Core Xr4 vs North Rebel?

[SpaceRacer]

Anyone flown both and if so, how do they compare?

[matth]

I have flown the new XR4 12M, and owned a 12m 2014 Rebel...I hear the new Rebel is better than the 2014 which I liked but was not blown away with its performance. Basically felt like a Switchblade to me, powerful and solid in the air but slow and not very lively. The XR4 felt great, very light in the hands , quick turning, easy to jump, reminded me of a 12m Flite that I had last year.

[pmaggie]

I own the Core so perhaps I'm a little bit partial in my judgment, but I frankly prefer the XR vs. the Rebel 2014 I tested. Can't compare with 2015/2016 edition, never tested one.
Basically, I don't like the 5 lines setup, so the day I'm deciding to buy a North it won't be the Rebel for sure, but that's personal taste. The Rebel is incredibly well built and the bar is top of the top but once in the air it seems a little bit "plastered". The XR is much more lively and fast IMO.

[Teabageppo]

Yeh I have ridden and owned the XR kite, only flown the XR4 for a bit. Ya right it's a little more lively than the rebel. But for me I prefer the ultra smooth, dependable rebel that gives me the confidence to try some more advanced board off stuff. I also find it far more direct being no pulley, bridal less loaded fifth.

It all depends on you, but I wouldn't be too bothered flying either kite to be honest. Both great.

[Do-it]

Anyone flying the newest and latest gear is full of shit.you should base your gear choices off of 2-3 yr old proven gear......the kooks buying the new shit will always claim it's awesome.

[Teabageppo]

...Not sure if its a dig against me? If it is..

One, I'm no kook I can assure you and two I have flown every rebel since 2007 and flown all the core XR's models right up until the new one.

How about you offer something useful instead of that throw away comment.

[pmaggie]

Do-it, maybe I'm a kook, but I switched to the XR 4 in 2015 after 5 years on the first XR, I don't change my gear every time a new model appears. After 5 years with the same kite, the moment I decide it's time to change, are you suggesting I'd better buy an old model? Interesting... ))

[clydesdale]

XR5 due out soon?

Had xr3's good but not great and sold them after a few months. Tried an xr4 after riding other brands for last year plus. Awesome kite. Only trouble is the are too pricey and never go on sale(assume it's core that won't let shops discount)

[pmaggie]

Core normally launches new models on a two year basis. It's reasonable to expect the XR5 about june 2017 IMO.

[iriejohn]

Anyone flying the newest and latest gear is full of shit.you should base your gear choices off of 2-3 yr old proven gear......the kooks buying the new shit will always claim it's awesome.

It's always a pleasure to read a balanced and well presented in depth kite review.