Rider: 81-83kg (losing weight and will end up 76-78kgs, Level (absolute beginner)
Style: 1 - Surf, 2 - Freeriding, 3 Freestyle (maybe)
Weather: ?-? knots
Build Quality: ?/10
Satisfaction: ?/10
Disclosure: N/A

Hello, first post here and obviously new to the forum. Been reading in stealth mode :)

I'm very new to this sport after wanting to try it for a long, long time. I've finally managed to get myself lessons and as thought, completely addicted to it.

I'm based in Perth and would like some tips of the first kite to get. The budget only allows for 1 kite at this stage so I'm looking for tips on what to get.

There are so many brands/models but I've "narrowed" it down to the following:
- BWS Noise Pro
- North Rebel
- Cabrinha Vector/Swtichblade
- Air Rush DNA/Lithium

I'd also consider, after reading these forums - Best Kahoona and the Slingshot RPM.

I've been to most of the shops in Perth/Rockingham and keep getting slightly different info on the size of kite.

I currently have access to 128cm Cabrinha Custom and a 139 Prodigy boards; which I will be using in the near term.

Basically, I'd like to know what size to get in any of the brands. The final decision will come down to price as the kites listed above seem to be somewhat similar. That is, as a beginner, I won't be able to notice the difference in performance. A kite, is a kite - at least at my current level :) Am I right in saying that certain brands are better for a given rider at a given level?

One other thing is that I would like to pick up a second kite relatively soon after and I am not fussed on changing brands at that stage.

I would also consider secondhand post 2011 kites as there seems to be a few decent kites on the Buy & Sell sections/Gumtree.

Lastly, I've found the Indo Kiteboarding (http://www.indokiteboarding.com/) site and they seem to have very cheap new kites on there. Anyone bought anything from them? If so, what was your experience? Did the kite arrive as advertised with no postage issues? What's their after sales service like?

@mods, if this is in the wrong thread, please move. I thought it was the most appropriate as the Newbies thread only has tips.

Thanks all.

pretty sure indo kiteboarding is a scam.

kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2375378&p=746909

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lou32 said..

pretty sure indo kiteboarding is a scam.

kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2375378&p=746909

Lols. I am a n00b. I should have checked for scam first. Prices were, as they say, too good to be true.

Thanks

The list looks a good one. The BWS pro is a really specialised wave kite and the power delivery will not be as 'obvious'. While it is a very good wave kite I'd take that off your list to be honest right now. All the others would be a great start. The lithuim does prefer a heavier rider as your top end at your prospective weight will be curtailed as at 76kg you will find it harder to push it to the edge of the window. But that being said it is a very very stable platform with obvious power generation and very smooth.

Personally I'd add a wainmen smoke and a 2013 ozone catalyst to that list. Very stable platforms and after a while depending on your progression, you will be able to move into the freestyle parts of the sport you said you may like to. These are two great kites for that.

Then it comes down to what you can get for your budget, year and usage wise.

While others might disagree I would really recommend you see a notable retailer and work with them. They can advise, fix any issues that might arise with a second hand kite and you can then start developing a relationship with them for the long term. Even now I'm still tapping into these guys heads for information and advice.

Size wise, will let others comment. Size is also dependant on what kite you actually choose.

I looked at that Indo Kiteboarding and it definately looks like a scam.

Although on first appearance it looks legit the give away is payment method...We currently accept payment through Telegram Transfer T/T / Wire Transfer for International customers. Even though it has a PayPal logo its not an available payment method... BA - BOW.

I've only ever had North Kites.. Evos and Fuses, so the only comparison I could give is between the two. It seems to me the Evo flys slower and more predictably than the Fuse. This worked well for me when starting out but as my skills improved I got Fuses.... which seem to be marketed as a'high performance freeride'. The Fuses fly a lot more forward in the wind window allowing easier upwind gains, and they respond and fly faster.

You list North Rebel as an option which I have never flown but it seems to be a highly regarded kite especially within the North range. Rebel is a 5 line kite and Fuse was originally a 4 line version of the Rebel. 4 line and 5 line kites both have pros and cons related to saftey, rigging simplicity and tangling potential.

Thanks both to your replies.

@ Eppo, I would like to get to wave riding when confidence and skill level allow. This is the reason, I listed the BWS Noise Pro. From early reviews, it looks like there is a big jump from 2013 and earlier to the new 2014 model. I'll review the Wainman smoke and Ozone Catalyst. I hadn't considered those brands as there were so many out there. Good tip about building a relationship with a local retailer though. The ones I went to had plenty of tips. It was just the sizing that confused me.

