How to choose first kite

[davewolfs]

Originally Posted by Tom Stock

fwiw kiteboarding isn't big enough yet for there to be any "BAD" equipment .. they don't sell wallmart kites, or k-mart boards, so as long as you don't buying something from 2004, regardless of how much you pay for it, it's going to be good quality gear.

Do not assume that an expensive kite is better than an inexpensive kite.. Most of the 2007 kites and all of the 2008 kites are excellent. I'd say the Slingshot Rev, the new Cabs, and the new 2008 Best kites are probably the most common in this area. Monkey kites are becoming more common also because they are fairly inexpensive. There are a few eclipse riders too, but they just like to be different I think and there is nothing wrong with that either. Flexifoil makes great freestyle kites (ie: slow but stable) but they are pretty darn expensive.

Just modern gear you can afford.

Any specific models of Cabs or Best to look at? How about the Slingshot Turbo's?

As far as best, the 2008 waroos, the 9m is incredibly good. Not sure if they got lucky or stole the design but it's excellent.

Some others will chime in for the Cabs and SS because they have some good kites this year.

I don't really think you can go wrong with any of the newest kites.

The only brand I would avoid is liquid farce because they have always been sort of disconnected from the latest trends. They occasionally come out with a good board or kite but it's really hit and miss.

[Danimal8199]

I have a 12m liquid force assault 2, its been a very good kite...

Then again I can probably ride other kites just as well, but going back to the fact that I got brand new 2007 kite for $500.00, something I could afford.

Given the choice of not having anything to ride, I would rather have something than nothing.

I can still do spins and backrolls and kiteloops on it...

These videos are pretty old. Lou Wainman was on a two line kite.
It didn't seem to hold him back.

Any 07/08 kite is light years more advanced than what Lou was on.
Put 2 +2 together and figure out the the hype.

holy mother of god man

No sh.it

Here is a pic that Toast took of him a few months ago. Sorry, had part of my desktop in the screen capture.

Here is a better one. Toast took it and photoshopped it.

[Danimal8199]

thats sweets looking!

[Erick]

Originally Posted by Skyway Scott

Here is a better one. Toast took it and photoshopped it.

Are those 15 meter lines? Lou rocks!

[bryanleighty]

great posts scott!

always good to get the occasional reminder that even the fastest flying 2008 kite means little compared to skill. go grab any of those 2005 kiteboarding magazines and look at the kites these guys are flying..

this sport is still in its infancy..

seems like kite design stalled for a few years with the c-kite as many were trying to develop the best and safest C.. now the sle is about 2 years in and i suspect another couple years before any major changes.. seems now the trend is to get all the benefits of a sle with a C feel..

but to the topic of the post.. PLEASE take your lessons and demo some kites.. if you feel you must get a kite.. look for something in the 12 to 14 meter size.. something like a flexi, cab, SS, waroo, royal.. etc... all easy to launch and fly.. 2007 or newer.. I'd say to get something used and learn to get up and ride with it.. expect it to be crashed a lot..
demo all you can and you will ease into the kite brand of your choice based on what type of riding conditions you prefer.

good luck..