2026 Duotone Rebel D/LAB Full Review | Brazilian Brothers

The Brazilian Brothers are back with a full-length review of the 2026 Rebel D/LAB by Duotone. See what they think about this kite in terms of jumping, looping, and ease of use, while providing their unbiased opinions on the upsides and downsides of this new release.

Massive Changes to Design and Materials

While the Rebel requires no introduction, there have been some significant changes to the 2026 D/LAB version. Not only are there changes in the materials, but there is also a complete shift in design. For materials, Duotone is now using Aluula DTX on the leading edge and struts, which is a step up from the previous Aluula Gold material. In terms of design, they have completely removed the pulleys from the kite, making this the first Rebel in history to accomplish that feat.

Rubens holds the Duotone Rebel D/LAB by the Aluula DTX leading edge.

A Lighter Bar Feel

The first thing you notice when you put the Rebel D/LAB in the sky is how much lighter the bar is compared to previous generations of the D/LAB, as well as the Rebel SLS 2026. The bar pressure is now light to moderate, which the Brazilian Brothers are big fans of.

Jumping Performance

In terms of jumping, the Rebel D/LAB is an absolute rocket. There is a reason Jamie Overbeek was able to achieve the highest jump in recorded history with this kite; it is a massive jumping machine. In Brazil, testing in 30-plus knots, the kite demonstrated a big sweet spot and allowed for massive height.

In terms of hangtime, it also performs really well, but with one caveat: you need to sheet out the bar. If you crank the bar all the way in and pull a heliloop, the kite is not going to get behind your head, and you will come down like a rock. It takes a couple of sessions to get used to the technique, but once you have it dialed, the kite is an absolute jumping weapon.

Rubens jumps high on the Rebel D/LAB.

Looping the Rebel D/LAB

The Brazilian Brothers were very surprised about the looping capabilities of this kite. The previous 2025 version was very "yanky" with moderate to heavy bar pressure, but the 2026 version of the Rebel D/LAB is the friendliest looping Rebel to date. The lighter bar pressure makes it much easier to loop, and it is a much faster and friendlier kite for loops than ever before. While it is not quite as fast or friendly as the Brainchild kites, it is a looping machine that any intermediate or advanced rider will be able to dial in right away.

Rubens loops the Rebel D/LAB during a jump.

Ease of Use

The Rebel D/LAB has very good ease of use. In terms of height potential, this kite is a monster. You don’t need all the stars to line up to go to the moon; as long as you sheet the bar, you are going to go up really easily. Coming down is a little more technical. You will need to sheet out the bar and be deliberate with your heliloop for the kite to get behind your head and provide a good second lift.

Rubens soars over a wing surfer during a jump.

This is the friendliest Rebel yet, but it is not a beginner kite. It is recommended for riders who are intermediate to advanced and progressing through their loops. It is not really recommended for people who are just getting into their loops, as the kite still has a bit of a kick, especially as the wind begins to creep up.

The Brazilian Brothers Unfiltered: Upsides

There are three main areas where this kite shines:

Bar Pressure: The bar pressure is much lighter than the previous generation and even lighter than the Rebel SLS 2026. For riders who love light bar pressure, this is a much-needed upgrade.
Jumping: This is a jumping monster that will break your personal WOO and Surfr app records in no time. It is one of the best jumping kites on the market.
High End: The kite has amazing high end. You can hold on to a lot of wind. Even though the DTX material seems a little more flexible than the Gold Aluula, the kite still holds its shape well even in nuclear conditions.

Rubens performs a kiteloop during a big air jump on the Rebel D/LAB.

The Brazilian Brothers Unfiltered: Downsides

There are two primary areas where the kite could improve:

Consistency in Performance (Gusty Conditions): The kite does not perform as well in gusty conditions. Removing all the pulleys has made the kite much more reactive, but it has also made it a lot more twitchy when the wind is gusty.
Low-End Capability: This is a kite meant to be ridden lit. You are going to need about 30-odd knots on the 8-meter to really feel the potential. Like most big-air kites on the market, you aren't going to have a lot of fun on it in 20 knots.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Brazilian Brothers love the Duotone Rebel D/LAB. It has lighter bar pressure, jumps huge, and loops really well. While it is a big investment in terms of price, if you have deep pockets, ride a twintip, and like to be lit up, the Rebel D/LAB is a jumping machine that comes highly recommended.

Rubens stands on the beach next to the Rebel D/LAB.