Best kite brand for the money??

richiethekiter · Since 22 Nov 2012 6 Posts Kook

Hi Guys I am relatively new to the sport. There are many brands out there and some kites cost a fortune while some don't. Trying to make sense of it all as I am thrifty. Seems like some of the big brands that sell for a ton of money may be no better then some of the direct brands?

Would appreciate any advice/experience in a discussion.

Thanks
Richie

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

[youtube]http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=_QhuBIkPXn0&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_QhuBIkPXn0[/youtube]

Forum policy is not to compare brands...

Dan k · Since 31 Mar 2013 87 Posts

Check ebay. I just saw new airush generators for 300 last month on there.

A.K. · Since 01 Jul 2006 190 Posts Stoked

If cost is an issue. Then take the major brand in use in your area and buy a quiver 2 or 3 years old, heck - you could even go back as far as 4 or 5 years at this point for super steep discounts. The prices on used kites drops like a rock..You should be able to arm your self with 3 kites for $1,500. I suggest this route vs buying 1 single off brand new kite for the same cost.

-A.K.

richiethekiter · Since 22 Nov 2012 6 Posts Kook

Oops so I already violated the rules, sorry Embarassed

Well, I'm wise enough to know that a well used kite is a far cry from a new one, so I'm in the new kite market.

I'll try my question on a different forum, sorry again for breaking the rules.

Sella · Sun Mar 31, 13 11:20 am

Any brand kite will fit your abilities so if price matters you'll be fine with a low cost entry kite to become addicted with. Then, as you sit on the beach because your 1 kite quiver doesn't work for the conditions, you'll better understand AK's accurate reasoning. Have fun.....good luck.

richiethekiter · Since 22 Nov 2012 6 Posts Kook

Huuuuh... Thanks for the well-meaning advise but I will respectfully disagree, there are some really cr#py kites out there and there are some very good ones. Like I said I'm fairly new to kiting, but have tried apparently more kites then the average kiter Surprised

Because even I know that.

Again thanks for your input but I know I will not progress on all kites equally.

alien · Since 01 Aug 2006 114 Posts Portland Stoked

Certain kites do suit certain riding styles better than others, but in general any of the kites from any of the major brands that have come out in the last few years are great for almost any beginner to intermediate level kiter.

Find a lightly used quiver in good condition and save yourself a lot of money that you can use towards other gear.

Occupied Columbia · Since 12 Nov 2011 376 Posts Columbia City Obsessed

Nikes or Kmart Traks? Either pair of shoes will get you down the street. What level do you want to be at?

alien · Since 01 Aug 2006 114 Posts Portland Stoked

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

They are all made in China, they are all over priced new, they are all out of date the following year ( but still great kites).You will have no idea which type / brand you will like until your done with your first year. Then go out and demo as many as you can.

Wish I would have bought used, learned how to kite, then bought a new quiver. It would have save me shit loads of $$.

Don't listen to the hype, Brand A is better than Brand B. If you like flying it and you do well on it, that is the kite to spend the $$$ on.

Just my $.02.

jperry · Since 07 Nov 2008 190 Posts Stoked

I got a 2012 13m for 450

EdG · Since 19 Dec 2005 425 Posts Just a Kook that's Obsessed

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

find an old best hellish. with a doyle.

A.K. · Since 01 Jul 2006 190 Posts Stoked

You mentioned that you are price sensitive. A quiver of 3 used kites for $1,500 trumps a single new kite for $1,500. Well used is a relative term. Sure the kite could blow up at any minute but it could also last for years....

Name brands matter. There is a proven track record here. In fact even within the name brands you should focus on specific models that are several years developed..

Off brands simply don't have the track record. So to clarify. Buy used name brands vs new off-brand.

Personally I buy name brands new but only after a specific model has been running for about 3 years...

-A.K.

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

well there is a huge difference between having flown a kite and knowing what you are flying. This might sound a bit snobbish, but that is how things are...

I actually agree that there is a difference between kites, but if price is a concern why not try last seasons closeouts? You can get the premium kites for a great price.

I also think that the cost benefit relationship between a kite and its price is not only dependent on the price.

In any case, you'd have a hard time asking this question on almost any forum because we all like our gear so much that we will all recommend the kites we are flying...and then you'll end up with almost any brand. One answer you should be critical of is the one liners... just saying brand, name and get it.

So...what I would do is look at what qualities you want out of a kite, tell people your weight, the wind you'll be riding and then ask away.
Very Happy

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

I'm a strong believer in Slingshot Kites, but reality is there are several brands that all have distinct advantages.

A good place to start is at Windance, or a shop you feel comfortable going to. Walk in and just plan on asking a ton of questions about different kites. Most shops will spend some time talking to you about what the new kites and the 2012's left on their shelves offer. Ask, listen, and then wait for a week.

Bottom line is that you want a kite that will survive your learning how to fly it. This means that your going to slam it a couple of times. After you figure out how to fly it, then ride it, your going to put some sessions on it. That's when you want your kite to still hold air, not have any large rips, and the bar is still in good shape.

Bar's, Kites and Safety:

It's been my distinct pleasure to fly many kites and visit several bars, lol. A good kite will have a great bar. There are a couple of different types of bars, but the basic bar will have a 4 lines and a below the bar safety. Take a good look at the bar and decide which one is safe, tough and meets your needs. I like slingy bars because their simply the best. I'm not comparing here, just sharing my opinion.

Lesson's and the kite you buy:

Most of the NW'ern Kiting freakhood that post their knowledge here will tell you that there is a relationship between kites, the schools, and a particular shop. Take a lesson from the school that teaches with the kite your are interested in purchasing. You may even get a discount on the gear you want as a result of purchasing the kite from the school who is "sponsored" by that shop or kite brand.

Buying used is always a risk and that is why so many people buy new kites. Most kiter's who kite and live in The G sell their personal quiver every year. If you have a question about what kites you shouldn't buy the general rule is,"Don't buy a kite that is more than 3 years old." This is because of the damage that happens with UV, number of sessions, and the changes in technology that happens over a 3 year period.

Well, that's my o,
R