Anyone tried these back to back? I have a 2012 11m Rebel which is close to perfect for me. Sooo smooth and boosts big.

The 8m is a 2011, and it isn't as smooth (still the best kite i've flown apart from the 11m), now this is all relative... it stalls a little more going down the line, is a little more twitchy at the bar end?

Now is this due to it only being an 8m - will fly faster and is flown in bigger winds with more variable gusts?

Or is there a definite improvement from 2011 to 2012? As you can see i can't make a sensible observation as they are different sizes.

Why? the 2012 11m is perfect and I wouldn't change a thing but I'm slightly less impressed with the 8m 2011.

If there is a noticeable difference i will upgrade. Who has flown both?

Cheers in advance Rebel riders.

Perhaps a 5th line tuning issue? Maybe worth asking a 5th line guru such as DM.

Saffer said...

I tried to 2011 and didn't buy them. The 2012 seems to be a big improvement in the overall refinement of the kite. Its one of those models that they just got it right with. The 2012 is also more grunty so I'd bare that in mind as well.

I like the most grunt I can get. Like to set kite early and use minimal movement of the kite. Like it to pull and prefer the kite to boost forward and not go to much above head. As per the 2012. The 11m gives you height, but so much distance as well. Been pushing it to 20 to 23 knots at its top end and it is just amazing. Almost thinking of going a 7m instead of an 8.

Hey Eppo, I have ridden the 6m 2011/2012 back to back and the 2011 7m and 2012 9m on the same afternoon also. I personally think the 2011 had a bit more grunt but the 2012 was a little smoother. Also after playing around a bit I like the 2012 on the pivot turn option for wave riding which you couldn't do on the 2011. The are both real good bottom end and refuse to fall out of the sky when the wind is light on or you find yourself under the kite too much. Rebel has improved my wave riding out of sight this year. Also tried the new 7m Fuse over the w/end and I would agree with North that is is very close to the Rebel now. Handled high 20's over the w/end very impressively.

i've got the 7+9 combo and only use the short lines on both in the surf, 7m likes the heavy setting and the 9m the lite

this combo has worked out really well for me (sydney conditions on various surfboards) i'm 72kgs

I have flown the 8m and that is the one that made me decide on the rebs

2012

Sorry i was a bit off topic, can't compare to '11

After my three year old kiting gear kicked the bucket i did alot of demoing

Then i borrowed a mates 2012 8m and knew within about 2 mins what i was getting

It was like getting out of a datsun 120Y and into a ferrari.... OOooh yes i see what u mean