Kitesurf Control Bar Review - North Navigator Pro / Duotone Trust / Core Sensor 3 Pro

In this far too long video I waffle on about my history of control bars, what I liked about each of them, and of course, what I think of the awesome new Navigator Pro Bar from North - northactionsports.com/
I am also excited to mention a new arrangement with MacKiteboarding that should help me get my hands on a number of demo kites to test that I wouldn't otherwise have access to here in NZ.
www.mackiteboarding.com/
/ @mackiteboarding
Get your own Navigator Pro Bar from Mac right here:
www.mackiteboarding.com/2024-...
Be sure to check out the 'Destinations' Series I mentioned as well:
• Kiteboarding Travel Gu...
DISCLAIMER - Since I finished editing this video, North has released a SAFETY NOTICE for some of the Pro Bars, so please, before you use your bar, be sure to check out your serial number through this link:
northactionsports.com/pages/n...
#kitesurfing #kitereview #review #review #kitesurf #corekites #northkiteboarding #duotone #bigairkite #megaloop #kiteloop

[@ride_the_wind]

Thanks for all your hours put into this, a great contribution to the kitesurf community

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks

[@sanderpsychologie]

Stoked for your collab with MAC! Grats Jason!

[@jasonofmontreal]

cheers

[@collegepros]

Great to hear about your Mac kiteboarding collab!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Yeah, they're a great crew, and have already got a number of demo kites in my hands, including the Ozone Vortex that I will be reviewing next

[@pietervisser7683]

Great review as always, didn't even notice the time, as it was time well spent. Feel the need... for a North bar!

[@jasonofmontreal]

haha, thanks

[@Alexomator]

Finally some quality content for MAC. Was suggested a video on how to jump higher by them yesterday by someone on a 10 Orbit going 6m high ...

[@jasonofmontreal]

well if it was 18 knots 6m is higher than 5m... the same principle would apply, but I don't know what video you're referring to so hard to say.

[@abramovdan]

@Alexomator What’s wrong with jumping 6m with 10m orbit? I believe it depends on the conditions and 6m could be maximized height for a certain moment. In a strong wind someone can just crank the bar and go way higher than 6m without proper technique at all 🙂

[@Alexomator]

​@@abramovdan There is nothing wrong with doing so. You can push about any recent kite that has jumping capabilities to 6m once you get riding, even without good technique. It´s just goofy to call it boosting and trying to teach about "jumping higher", when your initial "boost" is barely a jump at all.

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@abramovdan absolutely, conditions mean everything too.

[@jeroenblonk]

I can comment Abit on the line splitter wearing out your lines. My bar uses the same line splitter and I have been moving it around every 3 or 5 sessions. I have noticed quite some wear on the lines where I have left the splitter for a longer time. I have also heard from a brand that I won't name. That all the bars with broken lines they get sent, are broken where the line splitter was. So, a line splitter does wear out your lines if you don't move it to a point where they will break.

[@jasonofmontreal]

I was fairly confident it was the line splitter as well with my snap, as mentioned in the Orbit Pro video. I never knew about moving it around before then though, but it's also something so easily over looked when you're frothing to get out for a session

[@zscap]

Thanks for the review. I was gonna wait for the nav pro but got the slingshot sentry V2 instead, also great. I used to own the standard navigator and was quite happy, although I must say the coating of the lines was not great and they got fuzzy and worn fast. I swapped to braid tech lines (the same used by linesmith) and got way more durability. I must say thought that north had great availability and price on spare parts... Slingshot is more expensive and not as simple to service

[@jasonofmontreal]

That slingshot bar does look solid in the video

[@jwgeut]

But I told my gf that there’s no need for me to switch between nav and nav pro and that I’ll not do it.. Nice review once again!

[@jasonofmontreal]

I tell my wife all the time, it's for the people...

[@jwgeut]

@@jasonofmontreal haha love it 🤙

[@corpuskiter]

A lot to unpack here. Strong work as usual 💪👊🤙

[@jasonofmontreal]

this is the version I managed to trim off 5 minutes of... hard deciding what is stuff people actually want to hear

[@noobsaibot5285]

Appreciated brother! kite on!

[@jasonofmontreal]

Cheers, will do

[@chrisswanson8290]

I don't think I can ever go back to a manual untwisting bar again. Auto-untwist was the biggest upgrade to spend more time focused on the water and less time focused on your gear!

