Interested in hearing from guys who can remember back to a time when they were getting started.
I think I have read way to many reviews, looked at way to many kites (For Sale).
Now my head is just spinning!!!!!
Just looking to purchase a kite that I can learn safely on!! Not whether I need this or that type of kite................
I just want to know what "BRAND and MODEL" You would recommend to a novice!!!
Hoping to get a bit of discusson going on this topic. God knows there are enough brands and models out there, deciding on one when you know nothing is almost impossible.
Cheers

in my experience
the difference isn't in the kite

the spot, the wind, the progression and a school may be (but not necessarily in my opinion)

you always have to know what you are doin' any way (no instinct)

the easyest kite is turning slow enough with smooth power release , easy relaunch , depowerable (not to much) intuitive safety , autozenith helps a lot.

Proper setting is fundamental (you need somebody to trim it for you and explain you how to do it)

No kites like that on the market (specific beginner)

Thanks Maddy
From what I have read, and youtubed, I almost know exactly what you are talking about. There is alot of new terminology that I am learning fast.
I am in the process of getting lessons. And both schools I have been to have their own opinion on what is the better kite.
I am tryin to buy second hand for my first kite. Reason being if I buy new, I reakon Ill only trash it.
Was just looking to see if there were any preferences of "Brand and Model" by anyone out there.
Fast progression is what I am after, hence the continual lessons.
Thank for the awesome advice
Regards

look at rrd obsession 09 or current took me from 0 to hirro in the surf .so the kite held up to the punnishing waves of the south coast

Select to expand quote

itsmineblue said...

Thanks Maddy
From what I have read, and youtubed, I almost know exactly what you are talking about. There is alot of new terminology that I am learning fast.
I am in the process of getting lessons. And both schools I have been to have their own opinion on what is the better kite.
I am tryin to buy second hand for my first kite. Reason being if I buy new, I reakon Ill only trash it.
Was just looking to see if there were any preferences of "Brand and Model" by anyone out there.
Fast progression is what I am after, hence the continual lessons.
Thank for the awesome advice
Regards

Airush DNA would have to be pretty much the standard for a learners kite.

I've seen people get different brands and suffer the consequences of taking a lot longer to get proficient, or giving up trying to kite altogether !!

North Rebel 08. Sweet kites for learning and progressing. Good power and almost 100% depower when you let go of the bar. 5th line safety. Bombproof so even a 2nd hand one would get you some good mileage out of it.

Expect to pay $500-$1000 depending on age/condition.

Just my 2c

I learnt on a Cab switchblade. Nice and stable, plenty of depower if needed, not to fast turning or twitchy. Had me up on a board on my first day

Finally I understand why 90% of noobs want to ride a Cabrinha kite, make a mistake get diffrent brand and itll take you 3 or 4 days to be up and riding and if you are really hopless as I was maybe even a week, so the choice is obvious

Select to expand quote

itsmineblue said...

Interested in hearing from guys who can remember back to a time when they were getting started.
I think I have read way to many reviews, looked at way to many kites (For Sale).
Now my head is just spinning!!!!!
Just looking to purchase a kite that I can learn safely on!! Not whether I need this or that type of kite................
I just want to know what "BRAND and MODEL" You would recommend to a novice!!!
Hoping to get a bit of discusson going on this topic. God knows there are enough brands and models out there, deciding on one when you know nothing is almost impossible.
Cheers

Just get lessons. You won't appreciate the differences in kites apart from relaunch until after you have got totally used of the kite you start on. So any kite is ok. any bow hibred or even c is fine for a beginner if its not too old (2 yearsish). c kites will have slightly less wind range for a beginner. Any more detail than this is really more detail than you need at this stage.

Agree with Smedg, however just be careful what second hand kite you chose. Most second hand kites will have some type of maintenance due in the near future. So you need to pay according to its condition.

I would stick to the major brands, open a Kiteboarder magazine and stick to what you see in that. That way your assured that parts and service is at hand when you need it.

Many kiteshops sell second hand gear. My suggestions is to buy from them, at least then if something goes wrong, they are available and willing to help service it. Hopefully they will point you in the right direction as well.

Lessons are key.

Usually a kite with good depower such as a sle (supported leading edge) or a 5th line kite. Also your first kite well usually get slamed and nocked around so maybe buying a good condition second hand kite no older than 07. I learnt on a 07 liquid force havoc halfway threw last year which i bought virtuley brand new second hand steal in its plastic for $600

I started with a Airush Flow SLE 2007 model, i brought it in 2008 for $650 brand new from a shop in Ozzy park (Perth), Awesome kite to learn on, it had smooth power delivery and wickedly easy relaunch. it was built really well to with a quality bar and safety mechs..
i have a Naish Cult 2008 now as well and i still go back to the Flow often, the cult i find a little harder on relaunch (im still learning).
i also started out with a Pro-limit seat harness and upgraded to a flying objects Flight Control waist harness, it blew me away at the difference, this waist harness sits well and stays exactly where you put it on, at the end of the day i almost forget its on at all.. one brilliant bit of kit

As i said im still learning and this is just my experience so far..

Have you had lessons. If so have you asked your instructor what he/she thinks would be best for you. If you have had lessons what kite have you been using. Anyone who is starting out new that is having lessons wont have to ask this question here because the outfit they are having there lessons with will be able to give them all the advice they need.