Rider: 90kg Intermediate
Style: Waves
Weather:15 - 30
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 9/10
Ok a lot has been said over the last few months about the North Rebel so i thought i'd put my spin on the 7m of which i have had probably 25-30 hours on.
So to start heres a few pics.
Heres a pic of the canopy i've posted a pick of my old 07 (i think) 9m so you can see how the rebel has changed over the past 4 years. Seems to have gone a bit more higher aspect but certainly is still a medium aspect ratio 5 line kite
2007 9m
Nice reasonably fat leading edge with scuff protectors beefy and well made
One pump system which is perfect very well made. Reinforced struts and base of struts reinforced. Its tough. There is also a dump valve at the end of the LE which means a single roll from one end to the other rather than into the middle
Heres the intake valve - one way. It has this gray thingo on it that you slide across to keep the plug in place. It works but my question is for how long. Hopefully North go back to tried and tested velcro
Nice big sizing so others can see what your riding helping kite choice....
Rubber bungey thingos at the end of each leading edge aid the relaunch.
They have been improved heaps andreally make a diff. This is them when they first put them on the Rebel.
Now shorter more tension and make a difference.
The bar hasn't really changed hugely still the clam cleat, same material for lines (which imo they should change) and the 5th line through the bar
and the stopper ball which is perfect for spinning the bar following loops so you can retain power.
So there we have it a medium aspect 5 line kite beautifully finished, reinforced in the necessary areas and not over done unnecessarily.
So how does it go.
Well the first thing you notice when you put this little beast in the air is that it is grunty but like everything rebel its not overly done.
Turning speed is quick but not 'over quick' Your in control. Previous models 'imploded' if you drove them hard nothing like that any more - canopy is rock solid. The kite is still responsive when fully sheeted out, which for me makes it great for waves.
Feel is direct, there is no loss of feel from Bridles or anything like that. You feel where the kite is instinctively. Not twitchy.
Last years model didn't grab me it felt somewhat unresponsive, 'pull the bar and wait a bit... yes... respond' however that is all sorted this year.
The kite drifts nicely especially in high winds, I put this kite in positions where previous models would have back stalled and fallen from the air. The 2011 model just drifted waiting for my input.
Relaunch is perfect. Previous models have been a pain in the ass. In fact North were getting a rep as 'can't relaunch'
Boost is awesome takes you there holds you there and drops you down. Still not quite as huge or hangy as my old Edge but good enough. Looping the kite doesn't create as much of a oooomph as say my old Edge instead you just get a controllable pull.
In conclusion
Medium aspect 5 line kite. Very responsive, and retains that 'rebel feel' well made but not overly done maintaining a lightweight feel about it. Everything about the kite feels 'right' it drifts well, turns just right is grunty enough bar pressure is good etc. Nothing feels like it is 'too much'
My recommendation is if your into Waves and free riding then this is probably a good kite for someone around the 90kg mark in winds of up to 35knots.
I ended up buying a 7m and a 9m after testing all sorts of kites over the last 12 months.
I'm not affliated to North and pay for all my gear.
Kites were supplied by Darren at AKS and he has a 10m and an 8m available for demo. tel 0433982696. Thanks very much Darren !!
Best kite I have ever ridden...........range for me at 83kg with SB: 15-30 knots.........now that is value for money!
