parallel to the Evo 2013. Which was kind of strange but necessary to come from a new approach.

What was the challenge about it and why did the development take so long?

Ralf Gr??sel: Since the introduction to the market in 2008 the Evo was very Delta-oriented. This concept direction offers a lot of positive aspects, but also a lot of limiting factors. Over the years I really pushed the kites??? overall performance to the absolute limit in-between the concept, until I really came to the point where I just could not improve the Delta-shape anymore in 2013. I already saw that coming in 2012 and therefore needed the time to work in time on the new concept and be ready after these two years for a new direction.

What do we have in our hands now?

Ralf Gr??sel: At the end of the day, a completely new kite, which offers some of the typical Evo genes, but also is a completely different construction and direction. The Evo is trimmed to maximum performance combined with perfect handling. Developed to fit perfectly to a 4 line bar, I found a perfect match for the geometry combining stability with flexibility of the whole kite construction. Not to mention several prototypes???

Sounds a bit like a conflict???

Ralf Gr??sel: On the first view, yes. But I can explain it easily:

The higher aspect ratio and the flatter radius, which are even similar to a Rebel, have been optimized on the other hand to a very very stiff and compact system through several small changes. A lot of flexibility in the tip area to achieve that great handling, stiffness in the profile for bomb proof stability. But it is indeed tricky to combine these two characteristics, which pull in opposite directions!

Any other changes?

Ralf Gr??sel: Several, just to mention the changed panel layout, remarkable thinner struts to reduce weight, a different tip geometry and a new bridle system with to rolls at both sides to depower efficiently.

Where in the North Kiteboarding Range is the Evo seen in your view?

Ralf Gr??sel: The Evo is and will stay the all-round talent inbetween the North Kiteboarding range. But, the Evo made a huge step forward regarding the overall performance. Steady is the extremely easy water relaunch and the brilliant stability.

What does that mean in detail for the pilot?

Ralf Gr??sel: The general speed of the kite in the wind window has increased, the upwind ability is just insane and the depower is now massive. Jumping is super easy, anybody can boost highest jumps with smooth landings with this kite. Compared to last years models flight time and height has increased a lot.

NKB: Where is the Evo??s position next to the completely new Dice?

Ralf Gr??sel: The Dice is nothing more or less then the jackpot. We never had a kite which started this fast and with so many good feedback from team riders and customers at the same time, never sold several thousand pieces of one kite model in the first year.

Still, the Evo is a different concept with 5 struts and all the benefits which come with it and the potential to surprise, especially Evo lovers! The Dice is a specialist??s kite for advanced freestyle/wakestyle and advanced wave riding. The Evo??s jumping ability for classic moves and classic riding are just easier and more stable. As mentioned, the Evo jumps high, wide and long!

Test one, you??ll be surprised!!

Thank you Ralf for this inside you of your perspective!
- See more at: http://www.northkites.com/nc/blog/article/evo-2014-an-insight-view-with-ralf-groesel/#sthash.2pkXgZkX.pcd63EGO.dpuf

Peelgeo
WA, 36 posts
29 Nov 2013 8:28PM
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I am going to upgrade to new Evo's with a 9m and 12m.

Have been thinking of getting a 13m instead of 12, does anyone know how much of a difference the 13m is w.r.t low and top-end? Is the 13 with a 9 too much of gap?

Frothing at the mouth to get my hands on these!

Caesar
QLD, 109 posts
1 Dec 2013 8:14PM
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Select to expand quote
axion said..

How did it compare to the 2013, I have read that the 2014 evo is going to be less freestyle and more freeride/wave orientated.



Sorry I only saw your question now. It is a pity that there is no option with Seabreeze to be notified when a new message has been posted.

The 2014 is not really for freestyle (unless you want to rip out your arms when unhooking). But then again I only had the 12m for testing, kiting it on the middle knot. It is a power machine; similar to the Fuse but doesn't have that much muscle power. If you want a real good jumper (longest hangtime and jumps very high), grab a Fuse as long as you can. The new Evo is more freeride orientated. It would not really suit as a wave kite either. Then you better go with the Dice.
It is a mixture of everything and due to that lacks things if you are into some specific kiting style. No kite can serve 100% for every kiting style. There is no such kite (yet).

Cheers
Caesar

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
1 Dec 2013 7:58PM
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Select to expand quote
Caesar said..

axion said..

