I recently found my center line swivel not spinning smoothly. So I unscrewed the center line, cleaned it and added some lubricant. Worked very well after that. I also found out that it is possible to add some lubricant without unscrewing by dripping it in from the outside along the metal piece going in to the swivel. Just an additional hint I wanted to share.
I had the original 2020 bar. The main central line broke inside the tubing after one year, so I replaced that. Then this year a middle line broke, and that put all the tension on the outside line on that side, and that snapped the end of the bar off completely, breaking the plastic parts inside the bar. I had a very long swim. I bought a 2022 bar to replace it as I really like the bar, but I was disappointed that a $500 bar would only last two years at most. I do kite a lot at Cape Town and Cape Hatteras, but I am 67 and hence not doing crazy stuff like megaloops, so not stressing the bar like some do. Finally, a caution to anyone buying this bar or any other with encapsulated center line, you must make sure the chicken loop is properly on the spreader hook immediately before launching, because it can rotate off and leave the bar only connected via the chicken stick twisted on the hook, which releases as soon as you power up the kite.
Love all my north gear and the bar and lines are holding up fantastic. My only complaint is the trim adjustment is rather dangerous when fully depowered. It often gets tangled getting me in some awkward situations. I don’t really have a solution for it other than somehow directing the extra line somewhere along the centre lines when there is some slack? Something to think about for sure. Local kiters have had the same issue with different brands with the similar design. Could be a great opportunity to stand out with a tidier design 🤙🏽
Hey Ben, Thanks for the feedback, certainly food for thought and something we will put to the designers as they work on the next Navigator. Please let us know if you have any other questions. See you out there, Jamie 🤙
Hey Johny, Thanks for reaching out to us! It's rare, as they are typically always loaded up. However, if the lines aren't washed correctly often, dirt can become trapped in the braid and shrinks the lines. These lines need to be cleaned, and they'll be stretched back like the steering lines. Please let us know if you have any other questions. See you out there, Jamie 🤙
Really cool video! The navigator bar is certainly one of the best in the market. Will we see an auto swivel in the next generation? I feel like thats the only feature that is present in other high quality bars (Core, Slingshot and now Cabrinha) but missing in the Navigator.
Hey Ruben, For 2022 our designers focused on creating a faster, safer release and intuitive single-action reload in all conditions, which is now IOS certified! However, in terms of auto-unwind, you can expect to see this in our next release. For the 2022 Bar, the spinning handle has a Teflon-infused plastic bearing to make the manual unwinding of your front lines easy. If you'd like to learn more about the operation of the Navigator Control System, check out the User Manual at northkb.com/products/navigator-control-system See you on the water, Jamie from North 🤙
Very happy with my gear as well, but just one question. My quick release just randomly detached mid-air/mid-session a few times already without me touching it. Do you have any ideas on why this might happen and what I could do? Thanks for info
Hey Gregory, Thanks for reaching out to us! Ensure the loop is fully clicked by pulling on it before heading out. Sand and shells can get into the QR and prevent it from locking into place, so remember to wash it out after use. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Regards, Tyler 🤙
Hi guys. I just change my lines from my navigator bar and they have nothing to block the bar from a release. (As you said on your video at 3:50) Can you guys explain me why my lines are in only one piece and they do not have knots on them. Thank for your help and excuse my English.
Hey thanks for info. Just wondering whether its possible for the landing line to stretch? mine seems to have stretched, the oval shaped leash attachment ring now hangs about 6-9cm past Connect Quick Release, it use to be snug against it.
Hi Jose, most likely the bungee inside your landing line is worn out or broken. It is an easy fix to just replace the landing line. Spare parts are available over your shop or the North website. Just takes 5min to replace.
Hey Jose, Thanks for reaching out to us! This sounds like the elastic in the landing line may have broken; you can check this by pulling it and seeing if it springs back. If not, replacement landing lines can be purchased from your local North Retailer or online: northkb.com/products/landing-line Please let us know if you have any other questions. See you out there, Jamie 🤙
Very nice explanation, well done. Also very nice that you pay attention to the safety systems! I find this step difficult: "put the same amount of pressure on the control bar (as the pull you are doing on the center lines using your body weight) Any tips for that: How hard do you have to pull on the control bar? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ExIahNy9ies.html
Hey There, Thanks for reaching out to us! We recommend leaning into your harness with full body weight and tensioning the centre lines. Then pull the bar towards you as much as you can without that you shift all your weight now onto your steering lines. You should have 50% of your body weight in the harness/centre lines and the other 50% on the bar/steering lines. In this setup, a 2cm gap should be between the top of the spinning handle and the bottom of the bar. Please let us know if you have any other questions. See you out there, Tyler 🤙
