This is more of a warning post than a sob story but i just wanted to warn all beginners to be very careful when buying 2nd hand gear. I bought a second hand kite a couple of weeks ago. Thought it was a bargain at $500 but have yet to really get it in the air due to high pressure leaks in the leading edge and uneven lines.
I had to spend another $200 on it to get a quick release/depowering system that actually works. So i spent $700 on a kite with bladder cancer and worn/stretched lines, a couple of hundred more and i could have bought a new ex model kite. Wish i had!
At least i have learnt what to look for in 2nd hand kites though.