North Rebel questions

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Hi,

I have had a quiver of 2008 North Rebels: 7,10,14 and LOVE them! Just recently purchased a 2010 12m and am having some frustrations with it. The kite feels slow, sloppy and unresponsive, even more so than my 14m. Is it because of the extensive relaunch bungies on the kite? Or is it because of the 2008 bar I am using on the 2010 kite? Is the 2010 5th Element bar basically the same line length configuration as the 2008?

Thanks,

Paul

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

All 5th Element bars are interchangeable. I have a 2008 14M Rebel, and just sold a 2010 12M Rebel, and I never experienced the problem you seem to have. Are you sure you weren't flying the 12M in low wind? Less wind=slower kite.

I thought the 2010 12M was a great kite.

kenja · Since 19 Jun 2008 179 Posts Stoked

I've had new Rebels from 2009-2011 (7-9-12) and they get better (more stable and faster) every year. I've never ridden a 2008, but your experience seems odd to me. Not sure what the problem is, but you might ask someone else who rides Rebels to take your kite for a spin and get a second opinion.

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

I sometimes am hesitant to pump a brand new kite up all the way because I know there is a chance I will over do it. But Under inflation will make any kite feel spongy or sloppy.

Excessive rear line tension in light wind also will make the kite slow and unwilling to climb out of the bottom turn of a power stroke. Check your pressure and try 2 inches of trim on the front lines.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 261 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

I had a 2008 10m Rebel and it had a sweet spot in the range. It was higher than I thought it would be. as long as you were in that wind it was fun. any thing below that spot it was a dog. Dont remember the exact numbers, just remeber it was a sweet spot where it came alive.

Spruce · Since 23 Feb 2009 47 Posts Hood River Oregon

Amigo~had the same troubles my self with using older North bars on my new 2010 9m. Old bar matched up great with my 2008 7m that it came with but never felt right on the the new 2010 north 9m Kite...talked with Tj @ Bigwinds in Hood River & he let me try out a new bar & it changed the whole feel & response... i'am a happy North flyer again...plus it works well with my 2008 7m.

shred_da_gorge · Sat May 28, 11 5:14 pm

The newer Rebels should be more responsive, not less. I fly the same 2008 quiver as you but added 9m and 12m Fuses last season. One thing to consider is how old/used your lines are. When I first flew the Fuses with the 2008 5-line they didn't impress me, but I switched to a new 4-line and the difference was huge - I think not because of the 5th line but rather going to good tight lines. (I've flown the 12m Fuse with a new 5-line bar and the difference between 4- and 5- isn't noticeable to me, which makes sense because it isn't loaded like on the Rebel).

Tron · Since 26 Oct 2009 14 Posts

Sounds like your back lines are too short or your front pig tails are too long. First check your front pig tails to make sure it's the correct size, there should be a tag that says "Rebel 12" sewn into the pigtail. If that is good check your line lengths to make sure they are all the same length. To do that, lay your lines out and connect the kite end of the lines to a fixed object, pull the lines tight with the bar sheeted in and the depower strap set to full power all of your lines should be the same length. The 2010 Rebel 12 should feel much more responsive and nimble than the 2008.