How did it compare to the 2013, I have read that the 2014 evo is going to be less freestyle and more freeride/wave orientated.



Sorry I only saw your question now. It is a pity that there is no option with Seabreeze to be notified when a new message has been posted.

It would not really suit as a wave kite either. Then you better go with the Dice.
It is a mixture of everything and due to that lacks things if you are into some specific kiting style. No kite can serve 100% for every kiting style. There is no such kite (yet).

Cheers
Caesar





Agreed. Thanks for that mate.

Yves
WA, 134 posts
8 Dec 2013 10:20PM
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I had a couple of sessions on the 9 2014 Evo, with the 22m Quad bar. It was about 20-22 knots yesterday and 22-25 knots today, here are my impressions (70kg).

Note I've never ridden a Fuse, or even the 2013 Evo so I cannot compare. I only flew the 2014 Rebel recently.

Kite is grunty and powerful,
Light/Medium bar pressure on the kites's backline soft setting (moderate/high bar pressure on medium setting, no good for me)
Awesome upwind performance, kite moves forward in the window, really easy to point upwind with speed
Great lift (same as Rebel) and hangtime (a bit less than Rebel)
Reactive turning and pivot turning even when depowered
Fun note: it looks like a 3 strut kite (the 2 small struts, being so close from the tips, are hidden from the rider's perspective)

I still need to try it in 15-20 knots now, but I am not too worried.
All in all a great 4-line bridled freeride kite (I am not good enough to review the Freestyle capability of the kite :)).

Yves
WA, 134 posts
23 Dec 2013 4:23PM
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Have anybody else demoed the new Evo, and interested to share their experience?

For me:
+ Great low end (I get the 9 out in sub-15 knots, for my 70kg)
+ Fast reactive turning
+ Good lift for jumps (but less than Rebel, and more difficult to load the board due to higher bar pressure during edging phase)

- Bar pressure at least medium (on soft setting) (that is a slight correction to my earlier post, I'd have liked a little lighter bar pressure) Maybe same as previous Evos?
- Kite needs trimming when the wind picks up

MrFreeze
289 posts
23 Dec 2013 4:58PM
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Select to expand quote
eppo said..

Caesar said..

axion said..

How did it compare to the 2013, I have read that the 2014 evo is going to be less freestyle and more freeride/wave orientated.



Sorry I only saw your question now. It is a pity that there is no option with Seabreeze to be notified when a new message has been posted.

It would not really suit as a wave kite either. Then you better go with the Dice.
It is a mixture of everything and due to that lacks things if you are into some specific kiting style. No kite can serve 100% for every kiting style. There is no such kite (yet).

Cheers
Caesar





Agreed. Thanks for that mate.




Hmmmmmm I concur with Eppo.

John4F
116 posts
24 Dec 2013 3:39AM
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Check the Airush Lithium and compare - you could be surprized

Peelgeo
WA, 36 posts
16 Jan 2014 6:44PM
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Can anyone compare the 2011 Evo to the 2014?

getfunky
WA, 4485 posts
12 Oct 2014 2:52PM
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So I ended up getting a 2014 9m North Evo after recommendations and advice from peeps who want similar things in a kite as I.
Have had bugger all chance to ride but finally got out on Thursday in less than epic conditions.

9m Evo, 22m lines - medium bar (on wider setting)
15-18kts (max) sideshore choppy waves. 151cm TT
I'm floating in at 88 kilopies at the mo.
Disclaimer: No affiliation, full price paid.

OK, this kite has a very good bottom end. I was never under powered in 15kts. I did have to move the kite a bit at times but no teabagging.
Physically it is a big kite for a 9m. I'd say it was almost as big as the 2012 10m Lithium I had last year and similar bottom end.
I'm a tad concerned I may have gone a size too big and could have gotten away with an 8m. Likely in fact.

Early days and will follow up when I've ridden the kite in more typical 18-25

Ok, I liked this kite straight away. It is intuitive, gives good feedback at the bar, stable and responsive.
It is smooth, powerful and has tight turns but powers through the turn. This is one of the must haves for me. I HATE kites that do not power through the turn.

Compared to my previous Lithium I'd say the Evo had a tiny flat spot of power as it reached the mid point of the turn but will wait until I'm lit on it to be sure.
This is a kite TT riders who like to crank through turns should try.
Park n ride floaty turning surfboard riders will most likely get pulled of an edge.

