2027 North Navigator Gen2 Short Throw Control Bar | North Kiteboarding
2027 North Navigator Gen2 Short Throw Control Bar
The 2027 North Navigator Gen2 Short Throw Control Bar brings the trim system 10cm closer to the rider, making North's latest Navigator much easier to use for shorter riders or anyone who finds a conventional control bar has too much reach.
Rather than simply making a smaller bar, North has shortened the usable throw so you can comfortably reach both the bar and depower trim without having to stretch forward or compromise your riding position.
For 2027, the Short Throw also receives the same stronger, lighter Gen2 construction and updated Connect V2 safety system as the standard Navigator.
10cm Shorter Reach
The key difference between the Navigator Short Throw and standard Navigator is the position of the depower system.
North has moved the trim handle approximately 10cm closer to the rider, giving smaller-framed riders easier access to the full control system.
This can make a significant difference if you normally struggle to:
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Reach the bar when fully sheeted out
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Adjust the depower while riding
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Maintain a comfortable stance while depowering
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Use the full range of a conventional control bar
It’s particularly useful for shorter riders, but rider height isn’t the only factor. Arm length, harness position and personal riding style can all affect how much bar throw feels comfortable.
Designed For Kites Up To 12m
Because the shorter throw reduces the total amount of bar travel available for depower, North recommends using the Navigator Short Throw with 12m and smaller kites.
This helps ensure there is still sufficient depower available when conditions become stronger.
For riders using larger light-wind kites, the standard Navigator may be the more appropriate option due to its greater available throw.
Stronger, Lighter Gen2 Construction
The 2027 Navigator uses technology developed for North's premium Pro control system.
A new fibre-filled polymer internal structure increases bar stiffness by approximately 20% while keeping the overall construction lightweight.
The result is a more direct and solid feeling through the bar without adding unnecessary weight.
Connect V2 Quick Release
The Short Throw uses North's updated Connect V2 Quick Release.
The system features a stiffer security finger and redesigned Freeride Loop to help reduce the chance of accidental unhooking or release.
Resetting the QR remains simple with North's single-action reload system.
The included Freeride Loop is also part of the Connect V2 Toolless InterLoop system, allowing you to swap harness loops without tools.
Compatible options include:
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Freeride Loop
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Freestyle Loop
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Surf Slider Loop
100% SK75 Dyneema Flying Lines
The Navigator Gen2 Short Throw uses pre-stretched SK75 Liros Dyneema flying lines.
At 1.8mm diameter, they're designed to provide a strong, durable connection to the kite while resisting the line shrinkage that can gradually affect kite tuning over time.
The standard line setup is:
12m + 10m = 22m total length
Because the line system is modular, the upper 10m section can also be replaced with optional extensions to create different line lengths for specialised riding.
Comfortable, Easy-To-Identify Grip
The 2027 Navigator grip has improved abrasion resistance while retaining the comfortable shape North bars are known for.
A tactile offset finger section also helps you identify bar orientation by feel.
It's a small feature, but useful when you've just completed a rotation, recovered from a crash or need to grab the bar without looking down.
Smooth Manual Line Untwisting
The standard Navigator Gen2 uses a straightforward manual front-line unwind system.
After rotations, simply rotate the bar to remove twists from your steering lines, while the centre system is designed to allow smooth bar movement and easy untwisting.
The elongated spinning leash attachment ring also helps reduce twisting through the landing line.
Smooth Cleated Depower
North continues to use a conventional cleated depower system, which keeps adjustment simple and easy to understand.
For 2027, the updated power bracket helps reduce friction when trimming while also reducing wear on the depower line.
On the Short Throw version, that trim system sits 10cm closer to you, making adjustment considerably easier for riders with a shorter reach.
Adjustable 45–50cm Bar Width
The Navigator Gen2 Short Throw is supplied in the Medium 45–50cm size.
You can change the width by removing the bar-end cassettes and rotating them 180 degrees.
Use the:
45cm setting for slightly slower, more controlled steering.
50cm setting for increased steering leverage and quicker kite response.
This size works particularly well across the medium-sized kites that the Short Throw system is designed around.
Who Is The Navigator Short Throw For?
We'd recommend the Short Throw if you like the standard North Navigator but find yourself regularly stretching to reach the bar or trim system.
It is particularly well suited to:
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Shorter riders
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Riders with shorter arms
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Younger riders
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Riders who prefer a compact control setup
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Anyone who finds standard bar throw excessive
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Riders using North kites up to approximately 12m
The benefit isn't just easier reach. Being able to comfortably access your bar and depower system can also help you maintain a better riding position rather than continually leaning or reaching forward.
Navigator Short Throw vs Standard Navigator
The two bars use essentially the same core technology.
Choose the Navigator Gen2 Short Throw if comfortable reach is your priority.
Choose the standard Navigator Gen2 if you are comfortable with conventional bar throw, regularly ride kites larger than 12m or want maximum available depower range.
Navigator Short Throw
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Trim handle positioned 10cm closer
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Reduced bar throw
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Easier reach for smaller riders
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45–50cm adjustable bar
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Recommended for kites up to 12m
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SK75 Dyneema lines
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Manual front-line unwind
Standard Navigator
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Conventional bar throw
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Greater total depower range
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Three available bar sizes
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Better choice for larger kites
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SK75 Dyneema lines
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Manual front-line unwind
Key Features
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Short Throw version of the 2027 Navigator Gen2
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Trim handle positioned 10cm closer to the rider
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Designed for easier bar and depower access
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Recommended for kites up to 12m
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20% stiffer Gen2 bar construction
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Lightweight fibre-filled polymer internal structure
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Connect V2 single-action Quick Release
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Stiffer QR security finger
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Toolless interchangeable harness loop system
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Comfortable wear-resistant grip
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Tactile bar orientation section
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100% SK75 Liros Dyneema flying lines
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Pre-stretched 1.8mm flying lines
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Modular 12m + 10m line configuration
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Smooth cleated depower adjustment
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Updated low-friction power bracket
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Manual line unwind
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Spinning leash attachment ring
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Adjustable 45–50cm bar width
What's Included?
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2027 North Navigator Gen2 Short Throw Control Bar
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Connect V2 Quick Release with Security Finger
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12m + 10m SK75 Dyneema flying lines
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Connect V2 Freeride Loop
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North Standard Leash
