Looking to buy my second kite and looking at a 9 metre. Currently been riding a 12 metre Cabrinha Convert and this is the only kite I have ridden. What would be a good make/model for a second hand kite? Ive been kiting for a little while now at the stage where im just starting to learn to jump etc. Should i stick with what im used to or go with something else?? is there much difference between different styles of kites?

I weight 80-82 kgs

I weigh around 85-90 kgs and really like the North Rebel's. They seem to do most things really well, plus I like the 5th line safety, especially in really strong winds. Here's a local review of the latest Rebel, and I now have three different sizes, including the 9m.

www.southcentralkiteboarders.com/North_Rebel_2010.html

Grab yourself a 9 or 10m f-one DOS- they're going for around $1000 now and you won't be disappointed

Stick with the same if you can....... it means your bars will be interchangable ( if required good if you are on holiday or travelling ) and you will fly it using the same or very similar style as your current kite.........

that being said you will become a better kiter by being proficient with different styles of kite.

if you want to be comfortable and confident stick with the same style ......
if you feel like challenge and a bit of variation ....experiment.

Hmmm interesting point there, tried searching around for a second hand 9 metre switchblade but can only seem to find 10s or 8s. Would there be much difference between a 9 and 10 in regards to what conditions I could take it out in?

If you have a 12m cab and weigh 80kgs then a 8m would be the best option for a small kite.

I have to agree with Harry Potter, If you stick to the same style of kite it is a lot easyer and in some cases safer as the safetys are the same and if the **** hits the fan it is more instinct that you can release them quickly.

With regards to different style of kites there is a lot of diferance between kites like the North rebal, Cab SB, Fone bandit. etc. At the intermediate level you wont realy find to much advantage from the different styles but as you progress it does become a little more important to have the gear that works best for you in the style you are progressing in. If you know what slyle of rider and how hard you want ot push yourself in the future then it will be easyer to give some advice on different kites that may suit your needs.

I will have to disagree with Kloph, the 9/10m dos wouldnt be a good second kite, I think you would find there would be way to much overlap in the windrange the 8m in the Dos range would be fine or the 9m in the B3. The original 7.5m bandit would allso be a great small kite at an afordable price.

Definatly get out there and try as many different styles of kite as you can find, deltas, bows, hybrids, bridled c kites and see what you like the most.

Cheers for that, what would be the approximate wind range for an 82kg rider on an 8 metre switchblade?? Maybe that could be my best option for now.

you could probly use a 7m switchblade as they are very powerful kites and can start using it at the same time as a 8m depending on skill level

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bomberclark said...

Cheers for that, what would be the approximate wind range for an 82kg rider on an 8 metre switchblade?? Maybe that could be my best option for now.

It will vary for every rider, but generaly i see people riding there 8m SB's in around 18-30kts comfortably depending on what size and type of board you are riding and how much power you like to ride with. With a 12/8m quiver when you dont feel comfortable taking the 12 the 8m will be in its sweet zone.

My best mate rides an 8m switchy and can get going on a 132 board in bout 16 knots and can hold it down to bout 35 knots, from there it gets pretty full on... Just my two cents...

Cheers Waxman think you may have helped me to my decision. Was really looking for a second kite that I can use in 22+ knots so from what your saying I reckon the 8m might be my best bet. Ive ridden the 12 on around 25 but was pulling like a bitch and wasnt that enjoyable. Thnks for the advice.

Oh and he is bout 82kg...

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bomberclark said...

Cheers Waxman think you may have helped me to my decision. Was really looking for a second kite that I can use in 22+ knots so from what your saying I reckon the 8m might be my best bet. Ive ridden the 12 on around 25 but was pulling like a bitch and wasnt that enjoyable. Thnks for the advice.

The end of the kiteboarding season is coming up quickly, so either get on it quick or wait a month or two and cash in on the second hand gear coming on to the market or new kite discount from leading kite shops.

WTF is this "end of season" that everyone talks about, what do you guys do,... hibernate ?????

Uncle ChopChop has some advice....

^^^^mmmmm i wonder if has ever tasted altona water?