[@jasonofmontreal]

As long as they keep working safely and cleanly they’re a lovely bonus

[@angusscott-knight26]

Great review tks Jason.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thanks

[@Alext146]

Kitesurfing content I was waiting for😊

[@jasonofmontreal]

happy to help

[@miroslavstork9491]

Great review as always. Thanks legend

[@jasonofmontreal]

Thank you

[@filippoi.4138]

Best review as always! I’m in your exact same situation. Evo dlab with trust bar, I’m buying the north pro. Went for 50/55 for more speed and faster loops. Lines on the V split will get damaged fast IMO, I’ve bought sleeves and all I need to sew a reinforce like the trust bar on premiuropes. Hope it will give much more durability 😊

[@jasonofmontreal]

Be sure to check your serial number, incase you didn't read the description of this video

[@filippoi.4138]

Yea thanks!! Rode about the problem and the pro bar I was buying was one of those 😂 the will get a new CL and they will send it to me

[@maxwellkungdahl6976]

love your videos

[@jasonofmontreal]

cheers

[@c.l.4959]

Thanks for the review - as always, very good one. I’ve had the North Pro bar for a month now, and this is my 6th bar. I had various model years from F One, Flysurfer, and North. Currently, I have: - Flysurfer Force for my Soul: best bar grip feeling for me, super soft and comfy. - North standard Navigator: simplicity that works perfectly and has a slim look to me. - North Pro Navigator. I ordered the Navigator Pro for the auto untwist feature. At first, there was no ‘Wow’ factor when I saw it, but nothing annoying either. Still I liked its overall design When I got it, I had to fix an issue: the two center front tubes kept twisting on themselves by 90 degrees, even when riding. I would untwist them, but they would go back twisted. I solved the issue by force rotating one of the tubes on itself. Since then, there have been no issues, nothing to complain about. I used it several times, it has never been a limiting factor, never been a source of distraction when riding which speak for itself: If you forget about your gear when you ride, I believe it means it works faultlessly. I have nothing to complain about regarding the bar: - It’s light(er) - It has good SK99 lines - Improved QR (okay, it will need to be replaced with the recall, but once done, it will be an issue of the past). - Simple and sleek design. - I am sure, it is as bulletproof as the standard Navigator bar, and it will stand the challenges of the years I hesitated with the latest version of the Dreamstick X, as I really like the monoblocs center tube with auto untwist, but decided to keep being loyal and consistent with North as I ride North Orbit

[@jasonofmontreal]

That’s an interesting issue with the twisting tubes, even without walking out the lines correctly each session I didn’t experience that. Glad you managed to sort it though

[@c.l.4959]

​@@jasonofmontreal I always walk all my lines: first, I go through the normal process of untangling them. Then, I untwist each line by running it between my fingers and my nail, doing this twice as I can manage two lines at a time, given that I only have two hands... This picky habit is a legacy from my years of sailing experience, where every time I encountered an issue with a rope, it was always because it was twisted on itself...

[@FinnLiii]

The problem with cores safety is that it doesn’t even flag perfectly out on their own kites. Especially on bigger sizes, due to the length it pulls the power line. Sad that most core riders aren’t even aware of it. I really like the feel of the sensor 3 and the weight, but since I had to eject and it didn’t properly flag out I get kind of scared when I ride my xr. Core just need to switch to a normal frontline safety

[@BenjaminLovelady]

The Sensor 3 pro is 99% the way to being the perfect bar, but they take that last 1% and shoot themselves in the foot with a 2-line flagout. I don't like being scared that activating my safety will initiate a death loop. The navigator pro looks pretty sweet, but I miss the light feel of the sensor.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Good info guys

[@filippoi.4138]

Had same experience, luckily never had big problems. Used my sensor 3 with my EVOS. Best feeling ever, used in 30/40 knots, all perfect. One day, in shallow water and 15 knots decided to use safety, just to check all was working well and discovered this deadly problem. Kite remains half powered and start to death loop. In 15 knots I just pulled 1 back a lot and all went well without any scare. Tested several times, always same end. Next day I have sold it. Same thing in 40 knots I was not here

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@filippoi.4138 wild 😬

[@rodsherwood1707]

Jason, I think your V-splitter issue is only the coating so it should only become an issue down the track as sand and salt do the wear job on that area of the centre lines. Cheers Rod

[@jasonofmontreal]

Sure could be, I have a new v splitter from north that is a bit rounder around the edges so ill be trying that soon

[@matthewkoper1678]

I always watch you videos before buying gear 🤙

[@jasonofmontreal]

haha, thanks mate

[@FinnLiii]

Vantage would be nice if you can get your hands on one, they even have a fly and try option. Just got 3 sessions on mine and for my likings those kites are dope. Would be nice to hear your opportunity on them.

