recommendations?

riceman · Since 20 Oct 2011 14 Posts Tri-Cities, WA

I'm finally to the point where I think i'm ready to buy my own kite setup. I have some questions for y'all about what exactly to buy.

My buddy is the one that i'll primarily be going with, so i want a setup that will let both of us have a similar ride in the same conditions. He's 5'8" and 160lbs. He owns a 2011 8m Airush Lithium. I'd like to start with something that will produce similar performance for me, but i'm 6' and 200lbs... i assumethat i'll need a slightly bigger kite to achieve the same results.

I'm smart enough to know that i'm pretty likely to end up tearing up whatever it is that i buy, so i'm going to be looking for something used and not too ridiculously expensive. that said, i'm also smart enough to know that you get what you pay for, and i'm not interested in some cheap piece of crap. i'll fail enough on my own... i don't need my kite's help.

Also to consider is that i'm interested in snowkiting as well and would like something that would work well both on water and in the snow. I know most folks will advise owning a couple different sized kites for different conditions and that IS the plan, down the road. for now i want something on the beginner side of middle of the road that i'm not going to outgrow in 1 season... if that's possible.

I know that people are loyal to their brand of choice and wars have been started over less but, i'd still like to hear an opinion of what you'd recommend (or recommend against) and, most importantly, why.

mystery curd · Since 14 Jun 2010 98 Posts Floating

Probably a 10m or a 9, something newer for the 1 kite quiver. Who cares about brand when you're on a budget. Just take the best deal you can find on something recent. I've owned and used a bunch of different brands and they all pull you across the water. You can find fans of most brands out there. Check the shops for last years or check the classifieds here. Good luck.

riceman · Since 20 Oct 2011 14 Posts Tri-Cities, WA

Thanks! One other question: how old can a kite be without being so drastically outdated or unsafe that I should stay away from it? Say I see a 2010 kite for $600 and a 2008 for $300. is the 2010 going to be worth twice the price? Is the 2008 going to lack safety features that were standard in 2010? I'll hopefully improve enough over the next year that I'll be buying another one (or two) next year so I don't wanna spend more than I need/aught to on the first one I buy. Low initial cost keeps the wife happy, and that keeps me out there =)

alec.korver · Since 03 Jul 2011 73 Posts

I would say if you are looking for a freeride kite you need to look at Cab Xbows, Waroos, SSturbos, SSRev, do your research before you buy. Know the faults of each kite, and weight the positives with the negatives. Chances are your first kite is going to get crashed....a lot

Don't go post 2006, I know many people will advocate to you the newer the better, but people learned on those kites in 2006 or whatever year it is. Honestly most bow style kites will do. They all have great safety features and depower. My first kite I learned to use was a 2006 cabrinha crossbow. Glad I bought an old kite to because snowkiting it ended up hitting a tree... wooops. After that I got a 2007 slingshot turbo 2, with having had better kite handling skills I didn't damage that one. So just look for a bow style kite with limited repairs, and good set of bar and lines. Make sure you test the safety quick release systems before you go out every time though.

Happy Kiting.

mystery curd · Since 14 Jun 2010 98 Posts Floating

Is go for the 2010. The resale value and updates to bar and safety features is worth it. 2007 and 2008 seem to be the cutoff these days, but with all the stuff available used and cheap, you should be able to get something from 2010. Unless your on a super tight budget. Also, a lot of people say they thrashed their first kite but I didn't have that experience. Maybe Im just nerdy like that, you know, I didn't tomahawk anyone or fly it into a blackberry bush. Is say spend a lot of time with your trainer and try skatekiting. I fly my trainer into everything!

Nak · Sat Oct 22, 11 4:50 pm

riceman · Since 20 Oct 2011 14 Posts Tri-Cities, WA

Thanks for the advice everyone! Bought myself a kite but i'm still looking for a harness. I've been reading up in the forum here and looking into the seat vs waist debate. It seems like most of the commentary was split on which would be better and it all came down to the individial rider and their preferences...

I know i'll have to try 'em on and see how they feel and all but i also wanted to see if there was anything for or against either style of harness if i'm also interested in hitting the snow. Anything i should look for/stay away from? And it'll probably end up being a used harness, so anything that's only available on the brand-new model won't apply in my search (unless i can get a sweet deal on it new!).

thanks again!

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

If you bought a bow kite, then, you will probably be happier with a seat harness, because it will allow you to pull in farther on the bar, and allow you a longer range of "bar travel". Also, if you don't have long arms or a "V" shaped torso, a seat harness might be better.

I like the Nitrous shorts harness, by Dakine.

riceman · Since 20 Oct 2011 14 Posts Tri-Cities, WA

I ended up buying a Liquid Force HiFi. Will seat or short harnesses interfere with snowboard pants/jacket?