New Kiteboarder

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Definitely lots of solid kites out there now (the industry has come a long way in the past decade).

Regarding the Envy though don't worry at all about it being cheaper than some other offerings. It's one of those rare cases where the cheaper option can also be more fun. I've always gone for the more expensive kites out there, until the Envy came out. Now I ride the Envy because it rides how I want my kites to ride. I'm sure you will be happy with it as well from day one until you progress and start stomping some tricks.

Good luck with your search and welcome to kiteboarding. One thing is for sure. You're gonna be stoked pretty soon.

wytcap · Since 10 Mar 2005 203 Posts NW oregon Stoked

I have rode lots of different gear, worked for several companys, the Envy is a solid well built kite, I have the 2012 Envy and would put it up against any other kite.
But the best answer is to try, try try.
But Liquid force is not a second rate company for sure.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

ikite208 · Since 17 Apr 2012 4 Posts Coeurd'Alene, Idaho Kook

Turtle,
I'm not one who posts much, but after reading your post, I had to. I was just in your shoes two years ago. Super stoked and ready to buy! I do believe used is a great way to go, it's finding the deal that works for you.
However, after blowing through a few used kites, I rolled the dice and went with Liquid Force, and have been STOKED! There is a handfull of riders in my area, so I'm usually launching and landing on my own. This is incredibily hard on my gear, as Im only a rookie in the sport. I guess what I'm getting at is I purchased some 'more expensive' kites and blown threw them. After, my first ENVY I was hooked! It was the first kite that I kept up wind on and I love them! I definately not a pro just a bro, giving you my two cents. Hope to see you on the water.
Jeff

forrest · Tue Apr 17, 12 2:26 pm

I've been riding Envys exclusively for years. I love them, they best all around kite for freestyle, sliders, wave, jumping, mowing the lawn, setting up as shade for the little one, etc. I don't think of them as lower end kites. I'd definitely recommend them as a kite to take you from early beginner stages all the way through advanced.

Wanna-Go · Since 14 Sep 2009 95 Posts Central, Wa

I'm just starting my 3rd season. I bought new closeouts. A good way but I would go used on your 1st couple. Launching & landing solo really trashes your gear and I did and still do just that. I would go with a beginner friendly kites with good relaunch and upwind ability. I have T3's, Kahoona's & Envys and like them all. I was going to sale my T3's until I flew them in 1:1 and like the range compared to the Kahoonas.

Loneski · Since 18 Dec 2010 103 Posts Washington Stoked

pkh

Since 27 Feb 2005
6388 Posts
P-Town / W-Salmon
Site Lackey

CGKA Member

Sun Mar 20, 05 2:59 pm
Steve -
Sounds like your on the right path with the trainer kites and looking for lessons.

I can't recommend any specific kite schools, but I would suggest you go with someone who does lessons by Jet Ski. This is by far the safest and most effective way to learn. Works much better than trashing around in the shallows at the sandbar dodging all of the other students and pros alike.

On the question of brands - this is really a hard question to ask. Almost everyone has a bias, and very few are those who have actually been able to independently review all different brands of kites. These days most kites are basically the same, some have a few extra features, but durability and performance wise I don't think you can really go wrong with any brand. More or less it comes down to if you want to support the local shops or save some money (potentially a lot) and buy online. There are pros and cons to each side, maybe you should just look at whats out there and weigh the options.

Since you are just starting I would recommend buying used. Your first kites you are going to thrash and you are not likely to notice any real improvement of a 2005 over a 2004 kite. I would say don't go any older than 2003, as that was the year that most kites and safety systems got really good. For safety systems make sure the bar has a quick release (QR) on the chicken loop, as well as front or side leash system that can attach to your harness.

Good luck!

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Pretty much any newer 9m SLE kite should result in you kiting the Gorge MOST of the time. A 6m or 7m is an essential gorge kite for the Gorges wonderful NUCLEAR sessions but you have to have your riding/self-rescue skills dialed in cause the shit hits the fan pretty darn quick when it's nuking! Bigger kites will work sometimes in the Gorge but mostly will prove useful at the coast, and that's a whole different animal. 9m is usually the go to kite for the gorge. Having said that, it's not always the kite size that determines your session. Board size, skill level, proper kite rigging, proper body positioning, understanding kite position in relation to the wind window plays a huge role in riding. Welcome to this wonderful and ever evolving sport of ours. Have fun, mingle with the locals and ask them a ton of questions, they have all the answer! See you on the water.

Turtle · Since 16 Apr 2012 3 Posts Kook

Awesome advice guys. I've read a lot of good feedback about Liquid Force Envy's, so my perception on Liquid Force has definitely changed. I'll make sure to do some good looking at the Swap Meet for several kites. If any of you guys plan on being there selling any of your gear, send me a PM and I'll make sure to check out what you have!