07 North Rhino

[windhorny]

I AM AFFILIATED WITH NORTH AND KWS. Regardless, I would NEVER lie about a product to sell it. I know a lot of locals trust my opinion and that means a lot to me. I am not in sales, just a team rider.

So heres a review on the 10 Rhino. And i am coming from flying Bows and not the Vegas so it is hard for me to compare.

First out of the bag, the 2 pump is really nice. Easy and effective being able to put 2 seprate pressures in the struts and LE.

Lines are noticably thicker and not sure if this is actually for less tangling or a perhaps were cheaper? Dont notice any difference other than they are not quite as easy to rig as normal lines as they seem to be more abrasive.

In the air, it is the most stable kite I have ever flown. Defining my definition of stable: No luffing in light or gustty conditions, no over flying tendencies, it is so solid that the kite's tips dont even choke in when fully sheeted. It seems to have tension on the 5th line for structural purpose.

Kite is fast fast fast, turns like a 10 meter kite. I would not go bragging how it turns so lightning fast as I think most 10meter kites and smaller turn fast enough. But it does fly fast which makes for some noticable power on the strokes.

Power is instant. Perhaps the real reason the kite jumps so well. When you sheet in it yanks rips and does anything to pull the kite off your body. Yet it is all smooth and managable when you want it to be. Bar pressure is perfect in my mind, good feedback but not tiring. Although one comment, again coming from a bow, I find myself having to retrain my muscle memory to fly the kite back over when landing a jump. Not sure why that is as i seem to know where the kite is when riding, just a jumping thing. The stopper ball is nice because it is able to hold the bar yet still be pushed forward if neccessary. The cleat never slips on the new bar. No pulleys no bridles. Bar is perfect!

I flew the rhino at sherman when gusting to slightly over 30 one day and i had no idea. Because of its solidity in the air, it seems to soften the gusts. And more than anything it can be flown sheeted out a lot and still handle the same as sheeted in. Compared to a bow kite where you can depower but it is always at the verge of luffing into an inversion.

I dont ride waves but i have heard from some that the vegas still owns it. I dont really see how this kite couldnt do anything you put it up to as I believe it is the rider more than the gear but thats just an opinion.

Summary, North nailed it. A kite that has a huge usable range, safety of a 5th line, super stable throughout, looks good, responsive, good bar feedback, flys like a c with that extra low end for lighter days, 2 pump.

I do have one negative comment on this kite though, the bag is in true North form, too small. I guess they spent so much time designing the perfect kite they forgot about making a better home for it. The Rhino is a well tamed beast.

KiteWindSurf should have some demos, give them a call. 510-522-9463