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Rebel (Air-Crafts)

Although it is not so well kown around Europe, Air-Crafts is becoming one of the best regarded kite manufacturers in the UK. The Rebel demonstrates perfectly the old saying that 'you can't read a book by it's cover'. We didnt like the way it looked, but it proved to be the surprise package of the test.

Presentation
The design is very wide set, with a large nose, short spine, long lower spreaders and straight leading edges. Add to that a two panel cut in black and purple and you get a retro-style look. There is no leech line, velcro at the bottom of the spine or trick line. The nose webbing, the leading edge pockets Dacron. The hardware is custom with long connectors holding the spreaders in securely. The 6mm carbon frame looked very strong. The finishing was good (and what little there was) sewing clean. The Rebel came with an excellent set of instructions and a booklet of flying tips. Lines of 70kg Techmiflyte Dyneema and straps were also included.

Flight Test
The Rebel took off and accelerated straight to the top of a big window without a hint of wobble. It tracked well and angles were clean and fairly crisp. When pulling out of turns, rolls or spins there was no oversteer, although one wing simetimes closed in when at speed. The kite could be made to stall with heavy handed controls, but would recover immediately. Lines sometimes got caught on the tips but never to an extent that couldn't be recovered. The Rebel was stable on the edge and was easy to land. The pull was light and speed only increased slightly in the centre of the wind. The kite could do all the basic tricks with surprising ease given its 'pointy' shape. The only downside wa a persistent and annoying buzzy noise which accompanied the kite at all times. Mr Air-Crafts if you could do something about the noise the Rebel would be perfect!

Crash Test
The Rebel passed with flying colours. No breakages, no significant movement of fittings. The solidity of the kite matches its excellent flying.

Conclusion
Every Super Test there is always one surprise. In this case the Rebel. Looking at the kite generated low expectations, but it turned out to be one of the most pleasant to fly, expect for the noise. Precise, fun, easy to use, it has all the right ingredients for the beginner. No hesitation in recommending it.