Hi. 88kg new kiter. just started dragging. expect to improve pretty fast. i am lost in the technology of kites. what is a good all round kite for me to buy, including ease of set up? Redlands qld area. thanks
Hi Johny, consider a 12 meter bow profile as there's plenty of second hand crossbows about at the moment, most kite manufacturers are heading in that general direction so best to get you feet wet with the traits of one as opposed to a dirt cheap c kite, you might be able to afford two c kites or even three if they are really old to the price of a last season bow kite but wind range of a bow would cover at least two c kites in most cases. ... Hybrids, flats all the same for a beginner no mater what spin people put on it just some slight subtleties in characteristics with bars.
(understandable why your asking about kite choice due to all the bullsh!t one has to sift through)
I say bows also because not many other manufacturers got into the bow (flat,hybrid) business until this year and seem people that could afford premium priced kites like cabrinha last year can afford upgraded to the improved second generation kites this year. I learnt last year on a 9 meter switchblade bow great kite and if you find one of those second hand grab it for sure, very stable profile with 95 percent depower you cant go wrong with it , no problems with inversions and the bar pressure will be your friend. Size will depend on what typical day wind speeds your going to have at your location... 12 is suitable for your size from 14 knots up to probably 2o then onto 25 once you get skill level up, if its normally18 knots to the higher skilled 30 knots go for a 9 meter. And get a directional board around 140 to 150cm dude bigger than that and once you get on it and planning you will be wishing you had a smaller one to progress further (least from my experience). Not sure what you mean by ease of setup as most kites from last season are idiot proof with regards to line setup as the lines are color coded with different knots for inside and outside lines. Just keep in mind people recommending their kite (which so happens to be on sale) to you as opposed to people recommending a kite.
best of luck dude in 12 months time you will be able to talk out your ass like i can .. 
Hey
I agree with CWAMIT!
When I got my gear last year, I was confused as ****(as to what to get).
I ended up getting a very stable Peter Lynn kite but now that I'm a bit better...I'll be looking for something a bit more potent for turns etc...
I'd say get a stable kite, 'cause when yer learnin the last thing ya want is your friggin kite in the drink every 5 minutes!
Get a largish board...helps with getting up!
Get lessons and join the revolution baby!
Oh and get a leash for ya board...so it can attach to yer harness.
Some people may like body dragging to retrieve their board....but I,for one, do not!
if you wear a leash, get a gath helmet and some body armour cause the board WILL hit you hard. i reckon you're better off to learn to drag up to your board before anything else, you will need to learn to do it anyway at some stage
i have a 9m cabrinha switchblade for sale if you are interested.
see listing here www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22109
for more info or pics email me at keahideaboitiz@hotmail.com
I recommend everything people have already posted. You're going to like most of all the flat kites. You would get a 12m kite and Id say dont get a smaller board then 132cm
12,13 or 14m waroo should see you out in most winds.
Come up to Brighton and see what 8 out of 10 people are riding.
