Hi, new to the sport just after a little info. which is a better kite 2006 crossbow, or is it worth a little more money for a 2007 switchblade? thanks

whatever brand you get, you will trash your first kite, so don't buy new unless you can afford to throw money away.

Thanks, have just been looking at a few second hand

Stamp is right of course.
But if money is not an object and you want a answer the SB is better that the CB hands down in the same year,therefore sw3 over cb2 is most definately better kite although I haven't flown the sw3 I have owned both the sb2 and cb2 and I think the sb is better.

Hi Picker,
It is ok to get a new kite and it is very likely that you wont ever damage the kite even with a couple hard slams to the water. To minimize the hard slams in the beginning really focus on the flying of the kite. Also the saying is... if in doubt sheet out... this will help depower the kite if you accidentley make a mistake and reduce the hard impact to the water. Another recommendation is too ensure you have had lessons. Only 1 of about 25 kiters i know have damaged their kite as a beginner... that one person refused to take a lesson which might have been a sign.
Buying a used kite is an option to save some $$$ but definatley make sure you do a full review of the kite and the rider profile.. ie a hard core kiter who pushes the level may be just as likely work a kite harder than a beginner would or could.
This all being said my prefer would be to go with the Switch over the Xbow. My favorite sizes were the smaller where the 8, 10, 12. The SB3s are out now and are refined slightly. The SB2 kite flew awesome but they tweaked it in the following ways..
- less bridle wear from leading edge pulley
- kite turns a tad faster, which is supposed to produce a tad more low end.
- kite is built more durable (wasnt a factor on my end but, wont say no to having a more durable kite)

a fan of new toys!!

hi picker
i got a new crossbow in 2006, that was my first kitesurfing kite, i still fly it today and man i have put it through the lot. Twice. Everything i was told not to do from my lessons back then I have managed to do. twice. What ever you end up with you will love and it will more than likely stand up to what you dish out. And if it does break you will rush and get it fixed as a priority over everything else.Because that is what happens when you start you just can'nt stop

well we can only answer from our experiences so....
So far i have had crossbows..a new one each year in fact i was at the kshop when the first bows arrived..it was very exciting!!!!!!!
mate the crossbow2 (assume thats what you mean) was unreal it seemed to fix all the issues the first bow had...

i jumped on the switch blade three last week and it was very different to the cb2
heaps and heaps less bar pressure
even more user friendly however..you will tend to oversheet it so talk to the experienced kiters at your beach about the "sweet spot" some would say even better than the "gspot"

Mate this is a really easy kite to fly. its worth the extras dollars
i am loading the card for it soon..mainly because am over sore joints in hands and elbos

I also am so over 2nd hand kites... no offence intended guys it just my opinion ok

i reakon ya buy a new one ride it for a year trade it to next years model normally the change over is around 700-1000 bucks. You gear will not break; it will work well; have no slow leaks;good lines; great support from the shop(never to be underestimated) you know this will really help your journey.

You will hate yourself for tring to save 500 and the kite you get splits on the first hit or has a slow leak and inverts on you in the middle of the bloody bay or the lines break....mate have seen that so many times....
get the new gear and all the support and help that often comes with it
have fun
i am going to that kite safety course, been riding for years but i reakon it will be fun maybe i will see you there..hint hint

Thank you all for your help i really do appreciate it... YES i have had lessons; found the best at Kiteworks in newcastle, got a trainer kite for a week and made a massive difference... all said its time to bite the bullet and get some gear, cant wait have been spending hours on the computer looking & pretending to do real work.. thanks again

07 is the go had both cant bet it

Pickers what are you talking about, doing real work? You and I both know thats not true. now get back to wasting time on the internet!

hi
started kiting last seson and brought a 06 x bow. i still ride it today together white my hypertype. the x bow is a very good beginer kite it's easy to flie, and easy to control on the beach when your walking something you will probably do lots of in the beginning.
the difference be twine 06-07 kite is marginal except the one pump which is grate. but putting some extra money into a newer kite might be worth it in the long rune when you get better and demand more from you kite. and buying a 06 model you might have to replace some worn parts like the lines which is quite expensive

hay mr e you try the swicthblade three yet? is very diferent but no bar pressure and and upwind machine. Worth a test fly

i'm actually considering upgrading to a generation 3.