The North Orbit 2027 and the Orbit Ultra share the same big air DNA (5 struts, slim leading edge, forward-set profile), but they don't play in the same league. The Orbit 2027 is the intuitive, versatile one, built with N-Max2 and a 5-point bridle; the Ultra is the competition version, with an N-u80 Ultra PE frame, 6 bridle points, a touch more aspect ratio and a slightly wider wind range at the bottom end. If you're jumping to progress your loops and want a forgiving kite, the Orbit 2027 is the logical buy. If you're already chasing height records in strong wind and feel the limits of your kite, the Ultra justifies the €570-630 difference. And if price is what matters, there are still a few odd Orbit 2026s left at 30% off.
The three Orbits head to head: summary table
| Orbit 2026 | Orbit 2027 | Orbit Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame (LE and struts) | N-Max2 | N-Max2 | N-u80 (Ultra PE + Technora) |
| Struts | 5 | 5 | 5 (slimmer) |
| Bridle | 5 points, no pulleys | 5 points, revised geometry | 6 points, ultra-thin lines |
| Canopy | N-RS3 triple ripstop | N-RS3 triple ripstop | N-RS3 triple ripstop |
| Sizes | 6 to 14 m | 6 to 14 m | 5.9 to 12 m |
| Character | Accessible big air | Accessible big air, livelier and quicker turning | Competition big air, direct and explosive |
| Price at Popkite | from €1,259.30 (-30%, last units) | from €1,649 | from €2,049 |
| Who it's for | Riders who want the current Orbit at a bargain price | From your first loop to advanced riders | Expert riders chasing the absolute max |
Orbit 2027: the forgiving big air kite
The Orbit is the 5-strut kite North has built its big air range around, and the 2027 is an evolution of the big 2026 overhaul, not a change of concept. In 2026 the Orbit moved to N-Max2, gained a fifth bridle point to support a slimmer leading edge and saw its aspect ratio go up from 4.3 to 5.2. On that base, the 2027 reworks the profile and bridle geometry for a more playful feel, adds more sweep and narrower tips so it turns sooner, and improves aerodynamic efficiency for a quicker response.
On the water that means a kite that climbs well upwind, pulls hard on take-off and catches you softly after a loop. The 5 struts keep the profile stable as the wind picks up, which gives you plenty of confidence going into a megaloop in gusty conditions. Surfpirates' comparison test, published by North, describes it as the more intuitive, easier everyday option compared with the Ultra.
It's the Orbit with the most sizes (6 to 14 m) and the widest stock at Popkite, priced from €1,649 (6 m) to €2,199 (14 m).
Orbit Ultra: what changes with N-u80
The Ultra's difference lies in the frame material. N-u80 is an Ultra PE fabric (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) with five times the tensile strength of polyester at the same weight, a PET liner and a Technora cross-reinforcement. That strength means it can be woven at 81-85 g/m², so the leading edge and struts can be slimmed down without losing stiffness.
There's a neat bit of engineering here: the Technora and the liner are only on the inner face of the tube, and the reinforcement runs at 30° to the weave. The tube is stiff lengthways but twists progressively when you turn, instead of bending or overloading at one point. The result is a kite that turns sooner and faster, and also stands up better to UV, tears, creasing and abrasion.
Because the tube is slimmer, North adds a sixth bridle point to support it and uses thinner main bridle lines to offset the drag of that extra point. The profile is set further forward with more camber so the kite stays stable when you're overpowered, and the aspect ratio is slightly higher than the Orbit's, which gives more lift, more hangtime and faster recovery after a loop. In the Surfpirates test, the Ultra stands out for its performance and quicker recovery in strong wind.