@snalberski, I'm not fussed about 4/5 line. My only concerns is the potential risk of ripping the kit in the surf. I understand that this is very rare but it is still a risk. Having said that, I may have a second kite by the time I'm ready to tackle the surf so it could be a moot point.

Is it wrong to pick a kite by colour? I really like the red/black of the BWS. Hate the North colours though 2011 North Rebel (black) looks awesome. THe rest are a ok. The only other kite I liked the look of were the RRD Addictions/Obsessions but these are not for beginners. The colour thing would be a small after thought when I'm out, but in review video/photos and thinking about my kite when not in use, will feel like crap. Essentially, I'll be spending north of $1500 for something that I may not like the look of. At the end of the day, I'll get over it if I get one with a crappy colour.

hiya flyty

that sites definitely a scam , but you can see how people get caught out its looks very professional and legit. i've just been reading some online reviews what a nightmare.

As for good trainer kite the north Evo would suit you it's got medium power ,stable , water relaunch is a easy as, has loads of progression from learning through to free style , wave riding , free ride . it doesn't do everything brilliantly but it a good all rounder. i have 2013 evos in 10 m and a 7 m that covers most of Perths conditions.

all the best Daz

Yeh the evo would also be a great option mate. Does a bit of everything, great build and a really stable platform.

Sure you want to get into wave riding which is cool, but initially you want a kite with obvious power, a bit of obvious grunt that gets you planning easily. All those all rounders will take you well beyond in the waves before you take the straps off and get serious.

The BWs pro is a really good kite, but it needs to be worked, you need to be able to fly a kite well to get the most out of it. It is quick and nimble but is on and off in power delivery so you can kill the power, drift down the line then crank it on when you want. Plus if you want to get into some freestyle as well down the track then this neither kites are really suitable.

I rate the BWs pro up there With the REO, but you are not at all ready for that.

Don't get me wrong on could get that kite and eventually be fine, but starting out something like an evo, smoke, lithuim, catalyst etc would be better.

10m would be fine at 76 to start and something like the evo has a really good bottom end so you can get out in lighter winds to learn which is always recommended.

Also great you have lessons but make sure you also hook up with a local kiter to mentor you a bit early on and look out for you.

Another one to consider is a 2013 Airush wave, will give you that wave ability, some freestyle unhooking ability and is very easy to jump.

I'd say the dice to, but first gen, no second hand ones out there and they are bloody pricey.

Hi Flyty
Welcome to Seabreeze.
BTW the cab Custom is so the wrong board for you, and way too small.
I also agree with eppo on this, but there are way better kites than the BWS to learn on.
Where will you be kiting?
Regards
Juice Rider

Ozone catalyst possibly reo both would give you free ride and wave in future. Boards , a 132 and 140 will cover you. A 12 and 9 for current weight would cover you from12/28 knots add smaller kite later as you gain experience. Buying local gives you advantages in service , warranty , advice and deals in future. Demos are available for above from Jason westoz boardsports. He also has crazyfly and blade kites and 2nd hand which you could consider, stay safe happy kiting

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dazzamuffin said..

hiya flyty

that sites definitely a scam , but you can see how people get caught out its looks very professional and legit. i've just been reading some online reviews what a nightmare.

As for good trainer kite the north Evo would suit you it's got medium power ,stable , water relaunch is a easy as, has loads of progression from learning through to free style , wave riding , free ride . it doesn't do everything brilliantly but it a good all rounder. i have 2013 evos in 10 m and a 7 m that covers most of Perths conditions.

all the best Daz

The EVOs look great and will definitely put this in the consideration set.

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eppo said..

Yeh the evo would also be a great option mate. Does a bit of everything, great build and a really stable platform.

Also great you have lessons but make sure you also hook up with a local kiter to mentor you a bit early on and look out for you.

Great tip!

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juicerider said..

Hi Flyty
Welcome to Seabreeze.
BTW the cab Custom is so the wrong board for you, and way too small.
I also agree with eppo on this, but there are way better kites than the BWS to learn on.
Where will you be kiting?
Regards
Juice Rider

Applecross Melville, Point Walter, City Beach, Scarborough and Safety Bay. I'm willing to drive if time and wind permits. Happy to take other suggestions too.

