Both are adequate kites to learn on, switchblade being slightly more beginner friendly and easier to fly but only marginal in my opinion

Both have a push away safety release and both have a single front line flag system (should be able to interchange the bar)

The Naish has under the bar depower vs the switchblade above bar (personal preference but you will develop your own opinion)

As long as you get the person who sold it to you to show you how to use the safety and practice a bit using it i dont see too much of a problem with 2 different kites, i had it when i was learning and i think if anything it made me a better kiter able to adapt to new gear quicker.

An 8m is a small kite for your weight and it will take awhile to get the most out of it no matter what brand you choose, make sure your reasonably powered on your first run, small kites in low wind are not fun at all and that will hinder your progression more than anything i would say anything over 24 knots on a 136 twin tip

I guess sticking to a brand is good advice... but what if you change to a brand that's even easier to fly ?

Like you I also started with an 11m Switchblade 2011. I later purchased a 13m Switch Element 3 and I find it a lot easier to fly than the Switchblade (which I find is quite an aggressive kite not as smooth). So I've just ordered another Element 3, a 9m I will keep flying all 3 though depending on wind conditions.

Just a personal preference... if you buy different brands you will know what you prefer.

You know what bugs me about having 2 different brand cars the flicker is on different sides of the steering wheel.

Anyhow a bit off track but the point is if it’s a different brand or even if it’s a different model (year) there will be slight differences, especially in the bar. If I won the lotto I’d change all my kites out at the same time every season and pay RR but I’m not that lucky so I purchase my kites as needed and other than sticking to the same style of kite it’s whatever is good value for money at the time.

Three different brands make up my 4 kite quiver and yep they are slightly different to ride but just like the flicker you get use to them. First world problem.

Cool, some good answers...

how come the red thumbs for Alysum? Seems like a decent comment..I have only used the switchblade so have no comparison, feels easy to use though.

Greggor - you say 8m might be a bit small, would getting a 9m instead have too much overlap with an 11m, regardless of brand? The soft feel of the Park might help that a little..I used the 11m in low to mid 20 knots, fully depowered and bricking it, definitely at its/my fun limit slightly above 20. My board is a Gaastra Xenon 145 which might help more with the 8m?

Glasstraxx - I am very new to the sport, progressing well but new so no floaty jumps yet, few floaty face plants maybe..

My thoughts for overall quiver were the 11m which I have, next an 8m then perhaps a 15/16m for the 12knot days...good plan? Also intend to get into waves (the reason for learning to kite) so the surfboard will also give a bit more float! Is a surfboard better in lighter winds due to the foam/extra volume? Usually the case windsurfing.

Phil27 said..
Greggor - you say 8m might be a bit small, would getting a 9m instead have too much overlap with an 11m, regardless of brand? The soft feel of the Park might help that a little..I used the 11m in low to mid 20 knots, fully depowered and bricking it, definitely at its/my fun limit slightly above 20. My board is a Gaastra Xenon 145 which might help more with the 8m?
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An 8m kite should not be small for WA. I think the 11/8 combo is quite a nice combo, Ive been riding a 12/8 combo for the last 2 years and it works well for me, never have a bad session on my 8m kite and im about the same weight as you, you will find that as you progress your wind range will expand for each kite. The size of your board on the other hand while good for progression and light wind may not suit you when your getting up into the higher area of your kites wind range a 135 - 138 would better suit your weight for general freeride (dont get rid of the Xenon though as its great to have a nice big board sometimes.)

I reckon with the bigger kites just hold off for a bit and see if you need it, WA gets rocking wind and i dont think you will use it enough to justify it, also if your going to jump on a surfboard soon, the big beast will just sit there gathering dust.