QLD
188 posts
The size would largely depend on your weight. I looked into a Rhino 5. I was told that it has a wide wind range and good depower capability. The 5th line would also help with water relaunch. However... it has very little bar pressure. You may want something that provides a bit more feedback on the bar when learning, so that you don't end up sending the kite souring thru the power zone accidently. You tend to move the bar around quite a bit in those early days (ie: when focused on trying to get your feet in the footstraps on your board, etc.) The Rhino 5 kite is marketed towards advanced riders. Something like a Toro, would probably be more user-friendly and appropriate.
ACT
98 posts
thanks for the advice - im 82kgs if that makes any difference
WA
74 posts
your weight isnt a deciding factor on kite choice, only kite size.
i learned on a rhino 04 (which i still use). bit of a steeper learning curve to start but i definately benefited from its upwind ability compared to others using mid or low aspect ratio kites.
i havent used an 05 rhino but i hear they are excellent.
so a little harder to start with MAYBE, but it will 'take' u further than a 'beginner' kite. the only thing that was a bugger with the O4 was the water relaunch but with the 05 and 5th line. no worries!
enjoy.
WA
498 posts
Hurley, where do you live? If in Perth 9-11m, 14 would be over powered for most seabreezes, I'm about the same wait and ride a 9 and 13 and get out from around 15knots to 30+. The 9 does me for basically every Perth seabreeze. Don't be too scared to go slightly small, as it speeds up your learning and you won't be nervous about trying some hard moves.
ACT
98 posts
im in melb - what sizes do you all ride usually for our conditions? I've been recommended 12/14 but im still not sure which one!
Cheers
Alex
WA
16 posts
Hurley, I've got an 10m AeroII, and a 12m & 14m North Toro. All these kites are ideal for learners. Easy relaunch. The 12 & 14 are in A1 condition. You can have them all for $1000. In my opinion you should buy second hand gear when you are learning as you will probably outgrow your first kites in a year or so. And you will probably crash your kite a lot when you are learning. I bought all these new and in total they cost me over $4000. If only I knew then what I know now I'd have saved a sh@#load of cash.
Hope this helps
PS The rhino 05 is a great kite. Might be a little too powerful and quick for a beginner IMO.
WA
162 posts
Hello i have rhino2 16metre and three size smaller th yours 02 not 05 , not beig a good svimmer not want take to water yet but having trouble flying the kite. not too good in big carpark on saturday,lot of power but not good flying,wishes to you if yours is better
NSW
177 posts
buschy is spot on with the bar pressure...super light, and the kites move quick, so you could end up in a bit of trouble if you were learning...however, both these probs can be overcome by just slowing the turning speed down by moving the pigtails on the kite...will move slower and feel heavier. The 05's are awesome kites, no doubt at all...i got the 12m, and can't fault it...great range, can stay upwind without trying, easy relaunch...everything you want in a kite.
dunno about the 14m for 82kgs though...might find yourself overpowered a fair bit.i'm 86 kgs, and ride a 16 from 10-18kts, then the 12 after that, up to about 25kts.
if you are only going to get 1 kite, then the 14's prob o.k, but if you were after a bit more range, then i'd look at getting a quiver second hand till you get the hang of it. look at hooked's offer! $1000 for 3 kites - can't go wrong. (just watch out for the rhino 2's- scary grunt for beginners..)
VIC
36 posts
Hurley,
I have the 10m & 14m Vegas 04 and they're both great kites. I agree with lovey about being overpowered a bit on the 14 if that was your only kite. The 14 is a pretty grunty kite compared to the other sizes in the Vegas 04. The 14 works great in the mid teens range but once it starts getting up to & over 20 knots it's all hard edging and not much fun. The 14 isn't a great boosting kite but works great for wakestyle/unhooked & waveriding and you can get good height at the top end of it's windrange if boosting. The 10m on the other hand is great for everything and you couldn't ask for a better kite. If only going for 1 kite the 12 would probably be the best allrounder depending on your board size. Can't go wrong with Vegas 04 though. They are stable & good to learn on and will do the job all the way through to kiteloops & unhooked moves.
WA
204 posts
Heh Richrelative
Are you nuts!!!! You keep that up and you will be known as dead relative!!!
As for Hurley, aim a little lower mate for ease of learning, go for a mid aspect kite!!!!
