live2play wrote:Anyone ridden this yet?
Hi,
I had a go on the 12m 2014er Rebel yesterday.
I must admit- it is a very nice kite! The bar pressure is less than the 12m 2013er Fuse (which I would like to compare the Rebel with). The kite is more responsive and faster than the Fuse (for some of us that might not be an advantage).
When I lifted the kite over the fence at the end of the session, the Rebel feels lighter than the Fuse (maybe someone from North can confirm the weights?).
Hangtime and lift is unfortunately less than the Fuse (both kites are on 24m lines).
With my 68Kg I fly the Fuse up until 30knots. I'm sure the Rebel can be flown at such wind conditions too (unfortunately I didn't have the chance to fly the Rebel at 30knots yet).
The new one-way valve is a huge improvement. The quick release valve near the end of the LE of the Rebel is still there (additionally) so you can release the air at 2 locations at the same time if you like.
Unfortunately North is still working with those rubber bungies at the tips of the Rebel. On my Fuse both of them broke within the first 2.5 months (but were replaced by North with no questions asked). Maybe they should make them a bit tougher/thicker? I got 2 bungies produced here in Cumbuco from thicker material and will see if they last longer than North's original bungies.
The only (BIG) drawback for me is the 5th line design. If the Rebel could be flown as a 4 liner, that would be a true alternative to my Fuse.
I have to mention that I kite my Fuse on the 1st knot (most power, heaviest bar pressure). But after immense testing, that is the only set-up where the kite flies stable and has the power, lift and hangtime I like so much on the Fuse. I doubt there is any other kite out there with so much lift and hangtime...
Cheers
Caesar