SYNOPSIS: THE FIVE STRUT, BIG AIR FREERIDE LEGEND IS REDESIGNED WITH A LIGHTER, MORE REACTIVE FRAME THAT DELIVERS MORE DEPOWER, FASTER RESPONSIVE STEERING AND THE ULTIMATE IN SMOOTH PULL AND CONTROL IN THE UPPER WIND RANGE.
Likes: The Duotone Rebel is a legendary five strut, bow shaped design that is one of the industry’s original high performance, big air freeride kites. The rigid frame maintains superior amounts of control in the upper wind range. For 2022 the Duotone Rebel SLS is designed around the Penta TX leading edge and center struts. This material is lighter, stronger and stiffer and replaces the traditional Dacron. With the Penta TX construction the overall kites are up to 17 per cent lighter which has improved the low end efficiency of the Rebel SLS, especially in the larger sizes. This new construction technology combined with a revised canopy shape has improved the Rebel’s low end power delivery. It also gives the Rebel SLS lighter touch steering, better light wind handling with more reactive steering and more instant depower. In the air the Rebel keeps its legendary feel with ultra smooth power delivery and a rock-solid frame that can eat up the gusts. The Rebel SLS likes to be kept moving forward and driven with speed and conviction. But the Rebel SLS is more adaptable and accessible to a wider range of skill levels in 2022, with more instant depower and shutoff with its single pulley on each front bridle and the flex tips that allow the kite canopy to breathe. The smooth pull and extra depower also give the Rebel SLS more versatility for riding foils and suits a broader range of skill levels. The bar pressure is still direct but lighter touch and the turning is faster and more reactive. The Rebel’s higher aspect ratio and sweeping turns can generate nice power and offer some of the biggest glide and hang time of any of the big air kites in the group. With more sheet and go handling the Rebel SLS is easier to jump and requires slightly less than perfect timing to catch some nice lofty airs.
Minus: Still slightly less versatile than the three strut designs but more accessible than ever for the average rider that wants a fast driving and big boosting freeride kite.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced level riders that want a fast pulling, high jumping big air kite with the best glide and hang time available and the legendary Rebel feel and character.