Re. 128 custom board, it was given to me so I might sell it and get a bigger one

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rcr46401 said..

Ozone catalyst possibly reo both would give you free ride and wave in future. Boards , a 132 and 140 will cover you. A 12 and 9 for current weight would cover you from12/28 knots add smaller kite later as you gain experience. Buying local gives you advantages in service , warranty , advice and deals in future. Demos are available for above from Jason westoz boardsports. He also has crazyfly and blade kites and 2nd hand which you could consider, stay safe happy kiting

Thanks. Been to WASurf but didn't realise Westoz was around the corner. I'll drop by next weekend and check them out.

Lastly, I got a PM about EPIC kites too. Anyone got any thoughts on these kites?

I realise the rules about spamming but I'm open to a good sales pitch via PM :)

Again, thanks all for your awesome input.

Yep the renegade is worth checking out. There is a new 4g running around. Another is the blade trigger although they went fairly high aspect in 2013. I have a 2014 in the shed right now, Jason has asked for some feedback (not a review don't panic guys!!), but I'm waiting for some decent wind and swell although right now this proposed south Easter down here has turned gloriously south.

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eppo said..

Yep the renegade is worth checking out. There is a new 4g running around. I have a 2014 in the shed right now, Jason has asked for some feedback (not a review don't panic guys!!), but I'm waiting for some decent wind and swell although right now this proposed south Easter down here has turned gloriously south.

Look forward to your thoughts on this as I think the colours look awesome.

Someone mentioned in another thread that North needs to review their colours and use the Epics as a bit of inspiration lols.

Every time I look in the sky I cringe. But hey some crew love them. They do stand out that's for sure. But its the wing that counts, not the colours, unless you are a metrosexual wannabe. Wing is all that matters. Lucky I don't look at my kites very often nowadays...lol

Yeh go and see a good retailer as mentioned here and they will sort you. As you said you only want one kite but as said above two would be ideal. ...and safer.

You forgot the Cabrinha drifter. Definitely up there with the best of the pure wave kites and VERY easy to learn on (haven't flown a BWS to comment)
-If price is an issue there is a heap of last years models going cheap, and secondhand ones available.
-They still boost/are a goodish freeride kite.
-Their sizing is a bit limited so get an 11 first then an 8 or if you are definite that you want to purely do strapless surfboard riding get a 9-7 combo
-use the buy and sell on this site!!
I don't personally own a drfiter but I'm 78kg and run an 11-8 combo with a 134cm twin tip and a 6foot strapless surfboard (also my paddleboard)
oh and as others have highlighted that 128cm cab custom is a waste of time unless you're like 4 foot tall.

Good Luck

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Eaglelad said..

You forgot the Cabrinha drifter. Definitely up there with the best of the pure wave kites and VERY easy to learn on (haven't flown a BWS to comment)
-If price is an issue there is a heap of last years models going cheap, and secondhand ones available.
-They still boost/are a goodish freeride kite.
-Their sizing is a bit limited so get an 11 first then an 8 or if you are definite that you want to purely do strapless surfboard riding get a 9-7 combo
-use the buy and sell on this site!!
I don't personally own a drfiter but I'm 78kg and run an 11-8 combo with a 134cm twin tip and a 6foot strapless surfboard (also my paddleboard)
oh and as others have highlighted that 128cm cab custom is a waste of time unless you're like 4 foot tall.

Good Luck

Ok, I'll be selling/get rid of the Custom 128. I still have a 138 Prodigy to use.

I'll talk to the shops and see what they say about my potential quiver. I will eventually get 2 but not both at once.

Looks like a 10m or 11m for the first kite is the way to go. Followed by 7m or 8m.

Btw, I learnt on a Drifter 9m and thought it was pretty good.

Btw, what about the 2013 Gaastra Jekyll 10.5m?

I'd love to get people's opinion on this kite. There's some that have a pretty decent price.

It is not a low aspect kite. If you want to consider Gaastra, look for the Hatch. The 2013 (and older) Hatch is their freeride kite. If you can get a good deal on an Ozone Catalyst 10m, go for it.

What do people think of the slingshot rally 8m (2011) for a beginner in perth. I weigh about 70kg

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flyty said..

lou32 said..

pretty sure indo kiteboarding is a scam.

kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2375378&p=746909

Lols. I am a n00b. I should have checked for scam first. Prices were, as they say, too good to be true.

