I have had several lessons so know what I need to do but I am having a lot of trouble controlling the kite. As part of previous lessons I purchased an 2004 Slingshot Fuel (9m and 13m)but they seem to have a mind of their own and are very twitchy. Getting the kite to do what I want rather than what it wants to do is my main problem. They seem to be either in full power or no power which is hard for a newbie. Can someone advise what would be the best model and make of second hand kite which will be VERY stable and idiot proof and allow me to make progress. All I need at this point in my learning curve is a slow and stable design. I am 80 Kg and want to continue the learning curve in 15 to 20 knot winds. Will appreciate any good advice.

I used to have a 12m Cabrinha Switchblade. I found this kite very rewarding, confidence building and easy to depower during gusts, etc.

i haven't had many kites but i know exactly what you are experiencing.
Sure a bow kite apparently gives you what you want but if you're asking for 2nd hand i am assuming you want cheaper. 2nd hand bows are still around $1000.
I have an x4 (14m) which has reasonable depower compared to my former x3, but i also have a Yarga, the depower and power i get just by sheeting in out i find excellent. it is a 9m, i can't really comment on the other sizes.
Lastly I got a 05 17m spectrum II and it is the worst of the three, it's all go!!!.. edging very hard, but i don't use this kite unless i have to.
maybe it's just the size of tyhe kites that does it.... any one???

For the very best in stable kites, you can not afford to go past the peter lynn venom one or venom2 ....super stable.. easily relaunched... automatically goes to 12 o'clock when you stack it... just let go of the bar and it stays at 12 o'clock all day.
I had the same probs as you when I first started...the main problem is, everyone has a different oppinion. Get a test ride on a peter lynn venom. Ya won't regret it.

I'm afraid that if you think the 04 13m fuel is unstable you may have to seriously consider turning bow-sexual. I've been riding an 04 13m since, well, 04, and it's still one of the most stable c-kites there is. I have two other 06 c kites neither of which are remotely as stable as the fuel. So yeah, bow may be the way to go. Or foil, as they say, I've never tried one on water. Tone/Juddy how long can they sit on the water after a crash before you can't relaunch them these days? I've heard it's not as much a problem with the newer designs as it used to be.

you've normally got a good few minutes before you do the walk/swim of shame.
and it's rare that the kite sits in the water that long.
Where you from? mcgregor?