Hey Tom

Glad to hear you're enjoying it. I was around your weight, maybe a few kg heavier when I started on a Cab switchblade 12m, and a Liquid Force Recoil 136. Am now 85kg and 186cm. I've little experience on other kites, and am just hitting my third season, so this is just my 2c. The Cab was pretty good, but I found that it was of limited usefulness for someone like me who only keeps the one kite, as it has a fairly narrow wind range. While I was often correctly powered at the start of the session, I was way overpowered at the end of a session when the breeze picked up- lots of sessions ended up feeling more like an episode of survivor rather than fun and safe. I also used to break a few pulleys, which was a real pain, and could be a bit unsafe if it happened when out too wide.

After a season I switched to a 2010 Rebel 10m (use same board). Much happier with this, and the build quality and reliability seems better. Similar bottom end (gets going in about same wind), but much more top end range, which feels safer and more comfy even when the wind really picks up, and also when on land. Safety and comfort = more fun. Probably more responsive too (though this is probably not such a good thing for a novice, given you're likely to make plenty of mistakes with your kite control and a more responsive kite may reward you with a spanking). Water relaunch slightly easier with the Cab, but not bad at all with the Rebel. My board seems ok in chop/ small waves and flat water; ok for general free ride but probably not super high performance.

Cheers, Brian

Thanks for the replies guys. Helps a lot to get nice easy to understand advice!

I notice a few Blade Vertigos for sale, 2009, 10 and 11. Any comment on how suitable they are for beginners?

Hmm, that is a good price. All the guys on the beach were talking about $2200-2500, which left me a bit depressed. I suppose they just went into the shop and said yes to everything. I'll see what I can do. Also have a mate at work who knows a few people and might be able to get me a good deal

There is some info and indicative pricing on gear here: kitesurfing-handbook.peterskiteboarding.com/gear

And secondhand gear here: kitesurfing-handbook.peterskiteboarding.com/gear/second-hand-gear

A 10 or 12 m kite could be the go, and get a twin tip board that is a bit longer (e.g. 145cm) rather than shorter as its easier to learn on and good for downwinders etc.

Tom, there are good deals to be had on run out models. I recently picked up a Bandit 3 10m brand new for a grand. The B5 is out now and anyone with old stock will sell for this price. The same goes for most models. Used B3's in good nick were going for about 800-900 and I just made a couple of calls and tracked down old but new stock. People that pay full price do so because they want the latest model.

Hmm, ok, so it wont take a genius to work out how I'm compiling this list (I've just spent about 2 hours slowly cruising through the Buy & Sell), but I'd be interested to hear opinions on some of these:

2011 Naish Park 10m (have already flow one of these, seemed nice to me)
2010 Flexifoil Ion 4
2010 and 2011 Fluid ATV 12m
2009 and 2010 Cabrinha Switchblade 12m
2008 North rebel

Am looking for a kite suitable for a (quick learning!) beginner Would love to hear any feedback anyone can give. Thank you for the comments I have already received!