Kite for Newbie

[MikE mAy]

ok. i'm totally going to be that "new kid" that asks all the dumb questions. i thought i had a grip on the technology behind kiting, but after talking to kenny last night i think i need to approach kiting from a different angle. after flying my 12M V4 4 times and watching a similar size wipika fly, i think i need to use a different kite while i'm learning. after looking at ikitesurf.com, and from what i can afford i think i want to find a decent oldish kite rather than invest quite yet in a new bow style that will undoubedly get thrashed. the V4 just needs too much wind and mastery to stay in the sky for my still green technique. i'm figuring that if i get a bigger kite with a bigger aspect, i will learn quicker because the kite will be a little more reliable and require less flying technique, and i can tweak my skills as i progress.

so, i've come up with a list of kites that i potentially might look into buying. i'd like something a little more mid to low aspect (have i got the terms correct) than my V4 and much bigger 16-20M. i've tried finding info on each, but it's confusing me becuase it's mostly store driven. so, i thought i'd ask the locals.... please comment on what you think might better suit the area and my flying skills. i'd greatly appreciate it. and, if anybody has anything they think might help me more, i'd appreciate the kick down. kenny has already helped me out alot with a decent board for a generous price.

05 Cabrinha CO2
04 Boxer II Naish
04 Best Nemisis
04 Slingshot Fuel
04 Best Yarga
04 Wipika Amp
04 Gaastra Stealth

[Kenny]

Hey Mike,

I think you are on the right track. You did not list the size of kite you are looking to purchase. I suggest something in the 15 - 16M size.

Next, I would take the Best Nemi off your list because it is a higher aspect ratio kite.

I have always been impressed with the SS Fuels. I think the 04 15M Fuel is a good kite. However, Jon Manwaring can confirm for sure.

I had an 04 Gaastra Stealth in a 16M. Sorry, I sold it a few months ago. It is a good solid kite and a good bet for you. I know that you can add a pigtail so that it will work with your Naish Shift bar without any additonal sewing. The 04 Best Yarga should work as well.

I have never flown the Cabrinha C02, the Boxer II, or the Wipi Amp. So, I cannot speak to their performance. You are wise to buy kite that is newer than 2003 and a mid aspect kite is a good bet. I recall that the Boxer II and C02 may be low aspect ratio kites, if that is the case, don't buy one. Low aspect ratio kites relaunch great, but don't do so well in the gusts.

If buying from out of state, ask for photos of the actual kite and ask if the kite has ever been repaired. Pay via PayPal, so that you have some method of going after the seller if they decide not to ship your kite.

Hope that helps,

Kenny

[MikE mAy]

thanks so much kenny. you've been a great help. yea, these are all 16-19M kites, all for $250. i'll definitely get pictures and all that. i just hesistate to buy a new bow/hybred right now, becuase as you witnessed on thursday i'll probably trash it quickly while i'm still learning. i'm just trying to cut my losses for learning this year.

thanks for the imput. i'm sure i'll see you out there again soon. coem winter time, it's on like donkey kong....

[whit]

I've flown both the SS Fuels and Naish Boxers. Both of these would be good learning kites. I know the Boxer was definitely designed for the intermediate rider and relaunches pretty easily. It can also handle heavy Maui wind gusts just fine.
The SS Fuel is a little higher aspect than the Boxer, but overall a great kite and relauches pretty well also.
FYI Whit