We have used the North Click bar now for 6 months (around 40 to 50 sessions) and want to share some results. The bar itself and the system on its own is phenomenal. For example we don’t see any wear out on the depower line. However there is one issue which can become a game breaker. The V-split causes damage to the line, which already shows. Obviously breaking a safety line is the last thing in the world you want to happen. Activating the safety in this case would mean loosing your kite!
North appears to have an issues now with the Click bar which sounds very familiair to the one with early versions of the 2015 Quad bar. Again right at the safety line near the “V” split of the front lines. The damage occurs due to rubbing of the black plastic part (which keeps the front lines together) on the 2017 Click bar. After seeing a few other safety lines damaged on other Click bars we tried to find some information online. Nothing popped up so far, which was a bit of a surprise because other riders probably have used it more than we do (having had a really cold winter with very little riding). Our line will last probably another 6 months, but not much longer.
Known issue
Next thing we did is contacting North. And surprisingly we didn’t even need to show our damaged line, because it is a known issues. The damage is caused due to a slight roughness on the black V-distribute part. North also added that It may well be newer versions haven’t got this problem. We were told replacement kits will be available soon (probably April 2017). – See below an update from North about a replacement kit.
Advice
So far the North Click bar is still the best bar we have used and we still think the review made earlier is right as it should be. Mainly because of it’s lack of wear out and because of its auto rotating below the bar swivel which keeps everything very safe.
It is a good thing North is arranging warranty replacements, but they seem to be late with sending warning messages.
Update: 2 days after we made this post->North has contacted us from headquarters in Munich. Philipp Becker from North acknowledges there are some issues as described, but declines that there is already a plan on providing an upgrade kit. This is still under debate internally at North. Craig Cunningham (Team rider at North) mentioned that there is going to be a press release on this topic.
This wear out on the safety line in fact has very little to do with the new click system, but since it is a very dangerous place to have wear out. You should check you line as soon as possible and contact your local shop if it looks damaged.
Hi Nico,
Removing is indeed possible. BUT the end of the black plastic tube is too sharp. We highly recommend NOT to remove the split. We know some really bad stories from riders that did so. Don’t wait to change your lines! It is your safety line that will break. So if you brake it you need to release the kite completely. Buy new stronger lines with protection on the part where the split is!
Dave
We Test Kites
I had exactly he same issue I was wondering what happen if I remove the V split. some youtube video show that this is possible. Anyway I need to change this line for a new one… but I’m afraid that the rest of the line going throught this V split might be broken because there are damage
Hi Taco,
We have tested that but that doesn’t make a difference for this issue.
Dave We Test Kites
Waxing is maintenance!
Hi Lars,
What a bummer. But yes it is a common problem.
Stronger alternative lines are also a bit thicker. Which makes the line to tight inside the ironheart. So a good option isn’t available. Either have stronger lines but less safety (it needs a lot of pull when the safety is activated) or an original line which needs a quick replacement…
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi Kitesurfers,
i got the same Problem with the redline. But it is on the V directly above the black tube. Where the line goes trough the ring. I use the Bar with the Best TS and they got a lower V.
The Bar ist 50-100 hrs used, and after every session rinsed with frech water. checked the rest of the lines and they seemed to be good.
How to repair. Should i buy 2 new lines wich are dying then next year? I dont want to replace with north lines, are there better options? Plug and play?
Best regards from Germany
Lars
On the 2017 Click bar? No, nothing. No reactions any more from North.
Dave
We Test Kites
Still nothing changed a year later?
Have the 2017 click bar and safety failed (line snapped) after 20 sessions. Weak design , looks sleek but not durable at all. No warranty with north don’t spend your $$$ on this bar !
Hi, I have a clickbar first generation. 1 week ago, my safety line has broken when I was kiting far, in the waves with currents. I’m used to check my material and I have seen nothing before it breaks. It has broken inside the depower cover. I’m from Switzerland, North told me that I’m the first person to complain….let’s see how they will react? I ride North since more than 10 years, never I had broken a line…
I have a North Click Bar which after about 30 sessions also is showing the similar wear in that area. I have also had an issue with the stopperball wearing out in the threading, and during an involuntary unhook during an air, this pushed the stopperball 3m/10 feet up, and since the safety line is directly connected to the left front line, this got me in some pretty bad trouble. I love the bar feel, but I now have a couple of issues resulting in lost love – or trust I’d rather say.
Hi KPMac,
We will try to get some feed back on it again by starting to contact Both North and our local dealer.
Dave
We Test Kites
Any updates on this…just about to buy one.. but maybe wait ???