Yeh agree with you saffer. The increase in best prices over the years has confirmed this. As they produced a better quality kite so did their manufacturing costs, hence the increase in prices. In the early days we were paying as much as we do now, so prices in relative terms have probably dropped indexed to inflation.
But we still shouldn't blanket the whole argument with saying that cheaper kite brands are not as good for the user as more expensive kites. For instance back in 2007 to 2009 I rode best waroos and they suited where I was at and Did the job really well. Infact my bro still uses an old 2009 waroo and again it does the job.
But then I went on a mission as my skill level increased where the finer points of a kites performance became necessary and more noticeable. From kahoonas to cores to a large number of demos in several type and brands. The rebel suited my style and my need to capitalize on what a quality kite can offer. It was a huge relief to be content on a kite.
But I would not say that the cheaper brands such as bws should not be considered, for beginners and advanced crew. It depends on the rider.
But if we go right back to the start of this thread, the rebel and bws are completely different concepts, suited for different riders.
So contrary to some comments made I am by no means one eyed nor do I subscribe to others knocking the bws concept.
With regard to the bar, one good thing not mentioned yet about the fifth line is that the tension on the fifth line gives you a direct indication your lines need tuning. It is amazing to feel the difference when a set of lines have been retuned. Line stretching was not as obvious on the four line kites before hence I very rarely tuned them. Wish I had now. Makes a big diff.
^^^ I can confirm that Ben is testing a a low aspect bridled C-kite prototype. Its the best kite Ive ever ridden, but I havent ridden it yet.
5 pages...WOW.
Have only had the dissappointment of riding a BWS....
'MY' opinion....
- No additional settings on the bar or the kite 
,
- slowest turning kite i have ever ridden, based on the 12mtr BWS i have ridden, ive ridden a 14 catalyst, bandit, rpm, that will turn faster than a BWS 12mtr,
- Put it next to a Slingshot rev 2 the same size and u will be looking for the rev for a week. even though they are the exact same kite, a 12 is actually a 14, 
, except the BWS has more bridles
- Very poor build quality (you get what u pay for i guess), had a mate get 3 replacements within 6-8 weeks of purchase. chicken loop and donkey are rubbish when your trying to trim the kite they just pop out, because trim line gets stuck in the cleat everytime.
+ low bar pressure for riding unhooked is nice. maybe a little bit to light. Would be nice to be able to adjust the bar pressure as desired
+ Black is by far the best kite colour, no stain.
Cant say i have ridden a rebel, but the rebel has been a reputable north kite for yrs which has been improved and improved over the yrs, so i dont think you could really compare the two.
Rant over!
Call me a Hater, Call me what u like. Once again this only 'my' opinion,
others might like some of the things i dislike
Ah thank god, a decent post from someone who has purchased and ridden one of the bloody kites mentioned. You have contributed to the knowledge base albeit always an opinion. Thank you again. Yeh I really liked the bws unhooked, it is designed for this and hence beats the rebel in this regard. I rarely unhook on the rebel, if I do it is adequate and useable but the the rides I've had on the bws are better for this, Infanct I preferred it unhooked. Agreed on the slowness but when you are hurtling down a 6 foot indo wave, barreling and spitting behind you, you want a steady slow kite. In Perth, well enough said.
, , except the BWS has more bridles
