Need kite advice (yup, another one...)

> 10 years ago
Reply
Register to post, see what you've read, and subscribe to topics.
Medic
Medic
WA
74 posts
WA, 74 posts
12 Dec 2014 7:02pm
So I'm another wet behind the ears newbie, finished my lessons last weekend... Thanks WestOz, amazing experience. Ended up buying some nice kit, but due to very strong winds (28-35kts) could not go out this week I need some advice on a possible 2nd kite size:

I'm 98kg and will most probably be north of the river in Perth for most of the time. I am the proud owner of a 2015 Liquid Force Envy 12M with a 2014 Liquid Force Drive 140cm board. No real riding style yet, just trying to stay on for more than a couple of meters. I have some wakeboarding experience as well as other watersports. Also have 3 weeks leave as of next week, so wanted to give myself the best opportunity to kite and learn as much as possible.

What other kite size should I look at? Smaller - Envy 8 or 9M, or larger 15M Envy or Solo for now? I'd like to stick with Liquid Force to aid progression and use the same bar.

Please help.
tantrumizer
tantrumizer
12 posts
12 posts
12 Dec 2014 7:27pm
I'm also a newbie, so wouldn't dare to comment, but I'd like to ask which bar you got? LF have a new bar for 2015 ("Response" bar), but it's not yet in store where I live, so I was curious...

I ordered an Envy 9m as my first kite this week. Should have it soon!
Medic
Medic
WA
74 posts
WA, 74 posts
12 Dec 2014 7:55pm
I have the CPR bar, but waiting eagerly for the Response bar which is apparently arriving soon. Been told they might do a trade-in deal if you have bought a 2015 kite.
ppete
ppete
VIC
17 posts
VIC, 17 posts
12 Dec 2014 11:41pm
Im about your weight, but in Victoria.

I started with a 12m and bought a 9m as my second kite. A year later I added a 15m as I was sick of sitting on the beach while all the lightweights and people with big kites were out. In victoria we get a lot of 15-20 knot days, so in the last month the 15m has been my most used kite. However when it is cranking, the 9m is way more fun.

I think Perth you get more consistent heavier days? You will have more fun on the smaller kite, but IMO it comes down to which would get you on the water more often, a 9m with a range of (say) 25 to low 30s or a 15 with a range of 13 to 20 or so.

Hope that helps.
cauncy
cauncy
WA
8407 posts
WA, 8407 posts
12 Dec 2014 9:16pm
Stick with what you know, at your level multi brand or multi model mixing will stunt your progression, always found that guys that mix n match , which is down to cost and bad advice don't move forward as quick,
cauncy
cauncy
WA
8407 posts
WA, 8407 posts
12 Dec 2014 10:14pm
Sorry forgot to add , no matter what size kite best to sit out the higher winds at your stage,small kites and big winds are where accidents happen , they give you very little time to react, build your confidence not dint it
Medic
Medic
WA
74 posts
WA, 74 posts
13 Dec 2014 11:23am
Thanks guys for some good advice
Sandrino
Sandrino
114 posts
114 posts
13 Dec 2014 11:47am
cauncy said...
Stick with what you know, at your level multi brand or multi model mixing will stunt your progression, always found that guys that mix n match , which is down to cost and bad advice don't move forward as quick,


Thanks for that Cauncy, I'm in a similar spot and almost made the wrong decision, after reading your post though... Money saved, lessons learnt.
fuall
fuall
WA
375 posts
WA, 375 posts
13 Dec 2014 7:08pm
im still a Kook but the Ozone Catalyst 8m goes sick,had my first day on it today at Melville.
Wallis1986
Wallis1986
QLD
130 posts
QLD, 130 posts
13 Dec 2014 9:20pm
Id definatly go the 9 over the 15. A 15 wont add much to the bottom end but a 9 will add heaps to your top end.
StKKiter
StKKiter
SA
85 posts
SA, 85 posts
13 Dec 2014 11:26pm
As above, definitely the 9m, and ideally the same model as your current kite.
tantrumizer
tantrumizer
12 posts
12 posts
14 Dec 2014 3:23pm
Medic said..
I have the CPR bar, but waiting eagerly for the Response bar which is apparently arriving soon. Been told they might do a trade-in deal if you have bought a 2015 kite.


Thanks for the info!

I'm getting the Response bar as part of my pack, but the shop is lending me a CPR bar till it arrives. I was curious about when that might be of course...


Medic
Medic
WA
74 posts
WA, 74 posts
16 Dec 2014 8:15am
Thats good customer service. Let me know what you think about it when you get it!
Watto5
Watto5
WA
87 posts
WA, 87 posts
16 Dec 2014 2:31pm
If you get the same brand and model in a different size kite, you may find they use an identical bar and lines (length). That will mean you will have a spare - which is handy, or else you can buy kite only and save a few $s. I have a 12m and 9m (SS Rally) and they use an identical bar. The 14m uses a bigger bar and longer lines.
Medic
Medic
WA
74 posts
WA, 74 posts
17 Dec 2014 1:15am
Thanks Watto, think I will stick with the same brand.

Took the kite out this arvo at Pinnaroo point to practice flying it and do some body drags, hooked up, tested my QR, put it back together, and went for the launch. However, I noticed that one of my front lines was tight, but the other one was very slack (the one connected to QR2). I abandoned the launch, but could not get the 2 lines to be equally tight? what am I doing wrong? Brand new, first time the kite and bar was to be flown.
Medic
Medic
WA
74 posts
WA, 74 posts
18 Dec 2014 6:02am
Kite is all sorted! Dunno what I did wrong the first time, when I re-rigged yesterday at the shop in Safety Bay, it was all good. So much so for the guy at Pinnaroo point (who did not even looked at my kite) telling me it is an uneven line problem and I would have to take it to his shop to be checked out professionally. Guess he was out to make a quick dollar off a newbie...

Had great fun yesterday though practicing the basics and getting a feel for the kite. Its awesome, now I just need to stay on the board!
Please Register, or first...
Topics Subscribe Reply