I'm a beginner getting into the sport looking to buy a first kite.
I'm tossing up between the Lithium and the Rally, both 2013 models and 10m, which I can get a relatively the same price.

I've heard they're both awesome kites but I'm having trouble deciding.

Thoughts?

Extra info, I've finished lessons and am 75kgs, looking to start on a one kite quiver.

Hi Sangas, just to bolster cauncy's point, there's nothing wrong with a second hand kite to get you going.

If you're anything like me (and I hope to god you're not for your sake), you'll end up bashing your kite around, dropping it in the water, getting it bashed by the waves into the sand/rocks etc. You'll try your first self launch and land and bash it round, so there certainly are advantages for buying used and trying these things out.

Having said that I bought a second hand Airrush Lithium (ironically) and it let me down, literally as it had a puncture. This in turn means you lose precious time on the water. So buying new gives you the peace of mind that your new quiver won't let you down... but means you'll stress when (and it is when) you do things wrong.

If I were you, and I had sufficient funds for one new kite, I'd buy two used kites (2012 models) to ensure I can go out what ever the weather. The most fustrating thing I foudn when learning is looking at the wind report and the weather being too soft of too strong... I felt like frickin' goldie locks.

I'd recommend you getting a 11m and a 8m... or a 12m and a 9m. That's just me.

Good luck with the search... and there is no 'right option' just options. If you have more money than time, then get two new kites, a 11m and an 8m.

I have a Lithium 12 and 9 and like them both. Smooth power, good turning, easy relaunch and great bottom end grunt. You can adjust the bridle and leading edge attachments between low/medium/high bar pressure settings. I am using mine on low and its all good. They are low weight too - which helps the flying characteristics. They are good for beginner too.

I haven't used Slingshots so I can't comment on them, other than that they also have a good reputation.

However, if you get two second hand kites (as per previous posts) then you won't worry so much about crashing (and possibly trashing) them. My first kite spent a lot of time hitting the water, and sometimes washed in on rocks.

9m review: kitesurfing-handbook.peterskiteboarding.com/reviews/2013-airush-lithium-9m

12m review: kitesurfing-handbook.peterskiteboarding.com/reviews/2013-airush-lithium