Turning is responsive but (in the light winds) the kite felt a little heavier than the 3 strut kites I am used to riding. No where near as heavy as a Rebel though.
This kite generates heaps of grunt if you want to get aggressive in turns (and I do ).

Boosting, especially for light winds, was excellent. I'm looking forward to really dialling in the timing on this kite (pretty easy so far tho) in cranking winds and can see myself getting a few nosebleeds.
I reckon in better winds the float and landing will be pretty deluxe.

Stability was pretty good. The Evo has some drift but will possibly drift better in higher winds also.
Pretty sure it's going to drift as well as I expected it to and need it to.

Didn't try the relaunch (Hey it's the most exxy kite I've ever bought and didn't want to get it wet 1st time out!) but hearsay says it is good.

Comparisons? Well it's similar to the 2012 Rebel I tried a while back without feeling as heavy and 'stiff'. Bit more all rounder for sure and likely to be almost as good boosting but better in the surf etc.
Upwind on the Evo is ok, not as good as rebel but not a factor for me on downwinders.
Compared to 2012 Lithium the Evo is a higher aspect but still feels medium aspect and grunty as fek. I much prefer the North bar but hope the placcy insert doesn't wear out.

Bar feels nice in the hands but could be a tad softer with thicker padding. Stopper and customising options are good. I'd prefer straps over cleats any day tho. Chicken loop, quick release and donky is first rate.

Bar pressure is medium, prolly going to be on the slightly heavier side in decent winds. I used the kite in stock settings all round, so medium back line attachment. You definitely feel the kite and feedback is good, but some users may need to go to the softer pressure setting.
I have always ridden grunty kites and don't mind medium pressure at all.
Perhaps in nuking winds I may want to change to lighter, time will tell.

Oh, I should ad that at full power in the 15 kt winds I did get a bit of back stall goin on. I will do a bit of checking but I'd say a tweak to the line settings will sort this out.

OK, so far so good. Can't wait for some decent winds and a chance to really flex this kites muscles. Woot!

Spitfire
WA, 394 posts
13 Oct 2014 4:58AM
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Does the new model still have battens built into the kite? Such a pain when putting the kite back in the bag. The 2013 sat quit deep in the window and for that reason provided a lot of power. Rips you of the water. I would have to say it doesn't provide the best upwind drive. Does the new shape have a higher aspect?

I hope they have sacked the quality control people in the factory who make the bars. Mine only lasted one season. The moulding on the bar just fell off and the depower rope had a red cord coming out of it.

I look forward to seeing the graphics north come out with. They are always "super fantastic" and good for a laugh!

getfunky
WA, 4485 posts
17 Oct 2014 11:57PM
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Yep, I'm not a fan of battens and am glad the 2014 has only one batten per side.
Not a drama to pack away actually I just roll up in line with the trailing edge, rather than leading edge, then it folds neatly into 3rds and in the bag.

Can't compare the 2014 to any previous model but it def is not as low aspect as the lithium and has substantially more C - as in m2 of material I the tips perpendicular to the top of the canopy (if that makes any sense whatsoever.

Geez i'm hanging out for a chance to ride this baby in +18. I am very confident it will be a massive boosting kite after riding it in wimpy 15-18 kts.

Geez I wish North would do away with those stoopid rounded knots on their pigtails though. Makes me nervous and triple check the connection for snugness every time. Had one slip off when launching with a demo Rebel a couple of years ago. Damn handy to have the 5th line in that situation.

Spitfire
WA, 394 posts
23 Oct 2014 9:51PM
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Select to expand quote
getfunky said..
Yep, I'm not a fan of battens and am glad the 2014 has only one batten per side.
Not a drama to pack away actually I just roll up in line with the trailing edge, rather than leading edge, then it folds neatly into 3rds and in the bag.

Can't compare the 2014 to any previous model but it def is not as low aspect as the lithium and has substantially more C - as in m2 of material I the tips perpendicular to the top of the canopy (if that makes any sense whatsoever.

Geez i'm hanging out for a chance to ride this baby in +18. I am very confident it will be a massive boosting kite after riding it in wimpy 15-18 kts.

Geez I wish North would do away with those stoopid rounded knots on their pigtails though. Makes me nervous and triple check the connection for snugness every time. Had one slip off when launching with a demo Rebel a couple of years ago. Damn handy to have the 5th line in that situation.


Will try and remember this. Hopefully before I've rolled it up and struggled to get it back into the bag!



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"2014 North Evo" started by axion