Rider: Weight 77 Kg,Level beginner
Style: Freeriding, Wake
Weather: 12-25 knots
Hello, even if posted in another thread of this forum, I would need the answer asap.
I would ask you what do you think about 2011's 12 Meters Switch vs. Rebel.
I'm going to buy one of them tomorrow and I'm still unsure about something:
Rebel: does it have the trims at the end of the lines towards the canopy?
Switch: if I leave the bar with the 2011 Recoil system, does the kite fall down to water? Or it completely depowers maintaining a bit of wind to avoid falling? Or it keeps on drag me on?
And... the main question:
is the Swithcblade wind range really so narrow, compared to the Rebel's one, or this numbers are just what the manufacturers reports?
I'm really unsure on what to buy, I'm 77 Kg. and 190 cm tall. Mainly on 14 to 20 knots winds.
rebals wind range is outstanding compared to most kites on the market..
and anyone who rides them cant get enough of them so id say rebal
Hey Kiterit, Sounds like you're a fair kook so i'll endeavor to keep this simple.
You should without doubt buy the switchie, the rebel is probaly the worst kite on the market (and has been directly attributed to 4 serious accidents), as far as the "recoil system" goes it is the most advanced bar on earth, (almost identical to the one nasa uses), if you drop the bar the kite will fly to 12 o'clock then trek up wind to the nearest pub and shout you a counter meal!!!!
I hope this helps!!
mahalo whitie..
I had a 12m 2008 Rebel great easy kite to use. 12m 2010 outstanding wind range sold my 16 and stopped riding my 10m Evo. Great kite. Owned a 2009 Switchblade, found it slow and dull. Just bought a 2011 rebel. A mate who owns a 2010 12 m switchblade rode my Rebel and says he wants to buy a Rebel. Once you ride a Rebel they are hard to walk away from. Don't buy a 2009 Rebel. They didn't work out, hence the bad reviews from some people.
Very interesting comments, thank you all.
It's strange to me how people feels so different on these 2 kites, which are renowned as 2 of the best beginner to intermediate kites, but valid also for the pros.
Actually my main doubts are the wind range for the Switchblade (even if I think that with 20+ knots I should start to use a 8 meters to keep on with fun on kiting) and a bar not as good as the Cabrinha for the Rebel.
Polupoluu, I also heard about some serious accidents connected with the Rebels.
Someone could confirm on this, explaining why the rebel should be sometimes dangerous?
Mate whats ur hurry? Cant u wait until your local shop gets them both in and try before u buy? Its the only real way u will know which one suits ur riding syle best.
Ive ridden Rebels for years and love them but have a heap of mates with Switchies so have spent a heap of time on them 2. Both are awesome kites and you wont be dissapointed with either. At the end of the day it will come down to personal preference.
PS good luck getting a straight answer on here. 
nothing wrong with the wind range on the switchy! 10m 1 kite quiver worked quite well for me! i m about 70+ kg and used to get going in 15 knots. plus if your looking at getting into unhooking switchy is a little better than the rebel IMO! having said that the rebel is a sick kite to learn on!
Both should be good kites - they do handle differently though so demo both and pick the one you like better.
As for wind ranges on kite websites there's always a bit of + or - depending on your weight and experience. From what I've seen in previous years the wind ranges for both kites were quite similar haven't seen either of this years yet but I'm sure it'll be about the same.
Ciao Kiterit,
I'm Italian and I can tell you the following:
SB more low end then North..
Build quality CAB better then North!
For your weight and the wind you are looking at you may consider an 11 SB new size for 2011..
Here in Bali we are repairing constantly North kites due to the valves that keep coming off.
Both kites fly well...
Bye Jankie
If you need MP me and I will reply in Italian.
Mahalo kiterit. I can confirm one of the dangers of the rebel... One recent serious accident related to the rebel happened to me whilst i was demoing a new 5.5m rebel from my local shop here in kazak.... I was many miles from shore (inland of course) practicing a few new moves that included a handle pass. On my 23rd attempt i released the bar a fraction late and lost concentration, the next thing i knew the bar was up around my face and 3rd chin. I opened my mouth to yell F^%k & next thing you know i swallowed the lot!! Bar,lines & chickenloop. I am still dealing with the north reps here in kazakstan. They want the bar back! Ive already passed the chickenloop and 56m lines!
hope this helps with your decision!
your friend Polu'
What a load of biased dribble Jankie...
You sell Cab and not North what a coincidence. How about we let the riders give thier opinions and keep the pimping out for once??
Jas
Yes I sell Cabrinha but use another brand for myself as I like more!
use to be a rider for North and sell North up to 2007..
But I had to stop due to the many problems the kites have over and over!!!
Selling to tourist that goes back to their own country is mean that I can't afford to have guarantee issue.
As I rider I try all the kites so I know what I'm talking about.
The guy is in Italy so there is no need of pimping as there are no sales involved.
In Italy forums are much worst then outside and almost impossible to get a real answer that is why the guy is asking here!
Kite fly both well in my opinion (as I tried the kites) North from team rider passing by.
Switch has more low end.
Some people like more the flying carateristic of the Rebel and some of a Switchy.
Bye Jankie
