Hi all.
First time poster here.
Recently my better half purchased a kite from this forum as a surprise for christmas. Now im sure all are aware of the buyer beware rag on second hand goods. But just to reinforce the fact...

After one look at this Kite i knew it wasnt as advertised or described.
Apparently it is a Gaastra 14m, with lines
now my g/f wouldnt have a clue about what year is is all i know is she believed it is 2005 (rrrright)
the lines are short as (training lines perhaps?)
and has an old airrush loop.
no leash, or pump.
So when I ring up the seller to explain, im informed "this is not meyers it is a good deal".
I suggest he might want to take it back and asked what year he actually adveritsed it as and got the reversing truck treatment.
Left a msg on his phone suggesting perhaps I can drop around to his house to return the Kite but im sure this will go un-answered,
But hey Im sure hes still interested in giving me a "free lesson" he promised my g/f.

In summary It was indeed a FREE LESSON to my g/f not to trust people and she is now out of pocket some 400 dollars.
So "J P" feel free to give me a call and we will organize that free lesson but in the mean time if anyone wants a 14m Bright orange kite with training lines pm me.

kiteitup said...
$400 for kite & bar and line is super cheap?

No its not. Cheap ? yes - but not at all unusual.
I recently sold an 04 Fuel in absolutely perfect condition; with all original bar, lines, pump & bag for exactly that.
Anything over two years old - regardless of condition - is near imposssible to sell for anything like a reasonable price.

kiteitup said...
you would have to ask your self why?

Just because there are lots more of them for sale than there are buyers.
Just the way it is. Newbys want SLE's (and why the hell not) and 'C' kiters are specialists who really appreciate all the latest fine tune developments.

If you are not that fussed go buy a Lamborgini for that Hyundia price - anytime you like.

It amazes me why people dont seek advise before entering into this sport. Then they figure they have bought the wrong or antiquated gear and look for someone to blame.

My advise, go to the 6 or so dedicated Kiteboard stores in your area first, ask advise, check if they have some second hand gear for sale, also check for close out specials from the big brands. Get a lesson to see if you like the sport and to get some idea and knowledge of what you are getting into.

For future reference IMHO:

- Buy a lesson voucher from your local IKO training centre for your loved one for Christmas. This will push them into the right direction.


The problem: Ok you have a $400 kite. Still OK!. Just get some knowledgable Kite shop to do the once over on it making sure that the safety system is functional and the lines and kite are safe enough. You may be up for a few hundred dollars to get it all fixed and rideable. At least after that, you will have a kite that you will be able to learn on and possibly sell to some one without putting them into future danger.

Joe

PS: Check in with Choice Kitesurfing in Rockingham. Those guys have the best setup store in Perth area.

Hey Hudo,

Sorry you ended up with a bit of a lemon. The 2nd hand market is full to the brim with crap. As a newbie entering the sport it is extremely enticing to see all the gear available in the classified section and indeed there are some absolute bargains, if you know what you're looking at, otherwise it is like a stab in the dark.

It sounds like you have been sold a dud by an unscrupulous seller, the old gaastra kites weren't much chop even when new, but that also depends on the year and model you bought.

A pump can be purchased from Ranger camping or any good camping store for a little more than half the cost of the same item in a kiteshop. A 14m kite in Perth is a damn big kite, especially if it is an older "C" kite, considering the winds we are experiencing at the moment. Unless you are in the vicinity of 100kg it is just too big for anything other than light winds.

We, or most reputable kite shops in your local, can sell you a quality new leash for around $30. It is quite likely that the lines are still original and if super short are indications that the kite has been used for training purposes. I'd replace the lines if I were you. A new line set will set you back around $200 for a set of 4. And to be honest, If you are going to keep the kite, I'd seriously look at 5th lining it so the line set will be a bit extra or you can ask around on the forums here as I'm sure someone will have an old single line kickin' around their garage or shed they'd be happy to part with for a 6 pack.

A new modern Airush "trigger release" Chicken loop with spectra centre line is around $90. This should go a long way to turning the lemon into a peach.
You can have a look on our website to gain a greater understanding of what items I am talking about. Whilst you are there, check out the FAQ page as this is the newbie guide to all things kiting, it will help you know what you are reading about.

Better still, bring your purchase with you and come and see us at the beach and we'll help you sort out your kite and give you as much free advice as you can handle.

Sorry you got duped, that sux, but as you said, "let the buyer beware". Hope you and any others considering buying 2nd hand without experienced advice learned something.

Good winds and Happy New Years,

care to name the seller so we are all aware in the future? was it someone from the country?

post a pic of it and some one will know what year it is

I guess your g/f (girlfriend ?) doesnt value you as much as you may have thought, could have been a ploy to get rid of you,
but seriously man, stop whinging, be happy you got a kite and trade it in at a shop.

Ray