[@jasonofmontreal]

I've tried them a couple times and really struggled on it in big winds, but it was an older model. I think they need a bit of getting used to to get zoned in on.

[@derek73able]

There is a recall on some of the navigator pro bars. Check the serial number

[@jasonofmontreal]

Link to do so in the description of the video, I’d already finished the video by the time that went out, but I didn’t experience it so hard to comment on

[@ethanweilant5655]

@@jasonofmontreal definitely get the quick release changed out before you ride it again if your bar is included in the recall!

[@markusfrosterus]

Super review, and stellar quality stuff as always! Have/could you measure the bar travel on the new North bar, please? For strapless freestyle the longer bar travel the better. Thanks!

[@jasonofmontreal]

The sizes are the same as the standard North bar I believe

[@brenttucker6705]

420mm of travel.

[@Baptiste_L]

One thing that is really important for me is that the left part of the bar should be RED, not grey, black blue or yellow, just RED !!! So no cabrinha core and old North bar for me. It should be a standard among all brand ! It is a safety issu and very useful when learning (kiting or new trick with loop or rotation or just quickly grabing the bar after a crash to avoid the kite hitting the water)

[@jasonofmontreal]

I prefer the red as well

[@lomaleks1332]

can someone explain the bar width setting: when I flip the toggles from + to - the bar, visually, remained with the same length or...

[@jasonofmontreal]

Flipping them around slightly shortens or lengthens the width of the bar basically

[@lomaleks1332]

@@jasonofmontreal thanks, I thought nothing gonna happened :) I’ve just received the Large 50-55 cm ver.

[@JTechWP]

Which mouth mount do you use with the GoPro ?

[@jasonofmontreal]

The fat orange floaty most of the pros use

[@85joandani]

Great review as always, I just tried the new eleveight auto twist bar, did u tried? Was awesome, and I was used to north navigator before.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Haven’t tried that one I’m afraid

[@2007dalin]

have you tried a reedin bar? my current favorite.. although its very thin which may not be for everyone

[@jasonofmontreal]

Actually I did when I tried the V3 in the first review, very solid options with smooth functions... but i really didn't like the super thin grip... not sure if that standard?

[@dirkgeyer322]

@@jasonofmontreal that is the standard. I love it for its very thin grip. I think it is the thinnest on the market. Especially riding in winter with full gloves (Germany) it really helps to prevent getting cramped forearms. The big issue with Reedin is the material of the eyelet (aluminum). At a sandy spot you get a lot of abrasion in the eyelet which creates sharp edges which eat up the PU depower lines really quickly. Happened to my V2 bar, which has the double depower line as the current Cabrinha or North Pro. Unfortunately this also seems to be an issue with the current bar (single rectangular shaped PU depower line with autorotation). The guy from Line Smith showed one in his Insta story where the eyelet was worn in such a way that the PU depower line would completely block. You really need to keep an eye on that part of bar and dunk the depower lines in the water after you have launched on a sandy beach. On my V2 I have smoothed the edges with a Dremel grinder and so far it works. I also bought the last V2 bar stick from Reedin directly as a back up.

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@dirkgeyer322 bars are so much about personal preference, I can understand anyone disagreeing with me on what I like. My buddy borrowed my trust bar Sunday for a 4 hour session we had and said the next day his hand were so sore from using it, which he never gets on his north bar… he’s 6’3 and a super fit regular gym goer so definitely not from weak hands either 😂

[@oliverkurti5048]

I have a nav pro bar on duotone kites. Does it make a big diference in kite responce/feed back where is the splitter positioned?

