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tinyE

Since 21 Jan 2006
2004 Posts
not really an
XTreme Poster
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Mon Apr 16, 07 7:41 am North Rhino |
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Yesterday at Lyle, when we were all sitting on the sand, or slogging trying to get upwind on a mix of 12's and 9's, a girl came out with an '07 9m North Rhino and took off way upwind.
Curious about what board she was riding, i walked over to help her launch for her 2nd sesh (we were still sitting on the sand). I asked about her board, but she said it was all the kite. I checked her board anyway, and it was pretty small. If I had to guess (hard to do under a wetsuit), I would guess she was about 5'5-5'6 and 125lbs.... light, but still.... she was cruising.
Does anyone have any experience on these new Rhinos? Seemed like she had plenty of power. |
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barfly

Since 31 Mar 2005
1216 Posts
Portland
BRACKISH
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Mon Apr 16, 07 8:04 am |
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Local shop folks around here are on them. I'm 175 and ride SS Fuel '07s and my friend here is about 220. When he's on his 10m Rhino, I'm on my 11m Fuel. Crazy. His biggest is the 14m. Those kites look so locked into shape I can't believe it, very efficient. There don't seem to be any downsides. They are very rangy yet powerful. I think the bars and relaunching take some getting used to but can't really comment. |
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Yardsale

Since 29 Mar 2005
387 Posts
Portlanastan
Obsessed
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Mon Apr 16, 07 9:18 am R7 |
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7,9 and 10 are all great. Low end is spectacular on all 3 sizes and top end range (stable top end) is the best of any kite I've tried. You would wanna compare Rhino to newest (I don't know if it is out yet) Turbo Diesel to be fair, Fuel is a different style of kite and is more freestyle oriented- it won't be as good upwind or as efficient but it is super fun none the less. If ya wanna fly an R7, I'm on the water alot and your welcome to try one of mine. Just send me an email if your heading out to the Gorge one day. Steve B |
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boonedog
Since 22 Jul 2006
49 Posts
Hood River
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Mon Apr 16, 07 12:56 pm |
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Kristina was riding a new Jamie Medium 128x39. We saw her upwind riding but I kept telling her I wanted to see the "massive hang-time". Send it girl.  |
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Moto

Since 03 Sep 2006
2698 Posts
Still a gojo pimp!
Moto Mouth
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Mon Apr 16, 07 3:08 pm |
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Does anyone know the differences between the new Rhinos and the Rebels? |
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Gman

Since 11 Feb 2006
4911 Posts
Portland
Unstrapped
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shredjim
Since 07 Jun 2006
188 Posts
Stoked
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Mon Apr 16, 07 4:01 pm |
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terremoto wrote: | Does anyone know the differences between the new Rhinos and the Rebels? |
The Rebel turns a little faster and is a bit more forgiving than the Rhino. The Rhino in its new hybrid style (flat kite with 5th element five line system) still has the low end pull the previous Rhinos were so well known for. However, the 07 Rhino has as much de-power now as the Rebel and Vegas - a huge safety feature. The 07 5th element bar/lines have a stopper tab that will keep the bar from completely sheeting out if you let go of the bar or want to rest your arms. If you experience a huge gust, you can push through the tab position to obtain full de-power if necessary. The 07 Rhino and Vegas have North's two pump system, which is great because you can get the ribs rock hard which keeps the canopy rigid, unlike many of the one pump systems. The Rebel does not have the two pump because North is targeting beginner/intermediate riders who may want a lower price point. I predict the 07 Rhino to be a very popular kite, especially in places like the gorge where the wind is variable. Last summer during the testing process on real windy days, you should have seen the height and hang time Ken, Sky and Jaime were getting on Rhino 10's when most other kiters were on 7 meter kites. Another thing worth mentioning is that North kites are far better balanced than other brands, so they don't fall out of the sky when you burn down a wave face and the lines slack a bit, the kite some how stays on the edge of the wind window quite comfortably without falling into the surf. |
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blowing in the Wind
Since 13 Apr 2007
2 Posts
Wilmington, NC
New Member
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Thu Apr 19, 07 7:05 pm |
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We have been riding the Rhino 7s for quite a while here in NC. We have the most time on the 10m. It is almost a one kite quiver for us here. We are riding it from 14mph - 30+ depending on your weight. The kite is very solid and stable.
As mentioned above the kite is very well balanced. They have great low end but very good depower and upper range. They fly fast through the window and provide fast board speed. Jumping and hang time is what you would expect from a Rhino.
Difference between the Rhino and Rebel are as stated above. The Rebel is a bit more forgiving and in some ways a bit more nimble. The Rhino rides faster and can jump higher. It has a more grunty feel to it.
Really nice kite.
Hunter Brown
www.gokitesurf.com _________________ Hunter Brown
www.gokitesurf.com |
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