RIDER REVIEW - Rebel D/Lab 2025

Andrea, you've had a good few sessions on the Rebel D/LAB. How does it compare to other kites you've used, particularly when it comes to jumping and hang time and how has it impacted your riding style?

Andrea: The Rebel D/LAB is incredible when it comes to jumping. The design really allows it to generate lift with minimal effort. You just pull the bar, and you’re instantly lifted high into the air. This is especially important for big air and your Woo record, where every meter counts. The fact that I can easily achieve such height without needing perfect timing or a lot of setup really boosts my confidence and allows me to focus more on the tricks and maneuvers rather than worrying about whether I'll get enough lift.

Let’s talk about the kite's ability to hold its shape even when fully powered up, thanks to its 5-strut design. How does this predictability influence your confidence during extreme maneuvers, especially in high wind conditions?

Andrea: The 5-strut design is amazing. It keeps the kite stable and holds its shape, even when I’m pushing it to the limit in high winds. This stability means the kite is always predictable, no matter how hard I’m loading it up. In extreme conditions, where other kites might start to deform, the Rebel D/LAB stays solid, and that predictability is crucial when you’re performing high-risk maneuvers. It lets me push my boundaries without second-guessing how the kite will respond.

I overheard you mention that one of the standout features is the Rebel D/LAB’s ability to climb back up during a loop without needing to sheet out the bar. How has this improved your riding performance, and how does it compare to your experience with the Evo D/LAB in similar situations?

Andrea: This is probably one of the biggest advantages of the Rebel D/LAB, I can put the kite in a really low position during the loop to get that massive yank, but it’s the climb back up that’s impressive. I don’t have to sheet out the bar to make it climb, which was something I always had to manage with the Evo D/LAB. This feature makes loops much more fluid and less stressful, especially when you’re trying to nail technical tricks. It’s a huge boost to my performance because I can focus on the loop itself and the following trick without worrying about the kite stalling or not climbing back up.

You noted the Rebel D/LAB pulls more forward during take-off compared to the Evo's more vertical lift. How have you adapted to this change, and what advantages do you see in terms of going big during loops, especially in a competitive setting?

Andrea: The forward pull during take-off was something I had to adjust to because I was so used to the Evo D/LAB’s lift. It was a new sensation and once I got used to it, I started to see all the advantages. The forward pull means I travel further in the air, which actually helps me go bigger during loops. In a competitive setting, where distance and height both matter, this can be a big advantage. It allows me to cover more ground and gives me more time in the air to execute complex tricks. I see it as a strength.

The Rebel D/LAB is a little more aggressive in the loop, which contrasts with the more forgiving loop from the Evo D/LAB. How does this affect your approach to big air loop tricks, and do you see it as a benefit or a challenge when pushing your limits?

Andrea: The Rebel D/LAB’s aggressiveness in the loop is definitely noticeable. It’s not as easygoing as the Evo D/LAB, but that’s exactly what makes it so powerful for big air. The kite gives more of a yank during loops, which helps you go big and far. It’s a little more challenging to control, but once you get the hang of it, the potential is massive. For me, it’s more of a benefit than a challenge because I’m always looking to push my limits and go as big as possible. This just adds to that excitement and pushes me to refine my technique even further. And for riders who aren’t looping so much as we are in competition, the lift and hangtime from this kite is unbeatable!

Given your experience with the Rebel D/LAB, what advice would you give to riders transitioning from the Evo D/LAB or another model? What should they keep in mind to maximize the kite’s potential?

Andrea: I’d say be prepared for a different experience, especially with the forward pull and the aggressive loops. Take the time to get used to how the kite reacts, particularly in high wind conditions and during loops. The key is to stay smooth with your inputs and trust the kite’s ability to climb back up without sheeting out. Once you get comfortable with its behavior, you’ll find that the Rebel D/LAB has incredible potential for going big and executing advanced tricks. It’s a kite that rewards commitment and precision, so don’t be afraid to push it and see what it can do.

And give us your thoughts on what you think the Rebel D/LAB will perform for everyday riders, particularly those who might not be at the pro level?

Andrea: The Rebel D/LAB is a fantastic kite for anyone who wants to go big, whether you're an intermediate rider or a pro. It’s designed to be powerful and solid, yet it remains predictable and steady, which is key for riders who are still building their confidence. One of the standout features is its incredible lift and hangtime—this kite gives you the most hangtime of any kite I’ve ridden, which makes it easier to stay in the air longer and gives you more time to set up your tricks.

Unlike some other kites that are more focused on quick loops, the Rebel is all about getting maximum height and airtime. For most riders, this means it’s easier to jump high and hang in the air, making it a great choice if you’re looking to improve your big air game. However, it’s worth noting that the Rebel isn’t as user-friendly for loops as something like the Evo D/LAB, which is more forgiving and playful. But for those who are willing to push themselves, especially with the smaller sizes (9 meters and down), the Rebel still has plenty of speed for double loops and S loops. It really shines in big air scenarios where amplitude and control are more important than just racking up loops. So, if you’re an everyday rider who’s looking to make the leap into big air kiting, the Rebel D/LAB is definitely worth considering.