LW kites old vs new

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Brohan
Brohan
VIC
528 posts
VIC, 528 posts
30 Jan 2014 1:28pm
I am looking for a LW kite for 8-15 knots, but I'd rather not break the bank. I was thinking of getting an older 17m-20m kite, but would they fly completely different to my core xr3? I know it would have less de-power but I wouldn't be doing anything fancy and would be in light wind too.

How old is too old? and are c-shaped kits a lot different to our kite now?

Any advice would be appreciated.
Loftywinds
Loftywinds
QLD
2060 posts
QLD, 2060 posts
30 Jan 2014 1:41pm
I was thinking the same thing and so far there are not many options out there - even on Sbrz.
I do know that the older Cabrinha Switchblade (I, II & III) have excellent wind range for those that are above 14 mtrs.
But either way you are looking at at least $700 up for a 2nd hand LW kite.
My favourites so far are ...

* Ozone Zephyr 17m
* Ozone Edge 17m
* Blade Fat Lady 17m
* and the Best TSV 2 17m

The Fat Lady and the TSV have really good wind range, anything from almost 4knots! However, they are designed that way with a thinner bladder, lighter materials and pulleys/bridles. Which means these kites are "weak" overall and if you don't look after them, they won't last.
Brohan
Brohan
VIC
528 posts
VIC, 528 posts
30 Jan 2014 3:23pm
Thanks Lofty! I have found a old 2008 20m kite for $300 that hasn't been used.... not sure if its worth getting that for the odd day out, or investing in maybe a Zephyr or an edge.
bigtone667
bigtone667
NSW
1559 posts
NSW, 1559 posts
30 Jan 2014 3:27pm
I can vouch for the Blade Fat Lady 17 + North Nugget combination. It will get you and going before everyone else.
bene313
bene313
WA
1347 posts
WA, 1347 posts
30 Jan 2014 2:33pm
What about an older foil kite?
Brohan
Brohan
VIC
528 posts
VIC, 528 posts
30 Jan 2014 6:09pm
bene313 said..

What about an older foil kite?



aren't foil kites almost impossible to launch again if they hit the water an get water logged? otherwise that might do the trick.
elhucko
elhucko
TAS
253 posts
TAS, 253 posts
30 Jan 2014 9:15pm
I'm looking for one too. Thinking about an lithium in 14m, 16m or a vxr v2 in 15 or bigger.
kiter101
kiter101
QLD
115 posts
QLD, 115 posts
30 Jan 2014 8:42pm
I heard from a mate that a Best Taboo is a good light wind kite and he even said it was better then the new LW kites lol. They would be cheaper then the new ones as well i guess
bene313
bene313
WA
1347 posts
WA, 1347 posts
30 Jan 2014 8:12pm
Brohan said..

bene313 said..

What about an older foil kite?



aren't foil kites almost impossible to launch again if they hit the water an get water logged? otherwise that might do the trick.


I thought the same but a mate has a 21m foil and claims it relaunches easily.
Loftywinds
Loftywinds
QLD
2060 posts
QLD, 2060 posts
30 Jan 2014 11:15pm
When i hear the word "foils", I go nuts. i love foils.
Given they have more bridals than a Chinese wedding of thousands at once, and they require some patience with tangles not to mention self launching, let alone self landing because no one seems to know how to help you; foils are a great kite. Great for land kiting, great for teaching the hard way strong kite controls and of course no pack pain pumping a kite!
Water relaunching is great too. They float over the waves, hardly ever get water logged and can be reversed relaunched, which LEI cannot do unless you do some fancy line controls.
Speed 3 Flysurfers are the best and at 19 or 21mt, they fly on anything from 1 to 20 knots. And huge depower.
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