2007 North Rebel 12m Review

[Bulldog]

Wow, if that's the only thing wrong with it...

I have been out on the coast twice when people stayed out on their 10M Rebels well after I got blown off the water on my 9M 2006 Vegas. Both times it was gusting over 40 mph. If you're not planning on riding on days like that, you probably don't have to worry much about being OPed on a 10 Rebel. I have no idea how the kite acts when it's blowing that hard, but I was impressed anyway.

[wjb]

I was going to keep the 16m 06 Vegas for when it is light and go 9,12 Rebel but it may make more sense to go 10,14 Rebel just to simplify things. I hesitate to switch because the Vegas's fly so sweet but many here have made the change and been very happy so there is probably a good reason. I also wonder if I could get away with a 12m Rebel being my biggest kite (probably an 08 model) and use it with my 5'10" Rocketfish when it is light. So many decisions.

Loscocco-I am sure the 12m is the sweet size to have. Another reason I hesitate to go 10,14. I am using the 07 bar on my Vegas's and I agree the cleat can be a little sticky to release but I do like it for it's simplicity. With the 06 Vegas's there is almost enough depower on the chicken loop on the long setting as to not need to sheet out at the cleat so much. The Rebel probably takes better advantage of the increased throw. Wade

[wjb]

Just saw your post Bulldog. Thanks good info, Wade

[Proparoo]

Well I had to chime in...

I was looking at the Vegas or Rhino in a 9m...

I had it nailed down to the Rhino

Now I have put the Rebel into the mix to totally "F" with my mind..

I will hopefully try one of Zeev's Rebels Saturday and I told Bruce to put one in his van so I can pick it up on the levee and get out on the water with it.

I talked to many riders that I respect and have now come to the conclusion that the Rebel seems to be the right kite for where I am in my progerssion..

It's less complicated
Great range
Great De Power
Easy to fly
Less $$$
Though it might not jump as high as the Rhino it still jumps great. Hell, my jumps are now toping 2', I'm not worried about big jumps yet...

So if you want to jump in and help me change my mind please feel free..

Also feel free to let me know if it seems like the right kite for me (at this time)

[windhorny]

I think the Rebel only has one flaw-its doesnt have a 2 pump. Other than that, the kite is awesome. I just cant wait to see what the '08 vegas will be!

[zgur]

Yuri - funny, but now it's my turn to totally disagree......I think 1/2 pumps are overrated and complicate things too much......is it really that hard to pump up a few bladders? How else do you warm up for sessions????

What happens when your one pump brakes? have you had to fix it???? I want less crap that can go wrong with my kites in the surf, when I dump them hard freestyle riding, etc.....

I'm a big believer in "less is more"....keep it simple silly.......I hope that 2008 Rebels don't have 1 or 2 pump.......

Again, just 1 guys opinion....Z.

[airess]

on that note, having to pump up an'06 vegas the other day w/o 2 pump system was a drag(been on '07 since nov). really love the 2 pump system, however, having also had a strut go flat and trying to figure out the system to try to fix it was very time-confusing and frustrating(luckily it mysteriously wasn't flat after all so no repair needed) bottom line, i guess, depends on how often you need to repair the struts vs pump them up

[wjb]

I have heard from North the 08 Rebel will not be fitted with a 2 pump. I agree with zgur. Simpler is better.

[OliverG]

After having one-pumps, I am completely over multi-pump kites. But I prefer external plumbing in the one pumps in case anything needs attention in the future.

[fearlu]

Ollie prefers external plumbing? Not me...

:mrgreen: