The 7.0 looks like a bit of a disaster from the picture. Worse than the 5.5! Either these particular wings were made with defective canopy material or North may have an issue (or some exceptionally heavy crashes caused the stretching). It would be nice if the X-ply wings weren't so expensive and heavy. At some point we'll have wings where the struts and canopies last for approximately the same extended amount of time. Better materials already exist and are coming but the growing pains are frustrating and expensive.
I've ordered three of these wings -- these photos are making me rethink my decision. 
Perhaps it's the advertised wind range of each Mode wing that's part of the problem -- apparently one can stay with the wing in over powering conditions and so the temptation to stick with the wing and not trade down in size may result in early bag outs. I also have some Slicks (6.0, 5.0 and 3.5) so I guess I'll just trade down in size when the wind increases enough to justify a change for a particular size.
Question: Does the warranty cover early bagging of the canopy? If not, it should since these wings are advertised as having a very large wind range.
There are a few people with Modes now ( not me ) and another guy has just bought a Mode 7M .
I'll get pictures of the other peoples wings when they're next out to see how they're fairing.
Finally got to ride my new 4.2 mode yesterday. I bought the wing two months ago, but due to an auto accident, it was the first time I got in the water. Rode in Kahului Harbor (Maui), ENE 15-22kts. I rode back to back with a North Nova 5.0 V2, then the Mode 4.2. Overall impressions:excellent!
Light: First off, it is a lot lighter than the normal Nova (which is beefy).
Using my bathroom scale I got: *All weights include bag, wing and waist leash. (Sorry too lazy to take them out).
Nova V1 4.2 =8.2 lbs
Mode 4.2 = 7lbs
Nova v2 5.0 = 9.2 lbs
Powerful: I was able to ride the 4.2 in the same conditions as the 5.0.
Upwind monster! I'm pretty good at going upwind for some reason. Normally I'm a degree or two more up wind than most. With the Mode, I was headed in directions that I had never been. My wife rode the Mode first, watching her ride, I thought the wind was NE since she was coming back almost parallel to the beach, cruising past the "walk of shame" line like she was checking tickets. Then I got on the wing, and I was so far upwind I was soon all by myself. On toe-side I was able to take the same line as if I was riding heel-side
Sheds water. Not sure if this was an intentional feature, but the N-weave material doesn't really get wet. Water beads up and shakes right off. It was a brand new wing, time will tell if it'll stay that way.
Downside: Likes to flip! Not as horrible as Duotone, but it is more "flippy" than the normal North wings, or Armstrong or Airrush (these are the ones I have extensive experience with).
Overall, super stoked will likely get the 5.5 and hoping that they come up with a 3.5 size soon.
I wonder if they are having any problems at the Sri Lanka factory seeing as the country is heading for bankruptcy!
North as well as few other brands are having quality issues.
As a few have said the Mode is an excellent design and I agree.
I just received a warranty replacement Mode and the construction is superior to the earlier versions.
I am yesterday to test on water but visually it looks superb.
Select to expand quotewarwickl said..
North as well as few other brands are having quality issues.
As a few have said the Mode is an excellent design and I agree.
I just received a warranty replacement Mode and the construction is superior to the earlier versions.
I am yesterday to test on water but visually it looks superb.
Q. whats the difference between your older mode and the replacement - a change in the material or the structure or features?
Select to expand quoteShlogger said..
I've ridden a 5.5 Mode for 6-7 sessions now, here's my Average Joe review.
Pro's
1) The posted range is legit, kinda blown away by it. It doesn't really get unstable, just generates more power.
2) Handles are super comfortable and directly responsive to input. Not sure they need the back handle extending so far back. Haven't had to reach back there yet.
3) It's light. It's feels light on the water as well.
4) Construction is top notch, seams all appear top notch. How the North Weave Struts age, only time will tell.
5) It's an upwind monster.
6) Flatter camber makes it great for freestyle and transitions.
7) Wrist leash is one of my favorites, cuff is perfect, length perfect and thank you for swivels !!! No more coiled nest after an hour of jibes and tacks.
