Description

North Kiteboarding is proud to introduce the new North VEGAS 08 - this is North's New School moves, competition kite.

 

As progressive freestyle kiteboarding evolves, the Vegas adapts and conquers! The '08 Vegas is a high de-power C-design tuned for direct bar-feel and constant power to give you confidence when loading up, unhooking and throwing powered tricks and jumps.

 

Smooth, reactive steering gives the kite a very lively and crisp feel and also makes the Vegas perfect for kite-loops. 5th Element safety lets you go for glory with peace of mind while the Vegas' quick, easy re-launch gets you back up and riding hassle-free after a wipe-out.

 

In 2008 the Vegas easily lives up to it's reputation as the definitive freestyle kite, robust construction and unmistakable style.

Combining all the benefits of total de-power with the safety, performance and re-launch benefits of five lines, the Vegas 08 is breaking all the rules!

 

Progressive looks, simplicity and performance come together in the all new 2008 North VEGAS.

 

The VEGAS emerges as a dedicated 5th line freestyle kite with precise turning and steady handling for powered new school moves.

 

Direct bar feedback allows you to feel exactly where the kite is for maximum control when un-hooking and jumping.

Together with a 2 pump simplicity and inflatable wing tips, the VEGAS 08 gets you on the water fast and packing up easy.

Using a redefined leading edge arc, canopy profile and swept wing tips, the VEGAS challenges what was previously thought possible with a five-line kite, changing angle of attack instantly to deliver a huge power/de-power range.

Simply rigged on North's 5th Element, the VEGAS 08 has the direct bar feel and instant turning response of a c-shape kite, without the hassle of bridles or pulleys normally associated with a flat kite.

The VEGAS 08 makes setting up for a jump almost effortless by allowing you to depower as you position the kite above your head, then sheet in for power and lift.

If you’re looking for competion performance and safety with the simplicity of five lines, then look no further . . . The VEGAS 08 will give you all the tools you need!

 

New Cam Battens >

The new CamBattens give the kite two key advantages: Lower drag at normal angles of attack and better profile stability at low angles of attack! At normal angles of attack, the CamBattens keep the shape smooth and stable along the front part of the canopy. Aerodynamic theory tells us that this is the most important part of the profile for generating power with low drag.

 

As you let the bar out to de-power, the wind tries to collapse the front part of the canopy and push the kite back. CamBattens resist this by keeping a full, stable shape near the leading edge, allowing the kite to fly at lower angles of attack for more depower.

 

Combine the CamBattens with Trim Tips, the new tip geometry lets the kite tilt even farther, and de-power to the maximum.

 

All of this gives the VEGAS 08 a very direct feel on the bar, better low end performance due to reduced drag, and a much wider wind range. On the water you will notice that the wind just seems a lot smoother, with less holes and gusts.

This simple yet high performing kite can be used with any 5th line control bar providing the depower line is more than 45cm long.

North 04/05 5th Element Control Bars can be used but upgrading to the Iron Heart Chicken Loop is recommended.

• No Bridles
• Direct Bar Feel (like a C-Shaped Kite)
• Constant Power
• Flat Style Kite
• Moderate Aspect Ratio
• Competition / New School kite
• Cambattens - crispier feel, better range, better low end
• Easy water relaunch
• Massive depower / huge wind range
• Easy to jump
• 2 Pump Simplicity
• Inflatable Tips
• Designed for 5th Element Control Bar

**Prices shown are kite only - includes bag, pump and repair kit*

 

	* A Harness is required to fly this kite - click for harnesses >>
	* You can learn how-to setup and fly water relaunchable kites using the Kiteboarding Progression DVD - click for info >>

Specs

Model	Projected Area (m)	Aspect Ratio	Wind range (knots / based on 80kg rider - beginner / intermediate level)	Wind range (knots / based on 80kg rider - intermediate / advanced level)	Wind range (knots / based on 80kg rider - expert level)
5.0	3.9	5.4	20-24	21-35	21-40
7.0	3.9	5.4	18-22	19-32	19-37
9.0	5.0	5.4	17-21	17-30	17-34
10.0	5.6	5.4	15-20	15-27	15-30
12.0	6.7	5.4	13-18	13-25	13-26
14.0	7.8	5.4	11-16	12-22	12-24
16.0	9.0	5.4	9-14	11-19	11-21

 

Download Product / Instruction Manual (PDF) >>

You can purchase spares for this item here >>

Depower Control Bar

Riders of all levels, from pros to newcomers, will all gain substantial advantages from the new 5th Element system.   Safety - perform all moves with safety leash Water Start - without swimming Performance - increased performance due to wider wind range   The 5th Element will come already set up so there are no hassles on your first day and it doesn’t take any more effort to wind up or unwind them, and you don’t feel anything else but better performance when flying them.   All kites can be flown with the same bar, just the short line attached in the middle of the leading edge has to be adjusted to the different kite sizes. Instructions will be attached to all bars or upgrades.

Safety: The 5th Element line set permits anyone, from novice to pro, to easily and conveniently use a kite leash. The leash can be short and inconspicuous, or it can be a long handle-pass leash like the pros use. In either case, releasing the chickenloop quick-release while leashed-in causes the kite to depower immediately and totally and with no line tangles.   Whether you ride unhooked, spin, try a water relaunch for the first time or practice a handle pass, all maneuvers, including the latest tricks, can now be performed with the safety leash of the 5th Element.   As soon as you pull the Quick Release or let go of the bar it slips up the safety line. The kite is then completely depowered and comes down without twisting the lines. One additional benefit of the 5th Element is that it makes dragging upwind to reach a lost board much easier.

