Gap from 12 to 8 is pretty big so I'd stick with 8. It's pretty easy to end up with a gap when adding a kite outside of your current make or model so be careful and if possible then demo. See if you can pick up a second hand cab, there are other options and comparability with the cab bar is possible. If buying from a retailer ask, there was a suggestion of the switch nitro but got lost somewhere which will work on the cab bar.

To save on the outlay buy an 8 or 10m 2014 Cab Switchblade without the bar ( saves you about 600 )

As ruggers said there is nothing wrong with having a second bar but it's hard to justify and extra 600-650 when you don't specifically need it.

In years past cab bars were different sizes i.e. Smaller kites had smaller bars , this made using the small bar on a larger kite inefficient as the turning became so slow with the x drive bar you can take your bar from 49cm to 56cm making the one bar option work.

Kite wise really depends on wind strengths in you area....

A 10m Switchy is your best option without a bar. End of season sales should be starting soon so there'll be plenty of bargains out there. I'm 64kgs and have 2 kites only - 10m and 8m (Ozone Reo's). I've been riding 12 years now and found that's all I need. A 10m is not too close to 12m. You need a little overlap. A 9m that is compatible with your bar maybe is OK, but definitely not an 8m.

Having different bars with different safety mechanisms can be dangerous. When things go wrong they go wrong fast and you don't want to have to think "What bar do I have? Do do I pull or push to eject?

Rolls said..

Weight 100kilos
Freeride
Farting around - like going fast, few basic tricks etc.
Usually out in 17 knots +
Been out of action for 5 yrs due to injury

Can someone please offer some advice. I have a cab switch 2014 in a 12 which I love. However I can't justify the cost for another switch and looking for a cheaper option. My questions are for those in the know:
Should I aim for a 7 or a 8? I don't intend to buy a third kite.
Should I look for a second hand cabrinha allowing me to use the same bar?
Or would I be better looking at a cheaper new kite which would mean I'll need another bar.

Cheers

It really depends on what you intend to do and where/when. I am assuming you're in Vic, WA or NSW? In your weight class I would go for no smaller than 10mt if you want something that will get you going in anything over 18knots. But then again a 12mt switchy should suffice you in anything from 15knots up to 25 or 27knots (again in your weight class). So you're not really gaining much.

On the other hand why not consider a foil kite like Flysurfer Speed 3 12mt or 15mt? That way you have best of both worlds - land kiting and water plus a much bigger wind range (10knot to 20knots) and 20knots up to 27knots on your 12mt kite. That way you'll only need 2 kites. And maybe a 3rd 9mt for 30knots plus if you're so inclined.

Rolls said...
Yeah okay. Maybe I should stick with the cab to save on bar fees. Does anyone know anything about the cheaper vector then? Seems to be a few hundred do.lars less.

If your concerned with $$, then look into used kites. There are plenty good ones out there. Lots of people upgrade their quiver every season. So only get 4 or so months use.