Why the cut off on "good" used gear at 2009 or new

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

I have heard a bunch of times not to consider gear older than 2009 model year. Was there some huge leap forward in safety that happened to all kites this year or something?

I'm considering a 2008 Havoc, but was wondering if everything older than 2009 is a death trap, or if 2009 just sounds like a good cutoff to a lot of people...

Thoughts?

hoarhey · Since 20 Jul 2008 63 Posts the corridor

Snobishness.I still ride my 2008 rebel and I'm not looking to upgrade any time soon because I can't afford it. When I can, I won't even think twice about dumping it on a beginner friend for 250 or so. That being said, kite technology doesn't always make improvements and sometimes its good to wait a litle while to see if the new model is really an inovation and not a step backward. When you find something you like, keep it. Don't spend more than 300 for 3 year old technology.

tonyb · Thu Jul 07, 11 8:36 am

The big leap in safety and depower was 2006/2007. Unless you really want something old school I'd say not to go older than 2007. My '08 Nemesis works just as nice as my 2011.

Tony

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

agree on 07 as a better cut off date. on older gear you want to really check out the lines and bridals.

Nak · Thu Jul 07, 11 8:46 am

I think most people accept 2008 as the cutoff, not 2009. There was some decent gear in 2007, but for the very minimal price difference, it seems counter productive to buy gear older than 2008. The repairs will cost more than the savings most of the time.

If you know exactly what you're looking for, and know how to inspect gear for flaws, you might find a deal on a 2007 kite. Most newbs do not have these skills, and by the time they acquire them, they likely won't be satisfied with 2007 gear. Hence the recommendation to stay with gear 2008 or later.

Kite gear has made huge advances in both fun and safety. When I started in 2004 fatalities were a regular occurrence in this sport, even among experienced riders. There is no real reason for a beginner to risk riding with older gear. The cost savings are an illusion. You can pay now, or you can pay a lot more later. If you can't afford to pay now, this is not the sport for you. Sorry, but that's just a fact.

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

Thanks for your help guys.

I already have two 09 kites, and figured that if I could find an almost new 08 that I can beat the hell out of as a kook, then I can upgrade to nicer gear once I'm no longer an abuser. Smile

I had heard 09 a bunch of times, but glad to know there is quite a bit of consensus around 2008 being ok.

Thanks!

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

Ditto the 2008 cutoff.

2007 was the beginning of the new breed but it didn't get good until 2008.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

I'm pretty sure 2009 marked the year kite companies started "standardizing" a push away system on control bars.
prior to this year, there were many various systems, some had pull pins, velcro loops, pull sleeves. these systems would be confusing and slower reaction time when you needed to deploy them, even harder to reassemble on the water in the event of accidental release.
naish, best, WH and some others introduced a nice push away system in 2009 then SS and LF the following year.
the north push away system was introduced in 2007

mystery curd · Since 14 Jun 2010 98 Posts Floating

With all the bashing on gear older than 2008 you should be able to find a great deal on 2007's. I learned on 2007 Liquid Forces, no problems at all. They did everything as advertised. I think condition is an important consideration of any used gear especially a few years old. Are they as nice as my 2010's, no. But I wasn't worried if I had to trash them or cut em away.