Hi guys, firstly I love this forum!

So, I spent 2nd half of last season learning on an old Wipika which is on it's last legs and am looking forward to upgrading to a new kite for this season, now that I'm a bit more proficient (Just about staying upwind). The all important question is, WHAT?

From what I'm reading it sounds like the new bow style kites are the way to go, as far as safety, control etc goes but it seems everyone is bringing out new 2007 models now so my options are growing. I want something that I can progress further on too, when I start getting some hang time. So, Crossbow (crossbow2?)/Best Waroo/ GKSonic/ Slingshot? I've read a lot of good reaviews on GK sonic 11m. I'm looking around a 11-12m I suppose as I can only afford a one kite quiver right now. I'm 85kg and kiting in melbourne (sea breezes in summer 15-20kts).

Of course trying a demo would be great, as it comes down to individual preference, but I'm not THAT good to probably assess the differences between each kite in a short ride. Is anyone out there of a similar standard whos got something they're happy with? If need be I'd rather pay an extra coupla hundred for the right kite!

Thanks heaps in advance for any replies guys, much appreciated. And sorry for writing an essay. hehe

Cheers,
Brett

Hi Brett,I'm very new to the sport as well(couple months)and after asking around, I come to the decision to buy a Bow (new 12m Contra) As with yourself, even if I demoed kites at that stage, I wouldn't know the difference. The bow has enabled my to progress fairly quickly, I still wonder if a C would of enabled me to do that... by all reports probably not. Having not riden a C, I can't say for sure, however I'm would presume your edgeing and board control would be better than a learner bow kiter(anyones thought??)The new C's look like their coming out with a lot more depower ability, so as I look forward to purchasing my new kite to build on my quiver, I'm waiting to see what awaits in this years line up, and demoing some before deciding. Too much to choose from eg. Rebel, Link, Torch etc etc I guess what I'm trying to say is, Now you can ride a bit, go and demo both varieties of kite (C and Bow...and Hybrid) and make your personal judgement based on what you like/ riding style etc
Good Luck

I brought a 10m C kite in december last year. flew it about 10 times in a knee deep lake and still struggled with relaunch and going upwind. so went out and brought a bow. maybe took the soft option but worked for me.

been 4 months on my bow now with at least half of that out due to knee problem. been flying upwind since first day I got it. doing some decent jumps now and landed 2 backrolls the otherday and it served me well through the gusty winter SW winds.

I flew a Xbow, switchblade and slingshot bow kites and all were much the same to me honestly. went with waroo because it was cheaper. it has taken some huge beatings over the months and still 100%.

I might suggest you also have a look at the new EH kites.
www.cabareteairforce.com available in Aus from www.kiterepublic.com.au

EH has 2 models, the ripper is not for the faint hearted, but his new beast is alot more manageable and equal in performance to just about anything on the market. It rolls out of the same fafctory as all the more expensive brands but is really well priced as it is new to the Aussie market.

Thanks heaps for the replies everyone.. as I expected everyone seems to have their own favourite, which is good I suppose.. at least no one is saying DONT buy xxx brand. anyway, guess I'll just have to try some and see. When the wind turns up.

Cheers,
Brett