Thanks

some great deals around if you look hard enough,
2012 rally
2012 v4 kahoona
2012 ocean rodeo
2012 liq force envy
liquid force drive or edge board all brand new complete for around $1,300 give or take a few dollars, also dont be scared off a used kite, gero surf and sail has a stack in his shop, ive just picked up a north fuse for a local, hardly used complete for $ 600, from kim

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flyty said..

Hate the North colours though 2011

I agree, the North kites have looked as Gay as a bag of butterflies, I do however think this years are the best they have done, still Gay, but now is hot lesbian girl on girl action. (.Y.) (.Y.)

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cauncy said..
some great deals around if you look hard enough,
2012 rally
2012 v4 kahoona
2012 ocean rodeo
2012 liq force envy
liquid force drive or edge board all brand new complete for around $1,300 give or take a few dollars, also dont be scared off a used kite, gero surf and sail has a stack in his shop, ive just picked up a north fuse for a local, hardly used complete for $ 600, from kim

North Fuse for $600 is pretty good. I tried to what else they have but they don't have a site.

Also looking seriously at these for good deals:

2012 v4 kahoona 9.5
2012 ocean rodeo rise 10
2012 cabrinha vector 11

And these if I go for 2014 setups
North Evo/Rebel 10
Epic Renegade v4 10
Air Rush Lithium 10

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juicerider said..

flyty said..

Hate the North colours though 2011

I agree, the North kites have looked as Gay as a bag of butterflies, I do however think this years are the best they have done, still Gay, but now is hot lesbian girl on girl action. (.Y.) (.Y.)

lols

Give kim a call then

0437 231 000

I'm sure he has a website?

Anyhow good luck, it seems you have a plethora of kites, styles and feel on your list....

Flyty! I just finished lessons my self , I then bought a second hand 12 meter 2010 cabrinha switchblade , and I couldn't be happier , it's got plenty of adjustment for various wind strength so you can increase your power levels gradually as you improve , and it is a nice stable predictable kite . I did my lessons on a rebel 10 meter and I couldn't keep the damned thing in the air . But the cabrinha is fantastic ! That's my pick for a first kite!:)

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Efilnikufesin said..

Flyty! I just finished lessons my self , I then bought a second hand 12 meter 2010 cabrinha switchblade , and I couldn't be happier , it's got plenty of adjustment for various wind strength so you can increase your power levels gradually as you improve , and it is a nice stable predictable kite . I did my lessons on a rebel 10 meter and I couldn't keep the damned thing in the air . But the cabrinha is fantastic ! That's my pick for a first kite!:)

Cheers mate. I learnt on a Drifter 9m and had no issues relaunching/keeping the kite in the air.

I've been trying out my mate's 2012 Vector and that is even easier to keep in the air. I haven't tried any other brands so I wanted to make sure I got to try other brands before buying.

I'm going to turn up to a couple of demo days and see the kites in action.

Where do you go kiting?

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eppo said..

Give kim a call then

0437 231 000

I'm sure he has a website?

Anyhow good luck, it seems you have a plethora of kites, styles and feel on your list....

Thanks for the number and the tips.

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flyty said..

Efilnikufesin said..

Flyty! I just finished lessons my self , I then bought a second hand 12 meter 2010 cabrinha switchblade , and I couldn't be happier , it's got plenty of adjustment for various wind strength so you can increase your power levels gradually as you improve , and it is a nice stable predictable kite . I did my lessons on a rebel 10 meter and I couldn't keep the damned thing in the air . But the cabrinha is fantastic ! That's my pick for a first kite!:)

Cheers mate. I learnt on a Drifter 9m and had no issues relaunching/keeping the kite in the air.

I've been trying out my mate's 2012 Vector and that is even easier to keep in the air. I haven't tried any other brands so I wanted to make sure I got to try other brands before buying.

I'm going to turn up to a couple of demo days and see the kites in action.

Where do you go kiting?

eppo said..

Give kim a call then

0437 231 000

I'm sure he has a website?

Anyhow good luck, it seems you have a plethora of kites, styles and feel on your list....

Thanks for the number and the tips.

i am on the east coast north queensland , no surf up here

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crabbit said...
What do people think of the slingshot rally 8m (2011) for a beginner in perth. I weigh about 70kg

Rallys are a good kite to learn on. An 8m will prob be a touch small as a single kite for Perth, although it's fine in a decent seabreeze you'll be underpowered a lot of the time. I'd go a 9m.