New Kite recommendations?

[Sonny]

Judge for yourself on what kite to get, there are too many people pimping kites for their financial gain. I personally have nothing to gain from any kite you might purchase because I currently have no affiliation with any kite brand. Feel free to email me with any questions about new or used kites.

[ehud]

Hi Joey

It is great to hear that you're getting better. As a new kiter, the best re-launch kite on the market is the Naish Zigma series - Cult or Helix. If you'd like to try the 09 model, let me know.

eddie 808-557-9083

[michael]

If you plan to buy just one kite, it is better to select one with the widest wind range.

In low winds the board is more important than the kite. Wider and longer board is good for low winds and for beginners as well.

In high winds your kite should have good upper range. I fly 2008 Nemesis HP 12m, and don't get overpowered up to 28mph. At 3rd Ave I flew it about 95% this season. If I am overpowered on it, I can't go to anything bigger than 7m.

In general high winds are not a good idea for a beginner, even with a small kite. So I would concentrate on light to medium winds, i.e. on a large kite (11m-13m) with the widest wind range (especially the bottom end) and with the easiest relaunching.

Also it might be a good idea to check out Ocean Rodeo kites for their 1-year warranty.

[EvanOR]

G-man,

I agree with what Michael says. Aside from the obvious things like easy relaunch, huge wind range, safety, performance, construction/warranty, local customer support etc you should start by picking the size that will be your go-to kite. As you advance and are capable of safely riding in conditions that necessitate the need for a high wind kite, you can add that in to your quiver.

A 12m is a lot of kite for somebody your size (especially if you are a beginner) and it will be end up being more kite than you need more often than not. A great new-school kite has a lot of power for its size. If you are considering the Ocean Rodeo Rise as an option you should get a 10m. The 10m Rise is the the bread and butter freeride size for the Bay unless your a lightweight like me (8M) or 200lbs+ (12m).

Myself and the http://www.windydevil.com Crew will be at Crissy most nights this week if you'd like to stop by and check out the Rise. We have both 08 and 09 versions on hand.

[Sonny]

G-man, one other thing, some of the people who are giving you advice on this forum does not seem to know much about 3rd, where you are planning to learn. Small kite is not going to work at 3rd this time of the year unless you get a large surf board.

[EvanOR]

Sonny,

I'm not sure if you are referring to my post (sorry, but your comments seem to be somewhat ambiguous). In your opinion, what wind range should G-man be selecting a kite for? I don't think I've erred in my recommendation, but I know that you are much more familiar with 3rd than most so your advice is likely of great help to G-man. Thanks. :)

[Sonny]

Sonny,

I'm not sure if you are referring to my post (sorry, but your comments seem to be somewhat ambiguous). In your opinion, what wind range should G-man be selecting a kite for? I don't think I've erred in my recommendation, but I know that you are much more familiar with 3rd than most so your advice is likely of great help to G-man. Thanks. :)

No, I'm not talking about your post specifically but lot of the posts. If you see my recommendation in the earlier post, I recommended size of 10m switch blade, 11m Rev, 11m Waroo(new kites). The size depends on the kite brand becuase not all sizes for different brand are equal. For example, Ramsey weighs 250 lbs and he's everyday kite is 10m switch blade. Depending on the brand, the most common size this time of the year will be around 12m but 12m will be too big next spring. You will see my past post that one kite quiver does not work.
Thanks

[EvanOR]

Thank Sonny. In that case, I stick with my recommendation for the 10m. I agree, a two (or even three) kite quiver is necessary in most places. G-man - make sure you resist the temptation to go out when it's too windy if you only have one kite!

[Sonny]

One other thing, I did not mention Ecipse, Naish, Ocean Rodeo because I have never flown it and I have no first hand experience on the power and what sizes are needed. The other kites which I have tried that I would recommend trying is the Wainman 12m, Globerider 11m GK Trix or 11m GK Sonic.

[glenn]

Naish Cult 9M seems to be a great kite if you want to get only one kite. My friend who weighs about 180 flew it all summer. His 12M got ripped early in the season, so he rode the Naish 9M. It was such a great all-wind kite that he didn't even bother with the 12M until late in the season.