2024 North Mode Pro Wing Review

After months of anticipation, I finally got my hands on the North Mode Pro Wing, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer! Right out of the box, you can feel the quality and the intricate design elements. The Mode's airframe, made of this impressive N-Weave 45 cross-weave reinforced woven fibre, feels solid but surprisingly lightweight. You really get a sense that it's going to convert every gust of wind into forward momentum. Pair that with the Matrix N-HTRS canopy, and I can attest that this wing is built to perform in varying wind conditions. I absolutely loved how it let me sail closer to the wind and reduced my need to constantly tack or gybe, thanks to its VMG-optimized design.
Beyond just the raw speed and power, what impressed me was the Mode's adaptability. I've tested both the 3.5 to 4.8m versions and the 5.5m one. While the smaller sizes are perfect for those adrenaline-pumping sessions on windy days, the larger one truly shines in lighter conditions. The design is user-centric with its balanced lower aspect ratio and rounded wingtips - a thoughtful touch to prevent those annoying tip strikes. The panel layout is clever, ensuring both stability and that vital tension we all want under load. But what truly won me over? Those Carbon GripLock rigid micro-trim control handles. They offer an instantaneous response, making the wing feel like a natural extension of my body. Plus, the gybe-friendly window positioning was a nice bonus. If you're looking to elevate your wing game, the Mode should definitely be on your radar. Kudos to North for this stellar creation!
Thank you for sharing the kiteboarding and wing foiling stoke with us! 🤙🏽 Please join us in the comments section and get a conversation started. We’re always happy to help!
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[@MACkiteboarding]

www.mackiteboarding.com/2024-north-mode-pro-wing/

[@MikeRaper0505]

Stoked you like it Tucker. It’s our fave to date as well, the N-Weave45 has made such a difference to the torsional stiffness in the air frame due to the cross weave and the Matrix canopy is about 3 x stiffer and sooo much more durable. Took Dano and Steve (designers) a long time to match the elongation settings, not the effort was worth it.

[@MACkiteboarding]

You guys nailed it on this one. (as expected) Thanks for all the hard work! -Tucker

[@Wingsurf]

🔥As always good! Thanks T!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks @wingsurf

[@secondlife7976]

Finally!!! ❤Selling my CWC v3 8m to switch it to North loft 8m and will add North Mode Pro 5.5 🔥 Thank you for review! Best reviews from Tucker!

[@MACkiteboarding]

You'll be really amped with the switch. The Loft will gain you some low end and the Pro 5.5 will really stretch your top end range and give you that efficient speed and upwind. -Tucker

[@secondlife7976]

@@MACkiteboardingthank you for advice! Loft pro 8m is amazing 🤩 Could you please comment on combination of downwind board + mode pro 5.5 and 6.8. What is the wind range ? And how you can compare 6.8 with downwind board to Loft pro 8m and seek v2? Still looking for perfect light wind setup with widest range is possible 😅 currently Loft pro 8m, MA1200, seek v2 98l. Feels like with loft pro 8m I finally reached my minimum 11 knots.

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@secondlife7976 With the Mode pro 5.5m and DW board I can get down to 10-12kn. 6.8 gets you down to about 8kn. By comparison, I can ride the Loft Pro 8 and DW down to about 6kn. -Tucker

[@richardmatison3591]

Tucker, Cheers for the clip! I haven't ridden as many wings as you but find the low end of the Mode in all sizes awesome. The 7 gets me going in about 9 knots with a gust and the 4.2 for me is good for 16-22 knots, any more is a handful. At 170 pounds/77 kg riding an 85l Sky Style my evaluation differs but thanks to your praise of the Mode I am enjoying all sizes and ironically their low end pull.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Stoked they are working for you Richard. It's more of a warning for newer riders who haven't developed the pumping technique required for the forward pulling wings like the Mode. -Tucker

[@jockharcourt9936]

Tucker hands down the best reviews on anything. Bought a slingshot from him during Covid had it delivered to Australia, great service and advice couldnt be happier.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks for the kind words! -Tucker

[@roymciver8440]

I have the V1 modes in 4:2 , 5:5 and 7:0 . I’m 95kg, my most used size has been the 5:5 followed by the 4:2 and I love them ……. Looking at the new pro model I’d probably go 4:2 , 5:5 and 6:8 for a 3 wing quiver. For traveling, reckon I would only need the 5:5 given the amazing wind range. The spacing between the 5:5 and 4:2 I think works really well for me although I bet the 4:8 is a peach .