Cons
1) Upright section of handle is exposed hard plastic. Only board dinger is the very front piece. When I stink bug I make an effort now to raise wing early so it doesn't hit the rails. I'll probably coat it with silicon.
2) Windows..I've tried to use them..not working for me, just too small, I'd rather see them go away or larger.
3) Love the soft cushy feeling of the flagging handle but too much slop or play if riding waves.
4) Rolling that wing up is not the most intuitive.
In summary..performs as advertised! The wing will appeal to racers and freestylers. It's direct powered feel would not make it ideal for beginners. It's a more technical wing. It's good in the waves but I personally prefer a softer feel and there's the flagging handle. The canopy material is nothing special but there's a lot of seams which should help w stretching over the long term. I'll use other wings for the surf but this one's a keeper for everything else.
Update, after using it 30 more times this wing remains my favorite wing to date. I've demo'd quite a few of the new versions of other wings lately as well. I've also been using it quite a bit in the surf, we're getting along just fine.
Little tweaks I'd recommend for the next incarnation, some of my original thoughts remain:
1) I still can't practically use the windows, neither can my friends ??
2) Flagging handle is comfy, just needs to stiffen up a bit and it'll be perfect;
3) Two of the mini-battens broke thru the forward batten pocket, fortunately I caught it before it went through the canopy. So those need a little beefing up;
Haven't tried a new Nova yet, would love to compare the two.
Select to expand quotenorthy1 said..warwickl said..
North as well as few other brands are having quality issues.
As a few have said the Mode is an excellent design and I agree.
I just received a warranty replacement Mode and the construction is superior to the earlier versions.
I am yesterday to test on water but visually it looks superb.
Q. whats the difference between your older mode and the replacement - a change in the material or the structure or features?
The warranty replacement has equal panel tension on both sides and the seam on the leading edge is now to the correct standard. Could be more which I will check next time used, sad no wind atm.
Select to expand quotewarwickl said..northy1 said..warwickl said..
North as well as few other brands are having quality issues.
As a few have said the Mode is an excellent design and I agree.
I just received a warranty replacement Mode and the construction is superior to the earlier versions.
I am yesterday to test on water but visually it looks superb.
Q. whats the difference between your older mode and the replacement - a change in the material or the structure or features?
The warranty replacement has equal panel tension on both sides and the seam on the leading edge is now to the correct standard. Could be more which I will check next time used, sad no wind atm.
What was wrong with the seam on the leading edge?Feel free to answer by PM.
Great interview with Mike Raper from North: open.spotify.com/episode/221m2rBIPL6Kubqau6PaVw
Select to expand quoteTangur said..warwickl said..northy1 said..warwickl said..
North as well as few other brands are having quality issues.
As a few have said the Mode is an excellent design and I agree.
I just received a warranty replacement Mode and the construction is superior to the earlier versions.
I am yesterday to test on water but visually it looks superb.
Q. whats the difference between your older mode and the replacement - a change in the material or the structure or features?
The warranty replacement has equal panel tension on both sides and the seam on the leading edge is now to the correct standard. Could be more which I will check next time used, sad no wind atm.
What was wrong with the seam on the leading edge?Feel free to answer by PM.
The material edges on my first versions have the material edges on the outside of the leading edge as per the photo.
The latest has these edges on the inside for a smooth finish that does not get damaged, most if not all are done by this method. 
Thanks for the pic and explanation. Can you send a pic of the new finish? I'm curious to see the finish on the new version
Select to expand quoteTangur said..
Thanks for the pic and explanation. Can you send a pic of the new finish? I'm curious to see the finish on the new version
I haven't been able to use the Mode however the seam is the same as these 2 Units
Select to expand quoteTangur said..
Thanks for the pic and explanation. Can you send a pic of the new finish? I'm curious to see the finish on the new version
it?s a german test an lots of detailed pics you?re looking for to be found in the first section accordingly:
Re: above video. -- sometimes they offer English subtitles. It seems that they don't have English subs for the products they test in which I'm interested. Figures! 
Jo I am from Germany and saw the test. The outcome was... It's pretty good wing... What u want to know? They say the strut tends to go down if u surf waves downwind. That was the only issue I think. The rest was pretty good. The canopy is just double rip stop?!
