Just starting out, have been out about 15 times but now want to get my own kite. Looking at either the 2011 or the 2012 North Rebel 12m. Do you think there would be much benefit in me spending the extra $400-500 on the 2012 or are they pretty much the same for someone of my skill level. Would appreciate any feedback. Cheers.
Rider: 80kg,Beginner
Style: Freeriding
Weather: 12-20 knots, Bayside
2012 is a slightly refined version of 2011 with an adjustment on rear pigtail for hard or soft bar pressure if you have the coin go the 2012 resale will be better but in terms of performance
Not much in it
I have a 2011 11m and a 2012 11m. I was 115 kg and now down to 100 kg. I would go the 2011 11m over a 2011 12m any day, they were chalk and cheese, for some reason the 11m size was the sweet one. You should find an 11m will have plenty of grunt for you at 80kg as it was good enough for me. It took me probably 15 sessions before I could say that I liked the 2012 over the 2011. The 2012 has lighter bar pressure but flies a tad closer to the window so needs to be tuned and moved to suit the wind. The 2011 is heavier on the bar but delivers a more consistent pull. The 2011 is at my mums place and I still get a huge grin when we re-unite. You will not go wrong with either kite but think a little before getting the 2011 in the 12m size. Enjoy.
tried the 11m 2013 on the weekend in light wind, could not get any pull out of it. bar felt very soft and unresponsive. first rebel I've flown but a huge change from others. friend was on a 9m switchblade.... happy for it to just have been me butility did not have the grunt I expected. note Thayer I'm by no means an expert. just some observations
I had a 2011 8m and a 2012 11m, and the 2012 is a much more refined kite as they say. Maybe due to the wingtip adjustment maybe. I demoed a 2012 8m 6 months or so after having these just to make sure size wasn't the reason and yes it is better kite I feel.
I also agree the 11m is a great size for your size, my bro has it now and loves it at your weight.
That being said you are just starting mate and probably wouldn't notice the difference for a yeah or so anyhow. So you wouldn't get any benefit for an extra 4 to 500 dollars. The 2011 is still a bloody nice kite and a great plug and play machine. Flies forward really well and boosts very easily.
Depends on if resale is an factor if not I'd go the 2011 but try and get one that has minimal use. 2011 could be almost 2 seasons old now if bought before the end of 2010.
Either or really, just try and find one that hasn't been flogged to death.
