Hey Guys,
i´ve just checked my gear for any damages and wearing.
Realized that my depowerline is pretty stuffed after approx. 50 hours of flying.
After i had a close look, i´ve found that the centerhole is f***ed!
I´ve thought North Kiteboarding came up with its outstanding idea to use a changeable plastic centerhole-insert instead of aluminium to reduce wearing of the lines...
Well, that´s the outcome...worn depowerline + f***ed centerhole insert!!!
That little plastic piece of s*** costs about $40!!!
What a joke, just look how thin the plastic in the middle is...
Is there anyone who has the same problem?!
Thats another fine mess you've got me into north - said Stanley!
So isn't the plastic at least teflon?
I wonder how many 'movements' ie sheeting in and out North considers is acceptable for their line and insert longevity ??
50 hours / 2 hr sessions in ideal conditions is less than a month (25 days? ) ?
That must be why kite schools dont use North ??
Yer I lost mine ages ago, so had to replace the rope too.
Later snapped a bar because the grub screw causes a huge weakspot in the middle of the cast alloy center.
I would rather replace the rope only and not both at the same time. My plastic center always pops out too.
Annoying
Neo and Evo were at the top of my demo list a month ago when I was hunting for new kites. I head about the high maintenance North bar I wrote them both off. How can a low quality bar come with such high quality kites?
A mate of mine had the rubber or foam bar covermaterial delaminate on his 2013 bar after 2 months. The North bar has always been the kites weakness for many years.
When will they listen? Doesn't help when I got absolutely smashed on kiteforum year or so back pointing out this flaw. Also Got a two page email from some big north guy justifying this absurd piece of delinquent engineering.
North open ya Farqin ears and listen!
same thing happened to mine.ive gone through 2.one wear and tear and one just had a crack in it after approx 6 hours use.im looking at having a stainless steel one made on a cnc machine which will rectify the problem.
^^^^I don't remember you having that much trouble with ya Switchy 
.....and what have you done to yourself now ????
I had plenty of problems with the switchblade. I put together a fully custom bar so stuff didnt break. The kite lasted well though.
Same thing happen to me, I ripped it out and filed the sharp edge down on the top side , shouldn't have to do it but it worked. Take the 2 grub screws out also , things we do to keep our wings, ova
get it replaced under warranty. the initial ones are much smaller than the replacement ones they have made, and they wear through pretty quick ( just did mine the other day). first thing you notice with the replacement is much thicker plastic that will last alot longer.
Hey guys,
just want to let you know that i´ve just got an e-mail from my dealer back in germany.
He´s spoke to North-Kiteboarding today and they said they´re aware of this problem.
Although it´s a very small number...
Maybe all got crappy once got send to Austalia...
Long story short, they'll send me the center hole insert plus the worn depowerline for free!!!
Maybe worth talking to your dealer as well...
I really think they have no other choice to get replacements for everyone who´s dealing with that issue!!!
God luck everyone!!!
Don´t give in!
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