North Rhino w/bar how old?

[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?

[BillyGoatGruff]

Looks like a 2004 North Rhino to me, I had the 18m. The bar is 2004 as well.

[backcountry]

Thanks. Was thinking of pumping it up this winter and try it snowkiting. Or is it a sketchy flying kite?

[Toby]

The bar is gold!
It has a Microloop!

Put it up on the Airstyle section for sale.

People are looking for it

[oksman]

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.

[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!

[RedSky]

Start pumping now and it should be ready come winter.

[phlow]

Pulls like a tank! Great kite was fun in the day. I had 10, 14, 20. Stretch before you start pumping.

[backcountry]

Thanks for replying. Will put canopy material to use for something else. What is a 2004 bar worth

[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.