12 years old mate, they did not turn!

Don't get it. You will be on the news

coastflyer said...

Just wondering, what was this model of kite like in it's day? And how old would this setup be?

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/jupiter-creek/surfing/kite-surfing-set-up/1005017979#

In its day (1999) it was great, sh!t loads of power and turned OK for its size. But those were the days when you could read about people getting killed doing this sport, no depower or quick release.
As a light wind kite it probably would be OK if you were able to use it on a modern bar with safety, but more like $100 if it isnt falling appart.

... hey I still got one of those, sitting in the shed!

I tried to learn on one (17.5m), bought it when it was a run out model, going real cheap only $999 in 2003. But the leading edge only lasted 5 or 6 sessions and split and exploded while sitting on the beach. In Naish's wisdom, they tried to make the LE with a dacron/mylar laminate but when they put the mylar on the outside, it de-laminated around the stitching which made it really weak and would explode. This is what happened to mine. Being totally ignorant newbie at the time, I was told, 'this will happen because you over-inflated it'. "Oh, ok, better buy a new one then", and got an X2. I soon worked out I was completely stooged, I had probably only inflated it to 4 or 5 psi so infact it was never over inflated, but since I had a new one I didn't bother to persue it. It was flawed and I paid with my ignorance.

Cheers,

Robbie

If you are thinking about purchasing this kite from this guy i would consider looking at his other items.
The collection of 5 plastic tubs are definitely safer, and probably fly better

coastflyer said...

AKSonline said...
If you are thinking about purchasing this kite from this guy i would consider looking at his other items.
The collection of 5 plastic tubs are definitely safer, and probably fly better

Hi guys, I certainly never intended buying this thing! I was just interested in the history of a kite like this, as it was well before my time, when I left windsurfing to take up kitesurfing. The poor guy is probaly wondering why he is getting so many hits on his add, but no sale. That said, imagine if a "Retro Meet" was organized and current experienced kitesailors got a chance to put these old kites up into the air in front of safety helpers on the beach and in the water. Kind of like a classic car rally, but with kites! But, I would not be thinking of spending anywhere near $600, to find out what these old kites were like. I think I will be sticking to my 2012 Rebel's, thanks!

I had one. I think it was around 9-10m. It disintegrated before it killed me.... It was the advanced kite of its time... meant to be super fast. With ARX (aspect ratio aXelerated) it was a high aspect kite meaning problem to re-lounge at 15.5m and lofting in any reasonable gust. It still has a sentimental value, but I would not hook myself onto it again.... unless there is no other kite around, of course... I would pay $1 for it and donate the thing to a kitesurfing museum which I believe should be established in due time...
... I think this was the model Naish had problem with the mylar sheets....
...just a quick idea: a list of most influential kite models with descriptions etc. since the history of kiteboarding...... here on seabreeze ... starting with the wipika 2 liners....

they were nice for big hang time though..

Brings back memories...

Safety leash velcroed to your wrist, disabling the rider as much as the kite when deployed.

Certainly an adrenalin rush, think mine went with a bang.

I remember ARXs being really prone to hindenburg. For those not kiting pre-2002, that means the kite would fly too far forward in the wind window in a gust or from pilot error, stall, and then drop nose first out of the sky. Sometimes almost on top of the unfortunate rider