RPMs or REV 2 for my level?

jjhughes · Since 11 Apr 2011 19 Posts Seattle, WA

Hi, I am new too the sport and am trying to get a kite but I'm having a hard time making a decision. I have a 11m used 09rev2 on hold at my local shop for 500 but I could also get a2010 10m RPM ...I have a big wakeboarding background and so i feel like id really want to progress into the wakestyle riding but i am worrying that since the RPM since farther back in the window if i will have trouble going up wind. I am a college kid that is strapped for cash and was wondering if:

-you guys think i would like/be satisfied with the rev2 once i progress or if i should just go for the rpm?
- if my deal on the rev2 actually a good deal(its in good condition w/ no repairs)?
-is the Rev 2 something you can also grow into?(I dont anticipate being in the surf at all, is it still a performance kite on flat water)

I have never kited on water before but have been kite skating for along time. I'm not sure if the kites will even make a difference to a beginner like me but I don't really have the money to buy kites as I progress

Any feedback is appreciated!!!!
Thanks alot,
-Joel

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Both great kites. But the 10m RPM will be the money for you. Have fun!

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

RPM! It has newer bar and better safety. It goes upwind just fine.

Bettyboarder · Mon Apr 18, 11 1:54 pm

Either way is good. If you can get the RPM I would but the Rev2 is a great kite.

If it's in good shape and includes a bar and line the Rev2 is a good deal. Take some lessons

jjhughes · Since 11 Apr 2011 19 Posts Seattle, WA

Thanks for the info! Do you guys think the learning curve will be the same either way?

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Most modern kites work pretty well for basic stuff. Either kite will be fine to learn and ride on. Most of the Slingshot wakestyle riders are on RPMs so that seems to make more sense if cost is not an issue. Good luck.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

As a very stoked owner of 2009, then 2010 and now 2011 RPM's, I would suggest as a beginner to save some dough and pick ip some used Revs. When you take your lessons and are up and riding treat yourself to some RPM's

Eric

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

I agree with getting REVs first (they are going to cost way less).

Next season you'll be riding like a champ and you should be able to get some sweet deals on RPMs.

You WILL make mistakes that will damage your kite in ways you never thought possible. Better to do it on cheaper -but still good- kites.

Or just get RPMs now. Screw it. Just get on the water.

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

ya know, i like the kahoonas by best for what you're talking about. i wouldn't care to get into a discussion about kahoonas, their peers, and the detailng the nuances of what better and worse are. you can just get 'em new for a good price, lots of beginner friendliness, and in my estimation have lots of room to grow into. i learned to kite on the very flat, pull you anywhere, turn slow, ss tt'2. the ss t2's were killer in their time because they pulled like a truck, relaunched easy, sat pretty steady sheeted out while you regrouped in the water. they bummed you out when you got passed the lawn mowing phase because the turning was not very responsive (9m below was ok, but past that.....wait wait wait). got the revs after that, not so good for me.

my point isnt to bash the rev, but just to say that the kahoona as an alternative was good for me. definitely way more affordable new, and most importantly that i've had a great time with them. i struggled on the rev, but almost definitely not because of the kite. I'm sure someone can articulate it as this or that related to my kiting, and within that is the where the choice is. the rev is a safe kite that you can start with and keep for a while to do killer things with. kahoona is a better price, and what i'd tell my buds to get. either way, i think you'll be good. just wanted to throw this out there.