Rebel SLS Reviews

[COOP]

Anyone had a enough time on the SLS to give a informed review?

Cheers

[Leon van Bergen]

Anyone had a enough time on the SLS to give a informed review?

Cheers

Yeah am curious too!

[flying doctor]

My friend just received a 9m after his 2021 rebel suffered a bridle break. He was offered an SLS (with extra payment).

I've only flown it for around 15 min and tried his regular 2021 a couple of times this year. I love both kites but the SLS is noticeably lighter and very responsive in the air.
At around 30-35 knots it was more comfortable than my XR7 10M, jumping height and hang time about the same at these wind speeds. The 9m SLS was more in the sweet spot than the 10m XR7 but that's to be expected.
Material seems strong despite the light weight.

I'm looking forward to flying it more often and will try to write some more if I do.

[sarc]

Does SLS stand for Short Life Span?
How does the construction hold up to normal use? Thanks!

[COOP]

Only been 12 months since SLS release for other models so too early yet. Give it 2 years at least.

[Mo]

Have added a 10m Rebel SLS to my quiver and tried it for two good days - I was lucky to have tried it in two different wind conditions.

Day 1 - Strong wind conditions - started with 17/18 knots and afternoon was pumping 25+... The kite handled the gusts nicely - was smoother than the Neo SLS in gusty winds. Was able to depower and continue riding through the day. I had a 22m bar on the kite. Jumping was nice, the usual floaty feeling of a Rebel. I am not a Rebel fan but this is the first Rebel in SLS that took my attention. It had a nice bar feel and is more dynamic than previous Rebels which made me like the kite. The kite felt smaller than a 10m which is an attribute I appreciate. The jumps were of a nice height. I did not see myself jumping more than my Dice but the landings were more easy due to the floaty feel of the kite.

day 2 - Lightish wind - say 13-16 knots for the whole day. Went on my directional Whip and then Twintip for the rest of the day. Kept swapping them through the day. The Rebel SLS 10m did the low end feature it has with no problem. Cruising was comfortable and upwind was super easy when others were taking a more downwind angle. I did not do any major jumping but back rolls and transitions were easy and smooth. There is a nice board speed that really helps the upwindability of this kite. I was on a 24m bar on this day.

The construction was nice and crisp, I am very happy with the graphics and colors of the kite. It took attention on the beach. The SLS material is a more refined glossy feel and look.

I believe the rebel SLS is a very nice kite. My decision to sell my Evo sls and replace with a 2022 Rebel sls 12m proves to me how good it was. I think in 12/13/14m the Rebel sls is the best choice today. I am keeoing the 10m through summer 2022 when the winds are strong and it will give me the pull, height and comfortable rides I need.

Mo

[LePhasme]

Why did you choose the rebel over the Evo? I read very good reviews about the Evo sls and they are pretty close in terms of shape etc

[cor]

Why did you choose the rebel over the Evo? I read very good reviews about the Evo sls and they are pretty close in terms of shape etc

Rebel SLS and Evo SLS are not close in terms of shape at all. These are two completely different kites.

[LePhasme]

Why did you choose the rebel over the Evo? I read very good reviews about the Evo sls and they are pretty close in terms of shape etc

Rebel SLS and Evo SLS are not close in terms of shape at all. These are two completely different kites.

Maybe not in shape, but they are quite close, the Evo is usually the next kite recommended in duotone lineup after the rebel for big air

[Mo]

Why did you choose the rebel over the Evo? I read very good reviews about the Evo sls and they are pretty close in terms of shape etc

Rebel SLS and Evo SLS are not close in terms of shape at all. These are two completely different kites.

Maybe not in shape, but they are quite close, the Evo is usually the next kite recommended in duotone lineup after the rebel for big air

The Evo sls 12m was heavier on the bar compared to the Rebel. This is why I sold the Evo SLS that some people prefer but in a 12m I will go with the Rebel SLS that has lighter bar feel and jumps better in lighter winds than the Evo SLS. If it was a 9m, 8m I would choose the Evo SLS.

Mo