Greetings
Had a session on the 4.2 Mode warranty replacement today in wind to 30kn.
It is a rock solid windwing with tight canopy and trailing edge. In summary a far superior construction. Just hope over time it will stay this way, happy so far.
I don't know if this was discussed before.. I contacted a well known North development rider who also won the Spanish championship (yes you're close!) and he said that the wind range on the Modes ishumongous. I compared the wind range numbers and came to the conclusion that a 5.5 mode could replacetwo wings namely a4.2 and 6 Nova (v1) He (the rider) said indeed it could work. See post below.
Is anyone here seeing the same? Is the wind range really that huge and could therefore a mode replace 2 wings? Or am I talking total BS and am in need of a wingfoil session ..the winds been so bad lately..
The 5.5 may be able to replace 4.2 and a 6 if on a tight budget. However, a 4.2 would extend the life of the 5.5 and be a much nicer ride in higher winds.
As I said in my review above, largest wind range of any wing I've had or demo'd to date. However, as stated above, I'd limit the days of 4.0 wind on it if you want some longevity in the canopy material.
The range is indeed wide. All I know is that once I give the 4.2 to the wifey in a session, she never gives it back, no matter what the wind decides to do. I'm hoping that North comes out with the 3.5M soon so I can get my 4.2 back!
Light wind is here. I just ordered the 7m. It's in the mail. Are you able to remove the handles to attach harness lines meant for a boom?
Select to expand quotefoilthegreats said..
Light wind is here. I just ordered the 7m. It's in the mail. Are you able to remove the handles to attach harness lines meant for a boom?
Super easy. Do it when it's NOT inflated and you only have to remove the 2 inboard screws. I wish DaKine or Chinook would make a lighter version of there windsurf harness lines for winging. A little over spec'd for winging.
Thanks for the info! T40 torx did the trick. Installed 28" Dakine fixed lines. I like these as they don't swing and hit you in the face. Probably could be lighter as you mentioned.
First impression on the 7m: What a beast but still feels relatively light in the hands. Handles are nice, feels like I'll be able to pump up in nothing. Final will retire my Slingshot V2 6.4m that has served me well. Thing just doesn't want to die!
North Nova adjustable harness lines were great, no need to remove the handles and light weight but they seem to be out of stock everywhere.
www.kiteworldshop.com/en/wingsurf-harnesses/8193-north-adjustable-harness-line-2022-8715738781061.html
Severne windsurfing lines work well , the ones with the open Velcro ends so you don't need to remove your wing handles . Been using them for two years now. More rigid than the floppy winging harness lines so don't smack you in the teeth when you are pumping the wing
Select to expand quotefoilthegreats said..
Thanks for the info! T40 torx did the trick. Installed 28" Dakine fixed lines. I like these as they don't swing and hit you in the face. Probably could be lighter as you mentioned.
First impression on the 7m: What a beast but still feels relatively light in the hands. Handles are nice, feels like I'll be able to pump up in nothing. Final will retire my Slingshot V2 6.4m that has served me well. Thing just doesn't want to die!
Agreed. I used some FOne lines the other day and immediately got a punch in the eye when plumping. After playing around w anything from 22-28", I settled on 24" fixed lines.
Can anyone point me to the wingspan specs of the Mode? For example what's the wingspan of the 7m (compared to the Nova v3 in 6m and 7m)?
Thanks!
Select to expand quoteShlogger said..foilthegreats said..
Thanks for the info! T40 torx did the trick. Installed 28" Dakine fixed lines. I like these as they don't swing and hit you in the face. Probably could be lighter as you mentioned.
First impression on the 7m: What a beast but still feels relatively light in the hands. Handles are nice, feels like I'll be able to pump up in nothing. Final will retire my Slingshot V2 6.4m that has served me well. Thing just doesn't want to die!
Agreed. I used some FOne lines the other day and immediately got a punch in the eye when plumping. After playing around w anything from 22-28", I settled on 24" fixed lines.
Currently they do have the best solution for booms:
www.wingman-products.com/product/the-loop-mono-harness-line-fixed-lenght/
watch the video how to adjust to the final length, so that the whole systems stays as fixed as possible