Wind range by size: where each one works best
According to North's official specs, the Orbit 2026 and 2027 have exactly the same wind range per size. The Ultra, with its own sizes and finer steps at the small end, gets going about a knot earlier in the medium and large sizes. To compare like for like, the equivalent sizes are 9 m and 10 m, which exist in both.
| Orbit 2026/2027 | Wind (knots) | Orbit Ultra | Wind (knots) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 m | 20+ | 5.9 m | 20+ |
| 7 m | 18-36+ | 6.6 m | 18-39 |
| 8 m | 16-35 | 7.3 m | 16-37 |
| — | — | 8.1 m | 14-35 |
| 9 m | 14-32 | 9 m | 13-32 |
| 10 m | 12-29 | 10 m | 11-29 |
| 11 m | 11-27 | 11 m | 10-27 |
| 12 m | 10-25 | 12 m | 9-25 |
| 14 m | 8-22 | — | — |
There's no 14 m Ultra, so for light-wind big air and heavier riders the Orbit is still the only option in the family. On the other hand, in the small sizes the Ultra offers finer steps (5.9, 6.6, 7.3 and 8.1 m), handy for building a strong-wind quiver with no gaps.
Discounted Orbit 2026: when it's worth it
The 2026 debuted almost everything that defines the Orbit today: N-Max2, the 5-point bridle, the slim leading edge and the 5.2 aspect ratio. The 2027 refines the profile, bridle and tips, but the wind range and sizes don't change. If you want a modern Orbit and your size is available, the 2026 at 30% off is a clear opportunity: 8 m for €1,259.30, 9 m for €1,315.30 and 10 m for €1,364.30, compared with €1,799, €1,879 and €1,949 for the 2027. There are very few left, odd units by size and colour.
Which one to choose for your riding
- You're learning to jump high or doing your first loops: Orbit 2027. It catches you softly, forgives timing mistakes and has the most complete size range.
- You want an Orbit at the best price and your size is in stock: Orbit 2026. It shares almost all the tech and the same wind range.
- You've nailed the megaloop and ride in really strong wind: Orbit Ultra. More direct, quicker turning and more stable when overpowered.
- You're a heavier rider or often ride in light wind: Orbit 2027 in 12 or 14 m. The Ultra stops at 12 m.
- You want a strong-wind quiver with no gaps: Ultra in 5.9, 6.6 or 7.3 m, or pair a small Ultra with a big Orbit 2027.
Bar and board to complete your setup
For big air, the North Navigator Pro 2027 (€749) is the go-to bar, and there's a Short Throw version (€749) if you prefer a shorter throw. If budget is tight, the Navigator 2027 (from €549) does the job and then some. For boards, the Atmos 2027 (from €799) and the Atmos Pro 2027 (from €1,159) are designed precisely for big air and freeride. You'll find the full comparison in our article on the North 2027 boards.
If you're just getting into this discipline, our guides on what big air is and how to do a megaloop may help.
FAQ
Is the Orbit 2027 very different from the 2026?
No. It's an evolution: revised profile and bridle geometry, more sweep and narrower tips so it turns sooner. Material, number of struts and bridle points, sizes and wind range are all the same.
Is the Orbit Ultra harder to ride?
It's more direct and reactive, so it asks for more precision on the bar. For a rider who has already mastered loops it's more efficient; if you're still progressing, the standard Orbit is more forgiving.
What does N-u80 bring compared with N-Max2?
More stiffness per gram. That allows thinner, lighter tubes, less drag, faster turns and progressive twist through the turn. It also improves resistance to UV, tears and abrasion.
What size Orbit do I need?
It depends on your weight and the usual wind where you ride. As a guide from the manufacturer, a 9 m Orbit covers 14 to 32 knots and a 12 m 10 to 25. The best thing is to tell us your weight and conditions so we can fine-tune the size.
Can I use my current North bar with the Orbit 2027 or the Ultra?
The Navigator bars are designed for the current North kites. If you have a bar from another season or another brand, ask us first so we can check the line setup.
You can see the whole range in our North kites collection or in all kitesurf kites. If you're torn between the Orbit and the Ultra, or between two sizes, at Popkite we'll advise you based on your weight, your level and the wind you ride in.