[@MACkiteboarding]

You got it right Roy. The 5.5m is the magic bullet for me at 90KG as well. It just hits that perfect range for 80% of our best sessions here. The 4.8 is an absolute speed machine, and the 4.2m seems to have limitless top end. But, i'm riding the 6.8m most during summer since its light here and thats a blast as well. -Tucker

[@joergg]

​@@MACkiteboarding What is your wind range in these light wind conditions for the 6.8?

[@Rbin22]

Hi, I currently sailing in unit 2023 4.5m. I am able to get out of the water from 10-14nds with a 65l board. Does the pro mode in 5.5 have a better low end?

[@larsdegroot]

Nice review! I now ride the nova V3 4.2 & 5.0 . 5.0 as my lowwind wing . I'd like to add a 3.5 to my wings, for wind above 24 knots. Do i need a mode 3.5 of should i swap my nova V3 4.2 for a mode? Also, is there a noticeable difference in early going between the Nova V3 and this wing?

[@MACkiteboarding]

The Mode his a significanly higher top end but not quite as much low end as the Nova. Expereinced riders can pump the Mode to a similar low end. -Tucker

[@avinashbikha]

Speaking of inflating to different pressures (LE vs strut) what is good practice? When should strut me harder, softer than LE? Light winds, hi winds, gusts? Some more info on this is much appreciated! Thanks Tucker & friends!

[@MACkiteboarding]

I typically just inflate to the factory suggested setting but if you find the wing is a little too direct, you can deflate the leading edge slightly for a more smooth feedback. This is helpful for lighter riders who can benefit from a little more flex. I would suggest starting at 1psi lower and don't go any further than about 1.5psi lower than factory suggested or it will lose a lot of performance. Always keep your strut at full factory suggested pressure - Tucker

[@joseppc6802]

Having a duotone unit 4.5 2024 dlab and 67 kg what size of the mode pro you would suggest me to take for light wind? 5.5 or 6.8?

[@gianlorenzosisti]

Hi Tucker. As always...thanks for your amazing review. I weight 80 kg and actually I ride a Fanatic 75 litres with a Strike V2 5m. I'm able to fly in 12-25 knots with this rig. Which size I should buy: the 5.5, right?? In the video you say that the you ride the 5.5 in the 15-25 range. Is it possible to start also from 12 knots like my Strike 5? Thanks

[@MACkiteboarding]

I'd size up slightly for the Mode Pro Vs. the Strike V2 which has a lot of grunt. For the 5.5m, you should have a similar low end once you adapt to the pumping style. Short, fast pumps work best with a little forward push on the inward pump stroke. I'd guess you could ride the Mode Pro into the 30s if you are taking the Strike V2 up to 25kn. -Tucker

[@stevefollis9454]

Do you think there is a big enough gap between the 4.2m and 3.5m? Is it worth having both and what wind range do you think the 2 different wings would work best in?

[@MACkiteboarding]

It would depend on your weight and riding style. I find I don't need both. For me at 200lbs, I can ride the 4.2m into oblivion as long as I have a fast foil. -Tucker

[@markella.m]

Im 5’5 60 kg. mostly in land lakes always gusty . Often have some lighter days 10/11 knots with 15/17 knot gusts . Do you think à a 5.5 size would work for those days ? Matched with a ss 926 foil and code board I’m thinking a 4.2 and 5.5 quiver would cover most of the days . Also not sure if adding a bigger wing would be any benefit .

[@MACkiteboarding]

I'd say that could work if you have some pumping technique. If won't get you under 10kn but it will get those better days. -Tucker

[@jocelynemercille1131]

How to you pump the Mode? I found it easy on the Nova ligth wind but have difficulty on the Mode . Thanks

[@MACkiteboarding]

Shorter, faster pumps with a little rotation to keep the canopy tight and add some extra apparent airflow through the sail. By comparison, the LW likes those big scoopy pumps like you are doing a pullup. -Tucker

[@robstersss]

I currently got the mode v1 in 4.2. 5.5. 7.0.. the 5.5. Is my go to. The only thing i dont like is low end but love the speed. Shall i buy the v2 5.5? And what about the 7m2 i barely use it because its too big to use when the wind is below 12knts. Do you advice to take the v2 6.8 or the loft pro?

