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North Rhino w/bar how old?

Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2020 9:48 pm
by backcountry
One of the local dumpster divers found this kite the other day. He was thinking he could sell it. I told him I thought the kite was 2007ish vintage and wasn't worth anything. He gave it to me. The kite appears to have little or no use, same with the bar. Anyone know the year of this kite, and is the bar newer?

Re: North Rhino w/bar how old?

Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2020 9:53 pm
by BillyGoatGruff
Looks like a 2004 North Rhino to me, I had the 18m. The bar is 2004 as well.

Re: North Rhino w/bar how old?

Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:00 pm
by backcountry
Thanks. Was thinking of pumping it up this winter and try it snowkiting. Or is it a sketchy flying kite?

Re: North Rhino w/bar how old?

Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2020 11:15 pm
by Toby
The bar is gold!
It has a Microloop!

Put it up on the Airstyle section for sale.

People are looking for it

Re: North Rhino w/bar how old?

Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2020 11:40 pm
by oksman
backcountry wrote: Thanks. Was thinking of pumping it up this winter and try it snowkiting. Or is it a sketchy flying kite
This kite is wonderful... For a 2004 kite. It means a pure C high aspect kite with very limited depower. I wouldn't think of using it on snow. Any other kite might be better, even a modern C. One of the main issues on snow, despite the limited range, would be relaunch. You need no flip this kite to do so, and without a fifth line, flipping on snow would be really hard, as the leading edge would slide instead of sticking as it would behave on water.... Anyway, good luck! Always nice to see those vintage beauties.

Re: North Rhino w/bar how old?

Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2020 11:59 pm
by Herman
Pre 5th line era but you may be able to rig a 5th to the pump leash as a tripping line for launching. Should flag well but the leash will tangle if the bar is spun. Not much depower so the ability to unhook would be useful to enhance safety. If you like it an upgraded chicken loop would probably be sensible. Landing toggle for leashless landing on opposite side is a nice toy. I would give it a fly if it passed inspection and held pressure!

If no pump leash attachment you may get away with a strap round the middle strut for the 5th tripping line. I occasionally use a Naish aero of similar vintage for landboarding as I like it for unhooking!

Re: North Rhino w/bar how old?

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2020 12:07 am
by RedSky
:D Start pumping now and it should be ready come winter.

Re: North Rhino w/bar how old?

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2020 12:11 am
by phlow
Pulls like a tank! Great kite was fun in the day. I had 10, 14, 20. Stretch before you start pumping.

Re: North Rhino w/bar how old?

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2020 12:14 am
by backcountry
Thanks for replying. Will put canopy material to use for something else. What is a 2004 bar worth

Re: North Rhino w/bar how old?

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2020 10:18 am
by Kiter_from_Germany
start with a regluing of all the valves.
They will come of under pressure, cause old glue had a lifetime of some yrs only.