Parent kiter advice: Rebel (bow), or Vegas (C)

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

11 year old boy strating to ride both directions prety much up-wind. At 110 lbs, 6 Rebel, or 5 Vegas as 15-25 kite?

No brand vs brand please. I suppose the question is a little smaller C, or a little bigger bow?

NateDogg · Sun Dec 30, 07 3:12 pm

I've coached a lot of kids in that weight range, and I'd say 6 Rebel for sure. If you went for a Vegas, especially as he gets more experienced and grows, the 5 Vegas will just keep needing more and more wind and the usable range will just get smaller. With the Rebel you're gonna have a ton of range for the high wind days and extra bridle kite grunt for the low wind stuff, plus a little bit more time before he needs a bigger kite, if he ever does. Throw in easy relaunch and forgiveness on the Rebel when learning new tricks and you have yourself a pretty good grom level kite.

kitekid · Since 15 Apr 2007 170 Posts Stoked

i would agree with the rebel. i wish they had bow kites when i was 110lbs.

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Cohn, I think you should put him on the 2.5m Naish Turtle kite! haha. I think either kite would be good, constant pull of the c will help with good form and style while riding i think.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Dec 31, 07 10:08 am

The bow will be safer. The power of a c kite can be intimidating. Add that with gorge wind conditions, and you will likely have an unhappy 11 yo.

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

If you think that the power of a 6 rebel wont be a lot than your mistaking, with bows you gotta add the 2 meters so its gonna be more like an 8. If you go with a bow you prolly want to look for a 5 or something, but i think that the C that small for someone that small will work fine.

Chooch · Tue Jan 01, 08 12:36 pm

I can tell you that the 6m Rebel has an amazing low end. I am 175lbs and I can be riding upwind in 18 kts on my 6m. On the same note its has a high end of 40+ kts for my weight. I know that the vegas is a great kte as well but your son will need 2 Vegas kites to cover the wind range one 6m Rebel will cover.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

shredjim · Since 07 Jun 2006 188 Posts Stoked

Hey Eric, I have 2006 Vegas 5 and 7 meter kites that I use for instructing that I got for part of the two pump testing in 06. They fly better than most kites that size - C or hybrid. The 08 Vegas kites are more like 06 than 07, ie they have large wing tip battons, which help in many regards to beginning kiteboarders. The Rebel's turn faster and have some re-launch bad habbits that the Vegas' do not. I've taught 3 different 12 yr olds to ride on these kites and they absolutely love them - almost as much range and de-power as a Rebel, but a more steady pull. I liked seeing your smile last summer when you just got your Rebel's. I have a question for you though - what about a 4 line kite for your son - or anyone else learning for that matter? PM me if you want to try the Vegas kites or talk more off the forum.

Chooch · Wed Jan 02, 08 6:34 pm