g'day Mike,

I own an argo and think it is a really good kite. I wish that I could have learned on a kite as good. My learning curve would have been much quicker. They are very stable, fly upwind, relaunch super easy, and have plently of depower on tap, plus they are very well constructed (they can take a good flogging) these are all attributes to look for in your first kite. They have more than enough performance to grow into. They excel in the waves which is why I have one, but are also great freeride kites. Probably the only weakness is they aren't the best kites for unhooked tricks.

I can't comment on the taboo, but you can't go wrong with the argo

Get yourself a Cabrinha switchblade. I don't ride them but they are very easy and safe to ride. Just like a Volvo stationwagon.

Gidday Noob

Its a pretty big question of all comparisons... which most wont bother replying !

All late model beginner friendly kites will have easy relaunch - bottom end and decent build qualities

Dont worry about a more advanced kite as the beginner styles will be better than you for a few seasons yet give one to a gun in surf or tricking - and they will blow your mind

Kiss principal - Keep it simple stupid
Have fun up there

If you want an all round kite that behaves perfectly get yourself a 10m Ozone catalyst with extensions.

Thanks to everyone for your help- being new to kiteboarding I think it's so cool that you all take the time out of your day to help a noob like me.

One more question if you all don't mind. I think I'm going to go for a 2011 Argo, but I'm not sure of size. I'm 150lbs without any gear on, and the winds where I live are generally in the 12 to 28mph range from what I understand.

I'm thinking either a 10m or 11.5m

Any thoughts?

If you go the argo don't go bigger than the 10m, they are very grunty. I am 80kg and the 10m is the biggest kite I need. I use it from about 12-28knots with a few different board sizes.

When you are learning you will not be able to get maximum efficiency out of the kite, so slightly larger than you would normally need is ok. If you were an experienced kiter, I would recommend the 9m for your weight. If you intend to mainly ride a surfboard I would recommend the 9m. Mainly twintip the 10m is probably best. However the 10m is going to be too big for you at 28mph.

So there is the dilema, you need to decide if you are going to have one or two kites what board you will mainly be riding and what are the main wind conitions where you live(mainly light/srtong). Your choice will definatly be between the 9 and 10m.

I hate to be the skeptic but I find it hard to believe anybody could get a 10 in the air in 12 knots? I'd be interested to see the size of your board Bennie?

Ive got a 2011 kahoona 7.5 and im keeping upwind on strapless surfboard in 16 knots, weigh 70kgs n am 5'9!

Don't forget the skill factor. Experienced guys like Bennie can milk every last drop of energy out of marginal winds.

Kahoona has great bottom end for sure. I Don't ride anything bigger than an 11.5 these days.(100kg) Perfect all round kite and super easy to learn on.

Joe