NSW
1 posts
Hi All
Just asking for some advice. I have just started to learn kite boarding and have previously wakeboarded (still do). I am trying to get some gear to get me started and am looking between a 2010 Crossbow and Switchblade 10m (Im 85kgs). They both seem to have their advantages in reviews I have read but was wondering if anyone has any advice on which would be the better way to go for the next couple of years to get going before I launch out and get some new gear that I can personally select.
Thanks
Tam
WA
1419 posts
Try the kiteboarding sections...
NSW
1114 posts
switchy is all round the better kite.
WA
2119 posts
Wakeboarding background....
Definately the switchy.
Want some inspiration google search Andre Phillip
WA
3619 posts
of those 2 - only one choice - the Switchy.
Way more easy learning.
QLD
409 posts
Hi Tams
I ride a 2010 Switchblade (10m) and love the kite, get going from 13kt on a 132 board and handled gusts to about 25kt no probs. question your size choice though (depending on you location/average winds) cause I'm only 65kg
Again, switchblade is a great kite with very good de power and safety system.
Cheers
VIC
119 posts
I've got a switchblade which as I read it is aimed at wake style (you park it and it stays there while you let loose on the board)
But they are both safe kites with heaps of depower so you can't go wrong learning
VIC
20 posts
Yeah I'm not sure where you are or what wind you're going out in but I'd say a 10m is a bit small, I've got a 2011 11m Switchy and it's awesome, I weigh 75kg, ride a 140cm board and it gets me out in 14-15kn and up to 23ish (but I'm only in my first season after lessons). Can't say I've tried the Crossbow...
QLD
237 posts
I started kiting in the 2011/2012 season, and bought a 12m Switchblade to compliment my 9m Airush lithium. Having used both now quite a bit, and the Switchblade is my favourite. I weigh 80kg. It wasn't too hard for me as a beginner at all, I found it great. Note that I end up using the 9m more often, as the 12m gets overpowered for me. So 10m sounds perfect.
WA
54 posts
Get the switchblade. Two less struts, less weight more manoeuvre. It's great for beginners but also brilliant 5 years later when you've been around a bit. At 85kg, being a beginner, etc I'd think about the 12m. I've had mine out in over 25 and with the depower and just a little technique it's still brilliant.
VIC
273 posts
Yep at 85kgs definately get the 12m you can always buy a 10m later for the windy days. I'm 88kgs and have the 10 12 14 switchys covers all i need.
NSW
1716 posts
Check for wear along the bridles. Also, pulley wear. If the lines have plastic sleaves at the kite end they can wear prematurely too. Look for tiny holes along the leading edge since these can soon turn into big rips! Trim straps may also be in need of replacing.
Offer way less than the asking price too - we are near the end of the season.
WA
809 posts
I still ride Xbow 13m after learning on it. And, you'll need two kites.
I've tried a few 12m kites different brands and was always disappointed. Tried 12m Sw as well.
Xbow is a boosting and a light wind machine. It will get you going when no others will. It's got super quick relaunch, and goes upwind well.
I think an Edge or Varial (& many others I'm sure) can beat XBow jumping ability. And trust me – you will jump.
Sw might be a better, faster kite, but there are many many more better and faster kites then Cab's.
