If you have a 16 Switchblade already, rather fork out $1000 on a new specialist lightwind board, particularly given your weight. There are plenty on the market and they are more likely to get you a couple more knots than a kite will and it will save you a bit of cash.

just keep your 16 and dont bother with anything under 15knots its not worth it anyway, especially anything under 12 knots, people that say they kite in under 12 are dreaming the wind when it gets that low is not normally consistant enough.

Thanks for the help guys. And thanks to the guys who sent in the private emails. The board I use is fairly big already and I'd nearly have to step up to a surfboard to better it. I might even dig out some of the old surfboards and give them a go in the light conditions. I realise some guys like to go out when there is plenty of wind so that you can do a lot more tricks. I often find I'm the only one on the water because I don't mind working the kite to keep up the speed in light conditions. Years ago there would always be riders using the river mouths and the out going tide to enable them to ride in light conditions. Now it seem lots of people ride 12m kites and wait for the 15+ winds. I just like getting on the water no mater what the conditions are and if the contra will help me get out more than it sounds like it'll be worthwhile.

Hello Puppet
Thanks for the tip. I checked out a review on the "Flysurfer Speed 17" (http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2318923) by a guy who had never been on a foil before and it sounded petty favourable. I've seen a few foils around but never this make of kite. But it's too late as I have already brought the contra 17. Should have it in my hands soon and it looks like the wind is going to stay at the range where I will be able to see if it is a good as I've been told.