North Rebel's 2010

Waman,

Pretty much every company uses pre-stretched lines, that doesn't mean they don't stretch. It means they don't stretch the 12-18 inches that un-stretched lines do. Even the 500kg Ozone front lines which are likely the best and strongest in the business still stretch an inch or two over time, it's unavoidable.

A certain well known favourite brand whom I won't mention (no it's not one of the brands I represent) suffers MASSIVE stretch to their bridles and lines but no one complains about that on the forums, that would be sacrilege! Those that own these kites will know what brand I'm talking about.

North Rebels are setup to not stall so they are a more effective wave kite, problem is, the kites can handle so much over sheeting that no one notices the line length/tuning issue. Ever tried to stall a Rebel? Not likely! And clueless crew just keep oversheeting to no gain and don't even realise it. All kites stretch lines and go out of trim, some just don't handle it and stall most likely, and so the problem is evident and they take steps to sort it out. The Rebels don't stall and so people ride them out of tune and don't even know it. An adept kite flyer will know by feel and by just looking at the way a kite is flying if it needs attention.

Seriously, If you live outside of a local dealer area and you have problems with late model North, Airush, Ozone or Core kites, PM me, email me or call me to discuss your issue and I'm sure I can sort it out for you. I have had a LOT of experience with these kites and kites in general and am happy to help out. I know it won't be as much fun as bashing a brand on public forums, but I reckon I can have you back on the water and happy sooner than it takes to write and then read all this crap.

See ya,

KH

Can you replace my board for me as well ???? Any news on Norths warranty policy???

Hi,

I ve got a north07 and a rhino 07. They were both bought in UK whilst living over there.
The rhino had a factory "issue" where after a couple of crashes the tube inside (I forget the name, Im not english) broke.

My biggest problem was to get the seller in UK to reply to my emails, he knew I d left the country. Once he got back to me he told me that North were aware of the issue. He then emailed some local shop and they received a tube (is that what its called?) and swapped it for me. I had to pay him to swap it but thats just cause im crap at kiting and dont know how to do I it :-)

I love the north kites, did a few lessons with other kites, and never felt the others were any good. That could change over time though as I get more experience/exposure to other kites.

Its interesting, or boring, to note that kitesurfing is riddled what I refer to as "vendor preference". Most have got a vendor they love and adore coupled with a vendor they dislike.
I see that this attitude at work and outside of work (kiting, music). I put that down to passion which is great.

However a passion for the sport itself rather than vendors would benefit all: so long you love kiting its all good. to paraphrase: Who cares what guitar is played so long the song is great?

Cheers,
Eric

Kitehard is on the money, I agree!!!

I do agree with the pumps. Now I pump up slowly and only one kite per session, if I am changing to another kite I find another pump. I found if I have kite fever and pump fast the shaft gets hot and stuffs up the seal.

Still, I've had the most trouble with the North pumps, maybe the kite companies can put some R & D into them!

cheers,

Robert.

good to see the kite aint getting a bagging and i no it should go in the gear review but wtf...but if you can get a hold of the north select board do yourself a favour and take it for a ride awesome board so light had to check wasnt just holding the board handle,,pop is really sweet landing is soft as and i know its a pricey board but hay if your not such a tight ass the money is worth it ... not much rocker or concave so when you hit the flat water get ready for a fast ride ..as far ass the pump goes just replace the rubber seal in the top of the pump with a replacement rubber from paddy palins and she;s good for multi pumps flew the new evo yesterday 10mtr and its best way to explain it is like a 12 year old on red cordial in a toy store ....love my new select come on tight asses someone else must have one would love to no there forts

This is the 4th year of buying and riding rebels, this year i got my missus on one as well. After trying a few other brands and seeing the build quality of this years 10m it is the best built kite i have seen. I have had an awesome run out of my Rebels and will keep buying them, last year in WA in the surf and flat, this year in NQ mostly in flat water- love em, inverted my first one back a couple of years ago but learned to pump them up that bit harder- i think you have to be pretty hopeless to do it more than once. Good kiting