NSW
9 posts
Hey guys,
Currently looking at getting a kitesurfing package from Kitepower, Sydney where I did my lesson.
I was looking at getting a 10m Crazyfly Sculp 2014 with either the Crazyfly Shox Custom or Raptor Pro board (both 2013 stock). However my instructor suggested also looking into Best kites if I wanted something slightly higher quality/performance. I'm now looking at the 10m Best TS 2014.
Upgrading to the TS will cost me about $260. Do you think it's a worthwhile investment for someone who is only just getting into the sport?
Regarding the board, the Raptor seems to be much more popular in general, but I'm wondering if that's because the riders who choose it are more experienced. Would you recommend either board over the other?
Cheers,
Ian
p.s. If anyone drives to kiteboarding spots (Botany Bay in particular) from Coogee, I'll be looking for a ride! Can chip in for petrol etc. :)
QLD
248 posts
My two cents:-
I would spend the additional $$ on the kite and get the Best TS, great kites, stable, good power delivery and nice to fly.
With regard to the board, I would get the Shox as it will be cheaper than the Raptor Pro and what you save on the board should cover the additional monies on the kite.
Once you are up and riding and have a season under your belt then you can change your board if you want to depending on if you choose to specialise in one area ie freestyle etc.
Both boards are great, however I personally found the Raptor Pro hard on the knees when landing jumps etc.
NSW
9 posts
Cheers!
The boards are pretty much the same price at the moment (they're both discounted old stock - I guess the discount on the Raptor is just greater) which is why I asked. So assuming the same price, would you still advise me to go for the Shox? How hard a board is on your knees - does that just depend on the flex, or are there other variables?
NSW
9 posts
Wanted to edit my post, but couldn't see an obvious way to do it on this forum.
An additional general question for buying boards:
Should I be going for these discounted boards, rather than the non-discounted 2014 boards which come to the same price? I assume the technology isn't changing that much each year.
QLD
248 posts
Ok, so here is a write up from the 2013 Buyers Guide that the Kiteboarder Magazine put together...it may or may not assist you in your decision. (sorry the formatting doesn't hold up)
For freeride, the Allround is exactly as the name states. For beginners to intermediates and beyond it?s an easy board for all general conditions. The Shox Custom is a bit more advanced having the benefits of a double-concave bottom, slightly more aggressive rocker, and stiffer center for great pop, but still overall is a more flexible board than the carbon fiber models with great upwind ability. It?s ideal for freeride-dedicated riders into advanced levels of riding.
2013 CRAZYFLY BOARDS
Raptor Pro 127?38, 127?40, 132?39, 132?41, 132?42, 137?41, 137?43, 140cm Twin Tip Advanced freeride, intermediate-advanced freestyle
Raptor LTD 132, 136, 140cm Twin Tip Intermediate-Advanced freeride/freestyle, chop
Shox Custom 132, 133, 136cm Twin Tip Progressive beginner-advanced freeride
Allround 135, 138?40, 138?43, 145?41, 145?44, 145x48cm Twin Tip Beginner-upper intermediate freeride
For freeride/freestyle the Raptor Pro has been the king crossover and most sold board in the CrazyFly lineup for years. Its construction and features allow it to work really well in about any condition including heavy chop and waves while being very light weight and very nimble. It feels loose and ultra-maneuverable but with great speed, edging, and load-and-pop abilities. The Raptor Pro is for that Intermediate to advanced rider who wants a fast, smooth, responsive board that works in a variety of conditions (which describes a lot of riders out there).
With regard to 2013 boards, there is nothing wrong with them, half the time the design of the boards don't change, they bring out a new one every now and again but most of the time the difference between a 2013 and a 2014 board is graphics.
QLD
6493 posts
Raptor is a freestyle board... not a great idea for a beginner, I hear they're pretty harsh through chop too.
Freeride board is what you want for now; go for the Shox. I think they're quite wide so it'll go early and easy. You didn't mention your weight...? but go for the bigger board as it'll be easy to ride in lighter wind too.
I've never liked the CrazyFly kites... Best would be better but I don't like them either. Do you really need a new kite? Odds are good you'll prang it hard and ruin it...
4862 posts
Don't buy new gear to start with. You will trash it. you smash kites into the water and grind board on the sand when you are starting out.
By some stuff that's about a year old in good conditions.
1year old stuff should be about 50% off new. Trash it for a year then sell it and buy new.
NSW
4382 posts
Hi Ian
Drop into the shop and twist the guys arms, you will get a deal thats better than buying used, without the risk of paying for something thats more used than described, or thats just not well suited to your needs. We will sort you out with the best gear and support you.
QLD
1371 posts
If you can afford new then no brainer, everything wears out anyhow.
Since beginning I have replaced/repaired 30+ valves, blown and replaced 2 bladders, repaired rips all over the place, done chicken loop line and other line replacements, replaced and re-glued bindings and patched boards.
Trashing a kite just means getting to learn a lot more about how the equipment is put together :)
NSW
29 posts
I looked at crazyfly and everyone said good value but not necessarily that durable in longer term... Settled for 10m Ozone Catalyst and a smaller Switchblade, useful experience... Now would settle for Switchblade if making choice with the experience and knowledge I now have... Not sure that some say don't mix brands.... Can see for spares etc, but both kites have different advantage... Catalyst excellent learning, bit of lighter wind performance, stable, relaunch, depower - All tick, not as twitchy as SB,but you get used to what you know!
I have always bought near new used a few times last year models -$900 catalyst with bar 7m SB without bar $500, same year near new bar $150.... Didn't need to be too patient just keep checking sources... And negotiate. Buying secondhand near new crisp easy feel, speak on phone or buy from shop, you soon get the sense of honest representation... That said there are some dodgy characters out there....
Always had good experience with KP, good negotiations, good product and after sales...
Having lost a bladder in QLD, go cabrinha or Ozone as both readily available if you travel ;)
Good luck
