I currently use a 12m 07 Rebel and a 160cm directional board and can get up and going in anything above 14kts. I would like to buy one of the above kites for use on really light days. I was hoping that somebody out there could give their opinion on pro's and con's of the two kites. Any problems encountered would be usefull too. My other board is a Naish 128cm twin tip, but I don't use it much. I would class my ability as intermediate.

Thanks, Coastflyer

I haven't ridden the 08 rhino, but currently have an 08 14/10m rebel combo. The 14 is still great fun for a big kite, i was riding a 16m vegas prior to that and the 14 is probably more grunty and definitely quicker - plus it relaunches in next to no wind...so yeah - i rate it pretty high. In fact, i can't say a bad thing about it except that it's got nothing on the 10m.

The only thing is that using a 160 directional you'll probably end up getting overpowered pretty easy, depending on your weight. I'm 86kg and the 14 is great up to about 18kts, then i go down to the 10m.

but i'm with puppet - two kites the same has got to be a better option.

Coastflyer i have 07 and 08 rebels (10 & 14) i too am 90 kg. I also have o6 rhino's as well, obviously all bars are interchangeable, although i pretty much use the 08 bar on all kites now because its just that much better. I have also tried 07 Rhino's in 12 and 14m and have ridden both numerous times, they definately have more top end and boost, but also spank you that bit harder if you mess up. Both my mates have had to replace the little tubes in the 2-pump system between the LE bladder and other bladders, they are a pain in the arse to do, im actually a fan of individual pump up, not only do i get the pressures i want but repairs are a snap. I now keep spare bladders and a quick change on the beach is quite an easy thing compared to major stuffing around with 2 pump (or 1) if it fails.
In saying all that though my next kite will be an 09 12m Rhino, just love those big boosts!!! Yeh Ha

Because my 12m is an 06 c-kite i generally used it in in about 18-27 knots which is similar to what my new Rebel 10 is used for (my partner has a 7 for nuking days). I really am not a fan of kiting in less than 18 knots, and so me saying that my 14 Rebel is good down to 15 knots is probably just my opinion, and rarely now since moving to Exmouth do i use my 14m. From my time kiting in Nth QLD where the wind has far less punch and many people still grovel around in 12-14knots id say the 14 Rhino is the best option for those lighter conditions. I find my new Rebel 10 an absolutely fantastic kite for Exmouth, great in the surf and still great for learning new moves in the flat water, just love it. Cant think of another kite which would suit me better.

Coastflyer,
My choice for the lower end wind kite is definitely Rhino.
I prefer the fast and grunty kite for lower wind days (it's more fun and easier), and slower and softer kites for not so pleasant high wind days. Anyhow, Rhino is designed to prefer the lower end and Rebel does high end. So you will probably get more wind range out of Rhino in a light wind condition.

Currently I am riding 07 Rhino 12m for the light wind days, and I have written my name all over the kite meaning I will never sell it! I have not yet tried 08 Rhino, but I can not imagine how a kite can be better than the 07 performances. This model is definitely setting the standard for my future/current kite choices.

In regards to the bladder issues, North had recalled kites sold till mid 2007, and anything sold after the recall the 2 pump system should not have any problems. Mine works fine and never had any issues. In fact, due to the recall history, exchange rate and 08 introduction, you can now get 07 cheaper as a new kite price ever gets, and recommended to grab the bargain.