North Rebel 2013 vs 2011?

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Hi,

I realize 12m kites in general are not Porsches but I own a 2011 12m Reb, which is currently for sale as I just picked up a newer used 2013 Reb 12m. Only flew it for the first time yesterday but it actually seemed to turn slower than my 2011. Is this true? Maybe since it has swept wingtips? Could just be a tuning issue? I think my 2013 bar is set on the middle knot; I could always move it down a notch and try?

Thoughts?

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Oh that's right. I forgot. No one rides Rebels in the NW...or versus put you in detention. I wonder how 105 people could look at this post and have nothing to say. The real question is why look in the first place.

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1527 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

Don't fly rebels but the rally was the same deal. Fast in 2012 and tamed ever since. It is like when we were proto typing kayaks. The originals were always edgier and slicier and faster but they were slowed down for the rest of the public because they could not handle them. We liked them but you could not sell them to the general public. Most people don't like stuff when it is best for the best this they are tamed. I would venture the north was brought back to a median speed as to allow it to be more user friendly by most. Probably wrong but here is a reply after 106 views??

Come on Colleen carrol or other north riders. We know you are on here. Ask someone who knows and let us know!!

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 614 Posts Addicted

we looked because we thought it might be something interesting,
turns out it's just are rebels really different than rebels?

no, they are very slightly different but they are all the same basic feel

if you like that feel, enjoy it

LVDWD · Since 04 May 2009 104 Posts Stoked

Had every Rebel since 2007. Never normally can tell the difference between any of them!
Had the 2013's as well. Did not use my 12 a lot though. Did not notice any of them turned any slower. However did think they were incredibly stable, never went anywhere you did not want them to go (could you infer from that slower turning???). Thought they had less bottom end than previous years but higher top end and the range was such that I would hardly ever need to use the de-power strap. All in all I had a great time on the kites and thought either I was getting better or the kites were-more than likely the former?

Would not advise moving the knots from the factory setting unless the lines are stretched etc. Did that on mine when I first used them to no good effect because they seem to falling out of the sky to much in very light and variable wind conditions but I think (???) it was just because of the reduced bottom end or more than likely operator error. Put the knots back to the factory setting and never had a problem after that.

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Thank you. Sorry for getting pissy. I guess its the time change.

tjgulizia · Since 06 Feb 2007 123 Posts Hood River Stoked

The North Rebel is one of our best selling kites at Big Winds. People are obviously flying them in the NW if we are selling them. It's the adaptive wing tip you need to adjust:

"Since 2012, Rebel, Evo, Neo and Fuse will feature the new “Adaptive Tip”. In recent years, there has been a trend leaning towards more reactive kites with even lighter sheeting forces than in the past. Such kites are really comfortable, lively for wave riding and offer more forgiving kite loops because they pivot around the wingtip. [b]However, comparison tests have shown that our team riders and testers actually prefer kites with a harder bar feel because they offer better feedback, precise steering and more dynamic turning, which in turn creates more power."[/b]
The new “Adaptive Tip” allows users to easily change the sheeting force and turning performance through a simple back pigtail adjustment, allowing you to customize your kite to your desired style and feel.
- See more at: http://www.northkites.com/products/kites/rebel/#sthash.UbEpr9Wm.dpuf

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Thanks TJ. Should have thought of reaching out to you in the first place. Rolling Eyes

Paul