Can of worms = open

Just test as many different kites as you can (easier said than done in some locations), and decide what is right for you.

It seems that most people will praise the kite(s) that they choose to fly, maybe try to ask them what features they like about a particular kite so you can understand their choice. ie. someone might like a kite that they can just 'park' and cruise, someone else might a very lively kite.

In the end, it gets down to what suits you.

Yes, I agree with can o worms - but Brand rep... not individual kites. I just want to narrow down the field a bit.

Some people say the modern kites 2010 and newer, are all pretty much identical...

where as some people will say "You want a XXX? Nah... they all have a ****ty build quality"

A few lessons from a qualified instructor would be a good start, then demo.
Kite boarding has become a very competitive industry. I don't think you can really find "bad kites" from the common brands. The rest is personal preference.

Stay away from Best and you will buy a good kite IMHO!

Opinion are like clitorises. Every C^&nts got one.

There are cheap brands, there are expensive brands. Generally the finishing on the more expensive brands will be slightly better, but it won't affect the performance and generally won't affect reliability much. I.e. if you look at the machining of parts or the plastic moulding, the more expensive brands look a little cleaner. The way I like to think of it is simple. Driving a BMW won't make you a better driver, it all comes down to how much time you spend driving.

Performance of kites is pretty similar across the board. Some kites have good years and some have bad years so its not to say a premium brand guarantees the best kite and its not to say that the cheaper brands guarantee the worst kite. The only solution is to test or if you're not skilled enough, work off the opinion of someone you trust so you don't get a dud kite (they are produced from time to time, the turbo diesel and link come to mind).

I've used both before (cheap and expensive). The effect it will have on your kiting will have more to do with the actual kite suiting the way you ride than the price of the kite.

As a beginner, I would concentrate on the control bar, depower and safety systems rather than the kite itself. Most "beginner - intermediate" kites these days are going to get you up and going.

In my experience I like the Naish system as everything is below the bar, but the cleat jams pretty hard on the depower rope and can be hard to release.

The North above the bar system look easy to use and seems to adjust pretty fast.

Also, the newer 5th line kites look great as you can release to 5th, get out of trouble and then recover the bar, reset the release and get going again without having to come to shore. This is something 4 lines kites are no good at, as a rule.

Saffer said...

...(they are produced from time to time, the turbo diesel and link come to mind).

And the RPM to that list too!!!
That kite is a dud, but everyone seems to ride them???
Obviously Slingshot has good marketing...

surfingboye said...

Saffer said...

...(they are produced from time to time, the turbo diesel and link come to mind).

And the RPM to that list too!!!
That kite is a dud, but everyone seems to ride them???
Obviously Slingshot has good marketing...

I assume thats sarcasm, but the link and turbo diesel were both dud's. The RPM is a decent kite. The link was less dud like when you change the bridle.

There are a couple of other brands that had dud's as well. Airush had the halo, I think it was that dropped out the sky more than a base jumper. Some kite brands haven't had dud's per say, just really mediocre kites that didn't really compete much with the opposition or were a year behind.

surfingboye said...

Saffer said...

...(they are produced from time to time, the turbo diesel and link come to mind).

And the RPM to that list too!!!
That kite is a dud, but everyone seems to ride them???
Obviously Slingshot has good marketing...

youri zoon thinks so

surfingboye said...

Saffer said...

...(they are produced from time to time, the turbo diesel and link come to mind).

And the RPM to that list too!!!
That kite is a dud, but everyone seems to ride them???
Obviously Slingshot has good marketing...

ha ha.... your reply demonstrates your inteligence...

What do you ride surfingboye???

What about second hand kites??
is there a year that you should stay above? eg 2008 too old??
obviuosly the newer the better. but just for interest sake.
is 2008 getting on a bit?

campatrol said...

What about second hand kites??
is there a year that you should stay above? eg 2008 too old??
obviuosly the newer the better. but just for interest sake.
is 2008 getting on a bit?

Hard question to answer, if a kite has been used every season since 2008 it will be worn out, but if it's hardly been used there were plenty of good kites back then.
The last really major leap in kite technology was the Bow/SLE development in the 2005-2006 season, since then there have been refinements and improvements in all areas, some lemons, some achilles heels, and a few gems.

Not going near the brand reputation business, but I'm hanging to take my new 10m Porsche for a spin tomorrow.

[b]Helliquin

Something like.. LF is like Hyundai of kiting, Ozone is the porche...

then north must be a bugatti vayron,,,,

rhinoman said...

[b]Helliquin

Something like.. LF is like Hyundai of kiting, Ozone is the porche...

then north must be a bugatti vayron,,,,

Yep they are pretty expensive aren't they.

This is my first year kiting and i have 2 North Fuses, a 7m and a 10m.
I spoke to the shop owner were i bought them, asked lots and lots of questions, did lots of homework, forked out the hard earned and I love these kites!

BUT the only other thing i have to compare them too is the Best Kahoona's that my instructor used. Fair enough they are both different kites and both have their good and bad points, I am still very happy with my Fuses and they suit me quite well for now. Thats not too say I dont want to try another brand in the near future, im just waiting for the skill level to increase to a point were I could ride a multitude of different makes and models and make an informed decision on my own.

IMO kites are all the same, it comes down to personal preference. I mean the Nissan GT-R is quicker around the Nurburgring than a Porche 911 Turbo but i would still have the 911 anyday of the week

thats just my 2c worth but. . . .