Im in my 2nd season kitsurfing in Perth. Im over my liquid force spectrum kites - getting a bit old now, hard to relaunch, not very responsive.

I want a new kite/s. I tried a Royal Era 08 and it goes good - feels much more responsive, lighter and safer than my heavy, warped old things.

I like the feel of a hybrid over my C-Kites. Can anyone recommend a good kite for someone still learning?? Budget up to $1200 per kite....

Really depends what your after but if you can give a bit more info then i'm sure others will come up with more suggestions.

Bar pressure- Heavy/medium/light?
Turning speed- loop machine/quick/slow?
Depower- minimal, enough for intermediate riders, noob?
Relaunch and rigging- 5-line or 4-line?
Boosting- bow style float or c-style rip?
Style- wake/freestyle/big boosting/NFI?

My suggestions: (mostly based on what's popular on the east coast and what i've enjoyed riding)
'07/'08 Ozone Edge I/II
'08 North Vegas
'08 Naish Alliance

The Alliance's are showing up for ~$900-1100 in good condition. The '08 Vegas's are on clearance at the moment as the '09 is about to arrive so they're going for ~$1200-1300, and the Ozone Edge I ('07) goes for ~$600-800, and the Edge II goes for ~$800-1000.

hi gus1983
what wind range do you prefer to kite in? It will have a lot to do with choice of kite. With the hybrids you will likely get away with only 1 or maybe 2 kites if you like the whole wind range to be covered. Heaps of good options on the market, but you do get what you pay for with hybrids. The latest technology cost more but it is worth it. Second hand you can get kites from $850 New 08 kites from $1250.00. A kite that would probably cover from 12-25 knots would be the 08 Rev 11mtr. There are still a few brand new around.
Have Fun
George

I'm in a similar situation- 2nd season in WA, learning to boost, 15-25knots, 70kgs currently using a 9m Slingshot T2 but looking for something for those 12-18knot days and maybe a little faster but still very forgiving.
My shortlist and queries are:
Slingshot T3 (kinda want to try something different but they are good value. Will a 12m be too unresponsive and slow- backstalling has been an issue with my 9m)
Rev2 13m (do the new power settings for the bridle really bring this kite down to Turbo levels of predictability and behaviour?)
RRD Passion 13 (very little information out there but sounds good. How would it compare to the Rev2?)
Airrush Flow 12 (some say relaunch isn't great?)
North Rebel 09 12m (is 5 line a hassle?)
North Evo 08 12m (is not one pump a hassle?, How does it compare to the Rebel?

All feedback welcome!

One more Kite I am considering is the Naish Cult. I'd love a comparison with the Slingshots if anyone can compare? Ive heard the Naish kites turn fast even if depowered- is this a good thing or likely to lead to trouble? (I do like the way the T2 just sits there waiting for you if you've had a spill- would the Cult do this?)

Do yourself a favour and try a 13 rev. You should get some change from $1200 if you buy 2nd hand.

I tried the 12m 09' Rebel on the weekend in 20-25+knts and loved it. It felt just like my rev. Nice and smooth. No on/off feeling, similar top end, turning speed, bar pressure and jumps bloody excellent. I felt right at home.

depends if you prefer to untangle 4 or 5 lines / or doing some occasional pulley maintenance