Hi

Is a Flexifoil Storm (I think 2003) a difficult kite for a newbie?
Its a 14metre, i weigh 83kgs.
I would love to buy a new kite, my choice would be a GK Sonic 11m, but I figure that in the early stages there is a pretty high likelyhood of damaging a pretty expensive kite.
If i use a secondhand one to "learn the ropes" and destroy it or decide it's not for me after all, then I'm not losing as much. I have seen what 2nd hand kites are worth.

On the other hand, a new kite is easier to fly and I may learn faster.

I have had 1 lesson, and need at least 1 more but would prefer to do it with my own kite.

I have seen this kite advertised locally with everything I need for a reasonable price, but have been told they are difficult to fly.

Any help appreciated
thanks
boggie

Bograt,

A 14m is probably too big to learn on in avergae Perth sea breezes. You could do it, but it won't be the easiest.

You're better off being a bit under gunned when you're learning. I'd go for a 10 or 11m.

You won't get that much diff in the ease of flying betw new and 2nd hand unless you get a really old 2nd hander.

Go 2nd hand, but only go for 04 gear, no older, and o5 stuff is starting to be 2nd hand now too.

Have fun.

B

Well I haven't used it as yet. I have had two lessons cancelled due to crappy winds and have another lesson scheduled for this Sat so fingers crossed I will be able to fill you in on Monday. My main concern with a kite was the safety system and from what I have read the system on the Sonic is pretty good.
Cheers,
Rich.

You guys really should take on some of the second hand bargains to be had out there...I mean 50% off retail for a 12 month old kite.....
your learning ...Your gonna crash it.....There are plenty of 8-12 meter kites on the forum here, as well as local shops, check um out....Get yourself a bargain.
Local guys that are sponsored like Ryland , Jake, CoreyB, all have kit at the most for 9 months..then they move it as they get protos and new seasons quivers...You do the Math...They cant ride all their kites at once , some get used more than others....Bargains there somewhere.

Same wight as you learnt on a 9m Diesel. You won't need to go any bigger and that will get you out in almost every seabreeze. You can pick them up 2nd hand for $700, maybe even less. I'd stay around the 9 or 10 m mark for best value for money.

i think you should save whatever money you were going to waste on a 2nd hand kite and have more lessons. Then you trash their gear and there's no risk of getting a dodgy kite.

I was in the same sitch as you 3 months ago. I did 6 hours of lessons and then bought a sonic. Havn't broken it yet, though i did bust a line in my 3rd session.

So what is the deal with the seasons? I am in Brissie. Does the wind blow predominately west (too gusty) all winter...or are you down south where it is just not practical cause of the risk of hitting icebergs?