just considering getting back into kiting over here in WA (pinnaroo pt)
I am going with second hand gear (kite around $500 bucks to spend)
phoned a local shop for recommendations for a kite for 80kg guy in winds 20knots+
he said there isn't a kite from 2009-2010 that he'd recommend.
were they that bad??
i had a diesel which i thought was good.
Is he just trying to sell me new??
what older kites would you recommend?

That dude was speaking trash!
Anything from the major brands baring a couple will give you a good cheap kite.
And let's face it, anything will probably be better than an old Turbo Diesel! (Bar an old Waroo!)

yes 09 and 10 kites are good.

but you need to see how much wear they have. if a kite has been flown hard for 2 years its pretty much stuffed. The leading edge gets worn and thin and can burst easily, the stitching starts to unstitch. the canopy tears alot easier and the lines will most likely be shagged.

So... unless you know what your looking at you could buy a dog for your $500.

Look for hardly used kites with no repairs. look for lines that aren't fluffy.

I'm a second hand buyer and i pretty much have decided that getting the 1 year old hardly used kite for $800ish is a far better investment than a 2-3 year old beaten to death $500 ****ter.

So.... there is truth in what the shop guy is saying. but you can pick up a deal if you a patient and knowledgable.

If you thought a diesel was ok, you're going to be fine on just about anything after 08.

Throw a few more $ and get a brand new BWS.

The experience of unwrapping a new kite is wonderful.

However, after the first time you drop it in the surf, assuming it's not digested by a wave, it's no longer new.

80kg in 20kn (can't remember what that feels like over here), you're looking at an 8 or 10 I'd say.

There was a really good formula posted here some time ago, I can't remember it, but it was accurate for me.

Anyone help with this?

You fish for boats?

I'll get you a 12 metre Stabber kite with bar and lines....for under $1000 delivered.