D/LAB Domination at the Copa Kitley GKA Big Air Kite World Cup

Q: Edgar, tell us about your experience using the Rebel D/LAB in Brazil’s conditions. Why was it the right kite for you?

Edgar Ulrich: "When you’re competing, you want the absolute best setup to have every advantage possible. As soon as the wind goes over 25 knots, I know this kite’s power and stability will keep me fully in control. It’s got that five-strut structure and bar pressure, which gives me clear feedback on exactly where the kite is, even when I’m doing fast rotations. In Brazil’s lighter 25–30 knot winds, the performance in these more challenging conditions became even more important. The Rebel D/LAB has this incredible lift off the water, with a consistent pull that just keeps driving you through the loop, which means I don’t lose any momentum mid-air. The kite catches you quickly, and that control means I can push technical tricks, like handle passes, knowing I can get the height even in 25 knots and that the kite will be there when I need it. Beyond the tricks, it gives a smoother landing, which makes a huge difference when you're aiming to show full control and maximize your points score. For me, the Rebel D/LAB was the edge I needed in those conditions.”

Q: James, you rode a 10-meter Rebel D/LAB in what many would call “marginal” big-air conditions. How did it impact your performance?

James Carew: "The Rebel D/LAB was a factor in helping me win this one. I went with a 10-meter because of the conditions, but the kite loops like a 9 or even an 8-meter—it’s got insane power and pull. I think what makes it stand out is the control I get with that solid bar pressure feel. This kite’s loop is just next level; it’s my favourite big-air kite right now. In those 25–30 knot winds, it felt like the Rebel D/LAB had another gear that others didn’t.”

Q: Sky, as the designer, how did you feel seeing the Rebel D/LAB perform in the big-air conditions we saw at the event?

Sky Solbach: "I was stoked to see our riders on top, and the Rebel D/LAB shined. The conditions were around 25–30 knots—nowhere near the dense 40–50 knot winds we sometimes witness in places like Cape Town. When the wind’s that strong, it's not hard to make a kite that can jump high, but at 25–30 knots, the performance differences become a lot clearer. The Rebel D/LAB’s control and stability gave our riders more air time and better hangtime, allowing them to add style to their tricks and make their landings look effortless. With Edgar, for example, you could see how confident he was to throw in variety, like handle passes. The kite’s predictability gives them the freedom to push their riding.”

Q: Reno, you’ve been heavily involved with the Rebel D/LAB development alongside Sky. What stands out for you in terms of power and pull?

Reno Romeu: "The Rebel is built for big jumps, and with that height, you can send a loop confidently because you know the kite’s going to catch you. It has that strong pull through a loop, but it’s not as aggressive as a pure C-kite. Compared to the Evo D/LAB, the Rebel D/LAB doesn’t loop quite as fast, but the extra pull and stability give you a lot of confidence. For us pros, we’re looking for a predictable kite—something that jumps high and lands smoothly—and that’s exactly what the Rebel D/LAB gives, good pull but not to the point where it’s unpredictable or challenging to get technical.

That predictability lets us push things technically like Edgar with his handle passes and James going massive in his kite loop combinations. But here’s the thing: that predictability and performance are just as valuable for the everyday kiter. The Rebel D/LAB is designed to perform, but it’s not harsh or punishing. The way it handles means it’s user-friendly at all levels, whether you’re just starting in big air or you’re looking to take it to the next level. It’s full of performance but smooth and controlled in its delivery, so everyone can have an awesome experience, pushing their limits.”

Q: Reno, as part of your work with Sky, you get to test the latest kites from other brands. What’s your perspective on the Rebel D/LAB and Aluula? How does it stack up to the competition?

Reno Romeu: "Testing other kites is part of the process to ensure we are keeping an eye on what’s happening in the market and making sure we are doing everything to keep the Rebel D/LAB at the top, and it’s been eye-opening. In this contest, for example, we saw some other kites with dramatic loop angles, but you could see they lacked that strong forward pull—a loop that might look intense visually from the angle, but lacking in power and distance generated by the kite. I think that is reflected in the results and scores as well.

With the Rebel D/LAB, you could see that pull all the way through, and the kite kept its momentum, which ultimately resulted in higher scores. The same goes for overall height—you could see a height difference even from watching the live stream, and that’s where Aluula shines. It’s not just a material upgrade; it allows the Rebel D/LAB to deliver more height, power, and control. For us as pros, that means we have the confidence to push for more complex tricks, but it’s also great for regular riders. You’re getting a kite that’s smooth, predictable, and reliable in the air, no matter the conditions. So it’s not just a flashy loop; it’s the total package for big air in every wind condition.”

Q: Sky, could you add to that? What went into the Rebel D/LAB’s development to make it perform so well in these kinds of winds?

Sky Solbach: “While ensuring it performs in the 40–50 knot conditions that we often see our riders pushing the limits in, we also put a lot of work into optimizing the Rebel D/LAB to maximize it’s performance for the lower end of the wind spectrum. You could see the advantage it gave in Brazil. Riders who aren’t even our team riders, who have the choice of any kite, choose this model, and I think that speaks volumes. I would say more kiters will experience 25–30 winds on a more regular basis than 50 knots, so having a kite that can maximize your boosting and deliver the best hangtime in those conditions is truly something unique—and unique to Aluula. Also, our years of research and development with this material have given us a deep understanding of extracting as much performance as possible. For competitive riders and everyday kiters alike, the Rebel D/LAB gives more time in the air, more control, and truly the best big-air experience.”

The performance of the Rebel D/LAB on the Brazilian stage shows what a difference control, stability, and strong controlled pull can make when the wind isn't at full throttle. For pros and weekend warriors alike, it’s a kite that redefines the big-air experience, especially in the kinds of conditions many riders encounter daily.