Behind the Design of the 2025 Rebel D/LAB Kite

Sky, tell us about the new Rebel D/LAB kite, what's new and what can we expect from this kite?

Sky Solbach: The Rebel D/LAB is a brand new model we're very excited about. It’s the first time we’re introducing it to our lineup after extensive development and testing alongside test team riders Reno Romeu and Patri McLaughlin. We’ve really focused on enhancing its performance to ensure it lives up to expectations. One of the standout features is its smaller leading-edge diameter, similar to what we introduced with the Neo D/LAB. This, combined with the higher inflation pressure using the Aluula airframe, significantly boosts the kite’s efficiency. It flies to the edge of the window with ease, depowers quickly, and offers incredibly smooth and fast steering thanks to the reduced drag from its wingtips. We've also designed the arc profiles differently across sizes to optimize performance: smaller kites have a narrower, more C-shaped arc for quicker steering and better looping, while larger sizes have a wider arc for more power and a direct bar feel in lighter winds.

It's designed to be the ultimate kite for big air enthusiasts, providing exceptional hang time and lift.

How does the Rebel D/LAB compare to the EVO D/LAB, especially for riders considering both?

Sky Solbach: It's fascinating to see where different riders gravitate, particularly in competition settings. The EVO D/LAB is excellent for vertical jumps and tight loops, thanks to its quick, responsive handling. The Rebel D/LAB, however, really excels in providing longer hang time and greater air time to complete tricks. While it doesn't steer as quickly as a three-strut kite because of its five-strut design, it offers increased stability and predictability in extreme conditions. We saw this play out in competitions where riders like Liam Whaley would switch to the Rebel for his smaller kite size under challenging conditions for better control and it ended up performing exceptionally well for him.

Could you clarify the different use cases for the Rebel D/LAB and the EVO D/LAB? Does one give more height than the other?

Sky Solbach: Both kites are capable of impressive heights, but the handling differs slightly. The Rebel D/LAB is more about ease of use and consistency in achieving large, lofty jumps, making it ideal for less experienced riders aiming for big air. For the highly skilled, the EVO D/LAB might be preferable for executing advanced maneuvers like double loops, especially in its smaller sizes. However, for sheer hang time and height, the Rebel D/LAB is unparalleled, particularly in its optimized smaller sizes.

Who should consider adding the Rebel D/LAB to their kit? What sizes are available?

Sky Solbach: The Rebel D/LAB is designed for serious big air enthusiasts. It's available in sizes from 6 to 12 meters, at one-meter increments, catering to a wide range of conditions and rider preferences. It shares many similarities with the Rebel SLS but is enhanced with the Aluula frame for quicker steering and better performance through turns. Its smaller leading edge diameter also means quicker depower and a smoother, more forgiving ride. It's particularly suitable for those looking to push the limits of big air kiteboarding.

And finally, how about the technical specifications, like psi and bar settings?

Sky Solbach: All sizes should be inflated to 10 psi to maximize the material benefits. For control, we recommend a small bar with 22-meter lines for sizes 6 to 9, and a longer bar with 24-meter lines for the 10 to 12-meter kites.