[@MACkiteboarding]

I'd suggest upgrading the 5.5m for more low end and a stiffer canopy if that's your main wing. A 7m Loft Pro would be best for the low end. -Tucker

[@TDPT]

Great review. What’s the board you are riding? Is that an Omen? What’s the size?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, Omen Flux 60L and it's amazing. Every size in their lineup is primo. -Tucker

[@jocelynemercille1131]

@tucker : will the 4.8 V2 to close in power to the 5.5. V1? Should I consider the 4.2 V2 as a step down to 5.5. V1? thanks

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, I'd jump down to a 4.2m. These wings have plenty of range to pull that off. -Tucker

[@mauriziomeloni8578]

Hi, considering that you can buy at same price, which wing would you pick for freeride and racing, North Mode Pro or Ocean Rodeo Glide A (not the new one in full aluula), thanks

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great question! It would depend on what performance you are looking for but personally I'd prefer the Mode Pro. Some other good options would be the Ozone Fusion, Flux, and Slick D/lab. -Tucker

[@kountchev1]

hi! what foil are riding underneath? thanx, jordan

[@MACkiteboarding]

This is a new Slingshot Phantasm that will be launching soon. Really fun foil. - Tucker

[@3421Greg]

Is the forward strut handle on the Mode Pro long enough to ride semi powered holding with one hand?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, it is

[@lucasht09]

Does someone have some feed back between UNIT 2023 VS de MODE/MODE PRO? Focused on racing

[@MACkiteboarding]

The Mode or Mode Pro are going to be your best race option for top speeds and upwind angles. The larger Mode Pro wings gained some downwind traction this year as well. The Unit is a great wing but isn't nearly as fast or good upwind. If you have a downwind race, the Unit would be an excellent option. If you like Duotone wings but want some racier perforamance, I'd suggest the Slick D/lab. - Tucker

[@lucasht09]

@@MACkiteboarding thanks for the answer Tucker, your feedback it`s curious because all the Duotone riders use the Unit for racing not the Slick. But anyway, nice to know that the MODE PRO it`s a racing machine!

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@lucasht09 I think it just depends on the race style and wind condiitons but I work with a number of racers and they all prefer the Slick D/lab and Mode Pro over the Unit for most conditions. They have more range, VMG, and upwind performance so that's a winning edge in most races. -Tucker

[@lucasht09]

@@MACkiteboarding Good to know, thanks a lot for the answer! But after the review and the chat here, I will look forward for the MODE PRO 😂

[@tscorched3628]

Anyone have experience with Pro 3.5? I have a number of sessions on both the 5.5 and 4.2 mode Pro’s, im 175lbs currently riding 58L and F150hax T26surf lift, and absolutely love the upwind performance and range of the wings. Compared to my slingshot V2 and V3 slingwings they have double the useful wind range and go upwind 50% better. But I did get blown off the water on my 4.2 on Tuesday here at Purdy in the Puget Sound. It was 30mph gusting to low 40’s, I have had a few days on the 4.2 with gusts to the mid 30’s and found the wing very manageable, but the low end of this wind was in the 30’s and the 4.2 was over winded. My summer riding will be in the Columbia gorge were this wind is normal and my question is how is the 3.5 in this wind at my weight? I didn’t buy the 3.5 because I wanted to get experience on the wings first as I figured a 3.0 might be a better size. Anybody? Thanks Tod

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great question-thanks for asking! 🤙🏽 Got a moment for a web chat? Click the following link, and we’ll do our best to help: messenger.providesupport.com/messenger/mackite.html

[@JesseALwood]

This vs Armstrong XPS?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Good question Jesse. I've not flown the XPS but looking at the specs, I'd doubt it has the same amount of low end performance as the Loft Pro. - Tucker

[@NeuralEngin33r]

I love my XPS. I wish Mac carried them.

[@ClivehWright]

DLab or North Mode?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Tough call. If you are on a budget, the Mode Pro wins for sure. The D/lab is a little lighter which is nice but speed and performance is pretty comparable IMHO. - Tucker

[@tscorched3628]

What are your lighter riders, I’m 175kg, saying about the pro and top end? Wondering if lighter riders can hold it down as well. Thanks

[@MACkiteboarding]

Our lightest riders in shop are around 155lbs. Yes, this wing is excellent for lighter riders as well since it has more forward traction it doesn't lift or yank you downwind in gusts. -Tucker

[@tscorched3628]

Thanks for reply! Just ordered up a 4.2 & 5.5 from you. Now wondering at my 175lbs will this be a good quiver or do I need to fill the gap with the 4.8. Thoughts? Was hoping these two would cover the 12-40kts

[@MACkiteboarding]

THat should do the trick@@tscorched3628

[@tscorched3628]

Wind blew on new wing day! Was able to ride both the 5.5 and 4.2. Wow. Koolaid is real sweet! I was missing the performance of kite foiling with the winging until I rode these. Huge range, upwind effortlessly, my top speed was 20% faster than on the slingwings on day one. Thanks Tucker for letting the world know.

[@danielpugh2752]

😂175kg