[@jasonofmontreal]

Duotone position the v splitter 4.5m from the lines, be sure to move it around though a little bit between session as I noticed wear fairly quickly on mine. You can still ride duotone kites with no v, the control is slightly less direct however

[@oliverkurti5048]

I did cut a little piece of the inner tube of a bicycle tyre and put it around the line where the splitter is attached so it doesn’t wear the line and doesn’t slide up or down. I used the splitter from duotone.

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@oliverkurti5048 Sounds good, but keep an eye on it I'd say

[@awesomekitesession9734]

did you only change the lines of your tru st bar or the whole setup so depoer and safety too?

[@jasonofmontreal]

I changed all the lines, both my line break and my friends happened on the centre lines

[@awesomekitesession9734]

@@jasonofmontreal i just got my dlabs yesterday got the trust bar but sending the bar out and beef it up with the line smith

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@awesomekitesession9734 duotone are offering a free line update if I’m not mistaken for ‘23 trust bars

[@SamRampado]

Did you notice a difference with the thinner back lines?

[@jasonofmontreal]

Hard to say without riding back to back, I’ll be trying that soon and putting findings on insta

[@ridewithandrei]

the auto unwind system looks the same as on the slingshot sentry v2, tried the previous pro bar but found the centre piece too big and often catching on my hand while depowering

[@jasonofmontreal]

I'm not familiar with an slingshot gear unfortunately as we don't have them in NZ

[@ridewithandrei]

@@jasonofmontreal it s made in china actually, probably could get to you easy with the right importer

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@ridewithandrei please inform slingshot I’m available

[@MACkiteboarding]

[@jasonofmontreal]

🎉🎉

[@Cadburydrams]

Can you try & get a new Eleveight auto untwist bar to test. Similar to Reedun but bigge bar &r grip size 53 cm. Nice and simple...

[@jasonofmontreal]

Probably not, but I should be testing a kite from them though this season

[@salvoleone3667]

have you tested naish bar torque QR?

[@jasonofmontreal]

Nope

[@Ysbeer11]

what wetsuit are you currently using?

[@jasonofmontreal]

O’Neil flashbomb 4:3, or 2m summer suit

[@giorgio4660]

@@jasonofmontrealplease don’t start a kitesurf wetsuits video comparision now :P 😂

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@giorgio4660 I did get asked to review an electric pump... having never used one I have no idea what I'm going to say but I'll think of something... not sure the footage of kites inflating will be as cool though as big loops

[@giorgio4660]

@@jasonofmontreal uhm i tested the rideengine one and it was comfy… but not 150€ comfy 😂 Then 10 days ago some gasket or some oring of my megapump broke or failed or else and i discovered that after havin paid 60 for a damn pump they don’t have simple orings for maintenance……. So i bought rhe airbank puffer pro for 80 from aliexpress, no need to buy a standard pump anymore if for so little you can get a smaller, elettric pump. Only 2 inconvenience for epump: first is that you can’t do something else while using it because you have to keep the kite anyway, second one is that you’re mates will steal it to use it themself as often as they can 😂

[@jasonofmontreal]

@@giorgio4660 i have a few mates using the e-pumps... i tease them constantly while secretly being jealous it's busy pumping their kites while they get changed

[@collegepros]

About halfway through, the audio cut out, sadly. It does pick up again 3/4 in.

[@jasonofmontreal]

bugger, but thanks, may need to re-upload it

[@jasonofmontreal]

do you have a minute mark? Mine seems to be fine...

[@jeroenblonk]

Seems to be fine for me too.

[@murpelle5109]

It’s fine for me too

[@jonerei]

Fine for me too

[@RyobiCEO]

Where is this spot?

[@jasonofmontreal]

There’s quite a few spots in this video, what minute mark?

[@Cheoz0r86]

good review however from my personal experience won't buy any auto untwist bar that has not inserts, regarles of the material the manufacturer use, sand will always cause wear, I rather swap inserts every so often (they're quite cheap like a tener for core ones) that end up after a year with a complete sharpened metal center.

[@jasonofmontreal]

Unfortunately no core in nz so it’s so expensive to get anything for them

[@mohamedrakha3933]

Please review slingshot pleeeeeeeeeeaaase

[@jasonofmontreal]

Someone tell “J-Bo” to get one down here 😂

[@HEADLINESx]

Love your Vids. Greeting from Germany :) to down under🪁

[@jasonofmontreal]

G’day