Have an 07 North Rebel bought 2nd few months ago. Kite in great knick - the lines / bar have been used a bit more ...
There are two rope lines running from the cleat (looks like a sci-fi laser pistol without the barrel - bloody bizzarre!!) through the sliding stopper, the bar, then down to the quick release (Iron heart?). The thinner of the 2 (approx 4.5mm dia) wore through. The thicker of the two carries the load and the depower. I did not have any trouble taking a few more beats before coming in (more than usual that is). I reckon the thin rope only acts as friction for the stopper to work when jammed against the bar. Has anyone else had this occur if so did you try any other rope? I went to yatch chandlers and they only have poly propalene which is tough(er) but not flexible (has a tight weave + fairly solid core in comparison to the original). I have ordered another replacement but get the feeling it will wear out fairly quickly - (it probably is the wrong material) and having had a quick fiddle it looks like a pissant thing to have to do frequently.
Cheers
SF