i'm about the same size as you(from the waist up) and i have a cab switchy 3 12mtre..pulls me along nicely even on light days....look at the second hand section..you'll save a packet!


Stabber

I don't know your background, current skill level or local wind strengths, but.

Be aware that as a beginner you wont get the same range out of a kite as an experienced kiter. Someone with experience and the same weight/board will be able to get going in less and hold it together in more.

So if 12m is the right size for you, and you can afford it, consider getting a 10m and a 14m instead. You'll have a much bigger wind range.

Start with something like a secondhand 14m SB. They turn slower but I think that's great for beginners. Then after a few sessions if you're confident not to crash the kite too often go a new 10m.

I've been kiting nearly a year, have 2 kites and am just starting to jump and ride toeside. The good riders seem to get the same range out of 1 kite that I can get out of 2. Maybe by the end of my second summer I'll be there too....

Switchblade 3 or T3!
Both excellent kites and a brand new T3 is around the $1200/1300 price compared to a 6m Switchblade being $1700, think of what a 12m will cost then!

ADEN.

SkyTigger said...

Hi,

I'm new to the sport and just did my first lesson. Due to the fact that you can't hire gear I will buy my own soon to get on the water. I narrowed it down to four kites and was wondering what the community things might be the best to go for.

I would like a kite that will be good to learn on, but will still give me the performance as an intermediate rider. I think later I would like to go into cruising and jumping. I assume size 11-13 would be appropriate. Any opinion on size as well? I will surf in Brisbane area.

Me: 95kg and 195cm

Which do you think would fit best:
1. Slingshot T3 (11m2)
2. Cabrinha Switchblade (12m2)
3. Caution Mayhem (11m2)
4. Caution Zombie (12m2)


Any comment and advice welcome. Thanks.

I've flown both the T3 and the SB3 and SB IDS in 12M sizes, and they are all excellent kites. They all have the external one pump system, excellent contruction, correctly mounted pulleys, really high quality bar and lines, with excellent and proven safety systems.
If you go for an SB3 on closeout at Kitepower Brisbane, then figure on around $1350, same for a T3, thats pretty amazing value compared to other kites.
Due to your size/weight you would be better off with the 12M, but the T3 11M has as much grunt as most 12's.

Never flown or see the current Caution kites.


Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

i'm sure all of them fly good enough that you will have a new kite before you need to worry about slight naunces in performance - they will all be good and not limit you in your progression. You will be due for a new one before you outgrow it or have to worry that x fly's slightly better than y.
in that case I would purchase on one thing alone and that would be resale. In that case it would be the sb and then the t3. You can get a sb3 for a good price at the mo... have a look at the used prices on sebreeze to help make your decision. best to turn the kite over each year imho. also i hear the sb3 has more grunt than the ids......