NORTH Rebel
Sizes Available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16m
Sizes Tested: 7, 8, 10m
North Says:
The new 2016 Rebel is the ultimate kite for huge jumps and massive hangtime! There have been quite a few changes across the range this year to ensure it still delivers the maximum performance across all of the sizes. The smaller sizes in the range now feature a lower aspect ratio, which makes them smoother in gusty winds while also improving the turning speed of the kite. The middle sizes in the range offer the perfect blend between turning speed, handling and jumping ability. The profile and aspect ratio of these kites has been tweaked to offer amazing performance. The larger kites now have a higher aspect ratio, which offer higher jumps, longer hangtime and better power delivery with a smooth bar feel. The Rebel has always been the class-leading kite; now each size has been designed to offer the ultimate in freeride and jumping performance, regardless of the wind conditions.
Visit for more info: www.northkiteboarding.com/products/kites/rebel/
Our Testers Say:
“A reliable all around kite with lots of wind range and predictable depower tuning. Easy relaunch ability with use of the fifth line,” Tom Fristoe.
“Built with quality materials, this kite is sooo stable and jumps effortlessly,” Ross Danielson.
“A smooth, easy riding kite that handles well. It’s the perfect all around freeride and jumping kite,” Russ Werner.
TKB Says:
For 2016 the Rebel received some slight changes in aspect ratios among the various sizes with its popular five strut loaded 5th line concept and higher aspect canopy that is marketed for the kiter that loves boosting big hooked-in freestyle and agile performance in light wind. This year North made subtle changes to its inflation valve, beefing up its internal parts to make for a quick and reliable inflation every time. North’s large diameter inflation valve connects directly with the standard pump hose without the use of a nozzle and the inflation system’s twist valve rotates with the insertion and removal of the hose and makes inflating and packing up quick and easy. The 5th line has a single setting while the wingtip bridle, named the “adaptive tip” by North, has two settings, hard and soft. The five-line Rebel is often compared to the Evo, it’s four line counterpart, which has a very different design but is equally adept at hooked in freestyle. The Rebel has a wider turning arc compared to the Evo, and may require a little more turning input, but seems to offer more explosive boost. The sheeting throw on the Rebel tends to be shorter because of the loaded 5th line design and the power feels more progressive when pulling in the kite. Testers commented on the Rebel’s slightly higher bar pressure compared to the Evo, but overall the bar pressure was rated as very comfortable and balanced. Testers gave high praise to the Rebel’s boosting and hangtime chops and recommend the well-mannered kite to those that are trying to log the biggest jumps on the Woo scoreboard.
The Rebel comes with the 5th Element bar which is a dual adjustable length bar (42/49cm and 46/53cm) that comes with four line length options: 19m and 22m lines on the 42/49cm bar and 24m and 27m lines on the 46/53cm bar. This bar features a 5th line safety depower, spectra sheeting/throw line with a sliding stopper, high V, above the bar cam cleat that can be adjusted to accommodate longer throw length without disturbing the kite’s tuning, as well as a Velcro tuning handle which keeps tuning slack out of the way when in under depowered conditions. The push away quick release features a plastic molded loop and finger lock, as well as a below the bar hand swivel which doubles as a quick release travel guard. The integrated floats and bar ends are padded and provide sufficient space for easy winding and allow riders to adjust the length of the outside lines for stretch or tuning. When the quick release is triggered on the 5th Element bar, the kite is instantly flagged out on the 5th line which attaches to the center of the leading edge. This system offers the best safety kill from the moment you pull the quick release, but five lines require kiters to separate out an additional line in the rigging process. Like the North Quad Control bars, the fit and finish of the Rebel’s bar is a favorite of Tkb staff and earned high praise for its slick combination of comfort and functional performance oriented features in a lightweight and durable design design.
Visit for more info on the bar: www.northkiteboarding.com/products/bars/5th-element/
