SA
3 posts
Howdy folks, looking to hear your advice on second hand kites-and how old is too old
I currently own a '09 12m north rebel that i bought new back then-used it twice...getting lessons again and getting back out there before the moths eat it!!
But at 70kg im looking at buying a second hand 9m for those bit blowier days- have seen an ' 09 9m rebel up for sale at a reasonable price with bar ( so the missus and i can kite together on low wind days) but should i not waste my time with a second hand of that era??or have they still got the depower etc of the newer models.
Another one that should get a few replies...Have a mate wanting to learn with a Takoon wook 2 he was given freebie-old school C kites dangerous or safe(enough) on low wind days
cheers for any input, Nick
QLD
2060 posts
It really depends on the make of the kite and model, as different manufacturers used different safety systems. There is no "standard". Although now they all pretty much use "through the bar" depower. Avoid older than 2009. But really, the best safety started around 2010/11 so you'll just have to save up a little more for a kite around there.
But if you wait 2 years (who can!?) the kites of today and last year will be just as cheap. There is a burst of new innovation at the moment and leading edge kites are getting lighter with thinner bladders, and extreme power and depower on demand options. Can't wait!
QLD
6493 posts
A new Switch kite not an option...?
I think the North bars that use any of the Iron Heart QRs would be fine...
WA
321 posts
I Had an 08 Rebel when I started out (only a few years ago now) from a safety perspective you'll be fine on an 09, but performance wise kites have come a long way, they are much more forgiving (generally) and you'll definitely fine better upwind than that vintage. I'd say go newer if you can afford it and at least that way when you upgrade your 12 the 9 will be fine and not so much of a big performance gap.
On your mate, know nothing about the particular model kite but generally newbie + C kite (especially the old free variety) = bad, don't go there.
