Description

The North Rhino has always been synonymous with extreme power and big jumps. The 2009 North Rhino is no exception.

 

Designed for jumping, racing and getting out in the lightest wind the '09 Rhino has the biggest low-end, best hang-time and best upwind speed of any kite in the North 09 range.

 

An increased number of canopy segments give the North 2009 Rhino extreme profile stability making it the ultimate upwind racing machine.

 

Less extreme sweep and a slightly flatter profile in the center and tips contribute to better high-wind stability, less drag in overpowered conditions and smooth, responsive turning. Improved lift makes it easy to get big lofty jumps that are vertical and drag-free.

 

The simplified Attack Control Bridle permits substantial changes in angle of attack (power/de-power) without any undesirable twists in kite geometry which results in a surprisingly crisp and responsive bar feel.

 

Additionally, the AC bridle allows you to fly the Rhino on 5 lines for maximum safety or 4 lines without losing any performance. Although de-power is not as instantaneous when the safety is engaged in 4 line mode, the AC bridle does allow the Rhino to flip onto it's back and de-power much like a 5th element.

 

In order to keep the Rhino as light as possible, more light rip-stop has been utilized in the canopy as well as our tested and well-proven Snakeskin along the trailing edge.

The Rhino can be ridden on 4 or 5 lines. Due to the improved attack control bridle the kite can be made pressure-less even in the 4 line setup. Complete depower in no time is attained only by the 5th element!

 

Features:

• North’s patented 2 Pump inflation system makes rigging the North Rhino quick and simple.
• 5th Element system provides safety and re-launch of the North Rhino.

Due to the additionally gained profile depth combined with the fuller, more precisely-shaped canopy entry North Rhino 09 has more power and therefore provides better hang time and lift.

 

The unification of excellent high end and low end power in one kite makes the North Rhino 09 applicable in a never reached wind range.

North 04/05 5th Element Control Bars can be used but upgrading to the Iron Heart Chicken Loop is recommended.

• Flat Style Kite
• High Aspect Ratio
• Extremely Powerful Low-End
• Highest Stability
• Improved Attack Control Bridle
• Competition / New School kite
• Easy water relaunch
• Direct crisp bar feel turning (like a C-Kite)
• Massive depower / huge wind range
• Easy to jump with massive hangtime
• 2 Pump Simplicity
• Designed for 5th Element Control Bar

**Prices shown are kite only - includes bag and pump*

 

* A Harness is required to fly this kite - click for harnesses >>

 

Wind Range

Model	Projected Area (m)	Aspect Ratio	Wind range (knots / based on 80kg rider )
7.0	4.7	5.0	17-37
9.0	5.6	4.9	15-34
10.0	6.2	4.9	13-29
12.0	7.4	4.9	11-25
14.0	8.7	4.9	9-22
16.0	10.0	4.9	8-20

 

Download Product / Instruction Manual (PDF) >>

You can purchase spares for this item here >>

Depower Control Bar

North Rhino 2009 5th Element Control Bar System:

 

Riders of all levels, from pros to newcomers, will all gain substantial advantages from the new 5th Element system.   Safety - perform all moves with safety leash Water Start - without swimming Performance - increased performance due to wider wind range   The 5th Element will come already set up so there are no hassles on your first day and it doesn’t take any more effort to wind up or unwind them, and you don’t feel anything else but better performance when flying them.   All kites can be flown with the same bar, just the short line attached in the middle of the leading edge has to be adjusted to the different kite sizes. Instructions will be attached to all bars or upgrades.

Safety: The 5th Element line set permits anyone, from novice to pro, to easily and conveniently use a kite leash. The leash can be short and inconspicuous, or it can be a long handle-pass leash like the pros use. In either case, releasing the chickenloop quick-release while leashed-in causes the kite to depower immediately and totally and with no line tangles.   Whether you ride unhooked, spin, try a water relaunch for the first time or practice a handle pass, all maneuvers, including the latest tricks, can now be performed with the safety leash of the 5th Element. As soon as you pull the Quick Release or let go of the bar it slips up the safety line. The kite is then completely depowered and comes down without twisting the lines. One additional benefit of the 5th Element is that it makes dragging upwind to reach a lost board much easier.

Waterstart: When the kite is on the water after you crashed or let go of the bar, the 5th Element system allows you to relaunch without swimming a) Keeping tension on the middle line, reload the chickeloop if necessary, and hook in if you want. b) To get started again, use the middle line to pull the bar toward you. c) If you pull the back lines simultaneously, the kite will slowly come off the water. d) The harder you pull on the side of the bar, the faster and lower the kite will start in. e)If you only pull gently, the kite will move as usual to the edge of the wind window for relaunch. f) No unsafe pulls or drags. No more swimming!

Performance: The 5th Element stabilizes the kite’s arc and thus clearly increases performance. Enhanced profile stiffness brings considerable advantages in depowered situations and increases the kite’s wind range. As a result, the kite flies closer to the wind window and responds more directly to steering impulses.   While arc-shaped inflatable kites have a marvellous simplicity, they also have a tendency to change shape as the wind increases and decreases and as load goes from front lines to back lines or vice versa. While it's possible to control such unstable tendencies in conventional four-line kites, such control comes at a cost: more drag. The 5th Element line set offers a low-drag solution to maintaining kite shape stability, thereby permitting higher performance in every respect.   5th Element-equipped kites have greater high end, greater range, and quicker turning. Because of the better high end they also have better lift, which makes for higher jumps. Because low end power is in no way reduced by the 5th Element line set, such kites also have excellent hang time.

 

You can purchase spares for this item here >>

Reviews

Great kite to rocket around on! Charlie Railton

 

Kite used was the new 09 10m Rhino on a 4 line setup. I used to use the 05 and 07 Rhino and though they were great, the 09 does not disappoint and raises the bar (pardon the pun) even further.

 

Another solidly built North kite, 1 pump inflation (much better than the 2 pump system of years gone by), no centre strut. I have to say I have become a user and lover of 5th line systems and was interested to use the Rhino in a 4 line setup. I activated the safety and the kite went onto its back giving very little pull on my harness, I was able to use my board as an anchor and go and self land the kite. Great to have the option of using either 4 or 5 lines.

 

On the water, the kite performs well, granted this would be a great race kite, fast and rockets upwind, but also a good freeride toy, really nice lift and a floaty landing. Bar pressure is exactly to my taste, not too heavy but good feedback.

 

Was out in windy conditions so no idea on the low end yet, but I imagine its going to be impressive. A great kite to rocket around on and get some good hangtime.

 

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