118TESTNorth Dicemore open profile, gives,to this new version, amore consistent pull andgreater hang time; at thesame time improving itslight wind performance;the kite has also beenmade lighter, with beneficialeffects on the kite’sreactivity. The bridle systemhas been modifiedto provide greater shapestability, whilst the profileof the wing has beentotally redesigned forthe larger sizes (9 to 13sq.m.).We tested the 7 sq.m.,for wave riding, in 4-5 ftwaves; and the 9 sq.m.,for freestyle, on flat water,both strapless andwith a twintip kiteboard.The kite was fast, stableand responsive thanksto its profile shape, verysimilar to a C kite. In thewaves, it was able to followthe rider, reactingquickly to commands,flagging out when needed,and showing a greatdepower. It is especiallyduring wave riding thatthe differences betweenthe Dice and its cousinNeo are more evident:the former is constantly“on the move”, pullingthe rider and always deliveringthe best performance,whilst the lattercan be “parked” whensurfing with excellentdrifting, delivering its fullpower as soon as thekite is recalled. It mustbe said that drifting,which was already verygood, has been enhancedfurther in the latest2015 version. The feelingon the bar is great:the bar pressure, in fact,has been increased toachieve greater responsiveness.Its upwind andlight wind performance,already very good in the2014 version, have alsobeen improved upon.It was only by switchingthe surfboard with thetwintip that we discoveredthe double soul ofthe Dice: an engagingbut not too aggressivefreestyle kite, not a specialistlike the Vegas; butthe ideal choice for riderswho are into mega loopslike King of the Air style.The loop is, in fact, fastand easily manageable,with the ability to delivera constant power throughoutits radius. Theother most importantqualities for freestyle, liftand pop, have also beenfurther enhanced comparedto last year.There are two back-linesettings on the wing tipfor trimming the kite. Thebridles on the front havebeen equipped with anew pulley and there is asmall Y shape accessorybridle towards the finalpart of the leading edge.The bar is lightweight,practical and functional,with a soft grip and decisivecolors. The sensibleintegrated backline adjuster,has been carefullydesigned and is easilyaccessible, as it is locatedinside the bar ends.The length of the bar isalso adjustable and youcan vary it between twomeasurements througha simple rotating mechanismlocated in the barends.The kite has a simpleOne Pump system withan oversized valve, whichallows you to inflate
the kite quickly and withlimited effort. The deflatevalve is located near thetip-end, to achieve a quickand complete deflationwhen rolling the kiteup.The graphics, as mostNorth kites, are simpleand catchy with a goodchoice of colors, nothingexcessive, sober andquite pleasing to the eyewithout being too fussy.The opinion of our teamThis new version of the Dice, after his great success in 2014, did not fall short ofour expectations confirming its qualities and improving them further. The moreopen profile has increased its stability and speed. This kite is the ultimate choicefor many pro-riders and for many “normal” kiters who are into wave riding. Neverthelessits versatility makes this kite part of a wider market, ensuring excellentperformances for freestylers and freeriders overall. We recommend this kite tomost riders, but especially those who, while practicing different disciplines, wantto have one set of kites which can deliver 100% satisfaction in most situations.