Waterstart: When the kite is on the water after you crashed or let go of the bar, the 5th Element system allows you to relaunch without swimming a) Keeping tension on the middle line, reload the chickeloop if necessary, and hook in if you want. b) To get started again, use the middle line to pull the bar toward you. c) If you pull the back lines simultaneously, the kite will slowly come off the water. d) The harder you pull on the side of the bar, the faster and lower the kite will start in. e)If you only pull gently, the kite will move as usual to the edge of the wind window for relaunch. f) No unsafe pulls or drags. No more swimming!

Performance: The 5th Element stabilizes the kite’s arc and thus clearly increases performance. Enhanced profile stiffness brings considerable advantages in depowered situations and increases the kite’s wind range. As a result, the kite flies closer to the wind window and responds more directly to steering impulses.   While arc-shaped inflatable kites have a marvellous simplicity, they also have a tendency to change shape as the wind increases and decreases and as load goes from front lines to back lines or vice versa. While it's possible to control such unstable tendencies in conventional four-line kites, such control comes at a cost: more drag.   The 5th Element line set offers a low-drag solution to maintaining kite shape stability, thereby permitting higher performance in every respect. 5th Element-equipped kites have greater high end, greater range, and quicker turning.   Because of the better high end they also have better lift, which makes for higher jumps. Because low end power is in no way reduced by the 5th Element line set, such kites also have excellent hang time.

 

Download Product / Instruction Manual (PDF) >>

You can purchase spares for this item here >>

Reviews

High Performance C-Style feel with SLE safety! David Ledger

This is just a really good kite! Its a high performance C-Style feel to the kite allowing me to do all of my unhooked manoeuvres but with the safety of an SLE style.

The North Vegas 08 is so quick and looks so good in the sky I wouldnt change it for anything else. I can use it in the low winds as it has the low end grunt and then when the wind picks up - it turns into a freestyle beast!

It powers through the turns without no loss and the jumps are high and at the same time controllable.

It is excellent in the waves and you can power out of them if things start to get messy!

Unhooked riding is so direct - you can feel whatever you are doing whether you are looking at the kite or not.

Just get one now!

 

The largest wind range yet! Charlie Railton

After a flight test in South Africa with the new North Vegas 08 - Charlie Railton tells us his thoughts on North Kiteboarding's latest SLE!

 

Conditions > 25 - 40knots

 

Size Tested > North Vegas 7m 2008 >

 

Taking the new Vegas to South Africa was an absolute treat. The trip was made in January which is their summer and the time of year when some of the world top riders head to Cape Town to abuse some of the best conditions in the world. After seeking some local advice before going, the 14m was kept out of the bag and only the 9 North Rhino 07 and the 7m North Vegas 08 were packed. That advice turned out to be spot on as the majority of the trip was spent on the 7m.

 

Handling > Having been riding a SLE kite for well over a year I was uber excited to get the Vegas out on the water. Loved it! The precise and solid feel translates into great kitesurfing.

 

In gustier conditions there is a little more time spent playing with the vario-cleat than on a hybrid, but de-power is readily available.

 

This kite is a good jumping tool, I had a couple of sessions where the kite was really powered up and the jumps were massive, but even at the lower end you could get enough height to have fun. Where this kite excels is in more wake style powered tricks and manoeuvres.

 

The North Vegas 08 is a popular choice in South Africa and you are guaranteed to see people there using it to pull kiteloop handlepasses.

 

Unhooked the kite is a dream, North have obviously spent time ensuring that the kite works well off the hook and it does just that.

 

Re-launch was a piece of cake, the kite was on the water several times after failed trick attempts and there were no issues with re-launching, hopefully the larger sizes have the same characteristic.

 

When off the hook, putting a handlepass leash on the chicken loop works well, if you lose the bar there is sufficient depower when the bar hits the stop and re-launch is easy but often the kite is left sitting at the top of the window waiting for you to regain the chicken loop.

 

Jumping > The first massive impression of the kite after launching is how stable and solid it is in the air. I could park the kite above my head and it would sit there with little input at the bar. Turning is direct and feel at the bar is precise and crisp. I managed to get out on the kite in both gusty and consistent wind conditions, for a non hybrid or bow design the Vegas eats the gusts exceptionally well.

 

Swapping between the Rhino and the Vegas highlighted the differences between the two designs and the more aggressive classic style characteristics of the Vegas.

 

Build Quality > It’s often said, but again North’s solid construction. Looking at it side by side with the Rhino 07 there is even more reinforcement in the tips and it looks even more durable.

 

Control Bar System > North 08 bar, simple and easy to use, one bar fits all, keeping costs down. Easy to trim as so much adjustment through the vario cleat.

 

Overall > Who should use the North Vegas 08? The Vegas 08 is a must have item for those people wanting to develop their powered tricks.

 

Ever been in the situation where you just don’t have enough consistent power and grunt from your kite, well the Vegas is the answer for you.

 

The North Vegas 08 is aimed at the freestyle rider but on the trip to Cape Town I got one friend doing their first runs on a kiteboard and another in the water doing their first upwind body drags.

 

This latest derivative of the Vegas has the largest wind range yet and has become even more refined. A great tool and thanks to Powerkiteshop for letting me have use of the kite!

 

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