Hi :)

I'm fairly new to kiteboarding, I still suck but can get up riding etc just nailed transitions. I'm in the market for a new kite, been saving for a while (I have a 10.5 liquid force envy 2015) so if anyone can suggest anything that would be awesome.
I like the north vegas - but the whole 5 lines thing - I don't know.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

mt preferred style would be wakestyle/ freestyle. Somewhere that sits between the two

Hi jpic27

At this stage I would only recommend getting a C-Shape kite if you are progressing very fast into tricks, so basically if your progression is way beyond average and you're ready to focus the majority of your kiting on wakestyle tricks. C-kites are less powerful than bow/delta kites so you need more wind and greater technique to get the most out of them. You will also get less upwind ability on any C-kite. I've seen and still see many newbies who were sold a C-kite who just struggle and limit their progress, especially when the wind is sub 20 knots.

Some bow kites aren't too bad for getting into unhook tricks, rotations and loops, at least until you get your skills up there. Then you can justify getting some boots and a C-Kite.

The Vegas is a great kite. You shouldn't worry about 5 lines. the 5th line will actually help you in relaunching the kite in difficult relaunch situations (if you know how to do this).

Were you told and are you worried about the 5th line wrapping around your kite? Well if you really go hard into unhook tricks you will crash, roll and invert your kite more than anyone else, so basically you'll have to become a relaunching and untangling specialist (or a self-rescue specialist). In those cases the 5th line won't make any difference, if you really have the skills for it. The Naish Torch, Airush C-kites and Best GP also uses 5 lines. So yeah if you're worried about 5 lines, perhaps you should continue building your skills before getting a C-Kite.

Christian

Thanks everyone for your answers, I really appreciate it and the time you took to reply :).
I've just always been told, as a beginner to never get a C kite as its too dangerous etc. I have been wakeboarding/ surfing/ snowboarding/ longboarding since I was 12 years old so board skills are not the issue, it's just the addition of the kite - (my kite control is fine, I never have any issues with it or relaunching etc)
I'm not sure if this is true but is the safety release a lot different with C kites? I remember someone telling me they are extremely dangerous.

My only questions/ issues here are, I don't want to get something that will make progression easier, only to be limited by my kite further down the track, if this would even be the case I don't know? (I've been saving for a while so I'm looking for something that will last me, which is why I want to buy a new kite)

My final two questions would be, should I go for a C kite or not? and then which size would be the best for me?

Thanks so much for all your help guys, really appreciate it. It's what makes this sport great

C kites aren't dangerous... I don't know who said this but I certainly didn't...They do take some getting used to and some good flying skills but there's no reason modern C kites are more dangerous than other kites from a safety system point of view.

You need to get more familiar with safety systems and perhaps have an experienced wakestyle kiter explain to you on the beach the difference with standard safety VS suicide mode. All modern bars have the option to easily and quickly switch from standard safety to suicide mode. Yes, if you ride in suicide mode (which almost all wakestyle kiters do) you are taking more risk and it would not be recommended you do that at your level.

You're also asking about kite size without telling us your weight, average wind in your area and the location where you kite (flat water, ocean, etc) ??

This video will help you get familiar with different kite shapes:



I don't think getting a Pure C kite is the best idea for you at this stage. Take some time to really determine your preferred style of riding.

Just use your current kite for a little longer and see if unhooking and wakestyle tricks is really something you enjoy and can get good at. Think about it, you're just up and riding and doing transitions. Work on your pop, jumps, rotations, toeside riding, riding blind, downloops and kiteloops, unhook raley's...all of which you can do just fine on your current kite. If you can do all of these by the end of this month, then buy a C-Kite and you might get sponsored by next season

Christian

There really isn't anything wrong with your current kite all tho they have taken a few steps backwards in terms of unhookability from previous years, envy's are still a good kite when you tune them right. If you really want new gear and don't want a C, RPM's and C4's are really good kites. All depends on what you like in terms of feel.

I was in the same position as you! I just sold my 10.5m liquid force envy 2015 and have just bought an 11m & 8m naish pivot 2015. I read a lot of reviews and everyone said naish pivot is the best all round kite! Secondly, the 2016 hasn't changed much from 2015 so you could still grab a bargain and maybe even get 2 kites like me.

glendog said...
I wouldnt go getting a c. The ****ty wind range will just piss you off unless you have al least 3 kites. You wont benifet anything from a c at this stage. Go open c

That's exactly what I said haha. Don't do it man! Until your passing the bar. There is no need for a competition c kite. I can actually throw a backmobe better on an open c

I reckon you can get away with 2 C kites - I have had a 13 and a 9 (C4 and Vegas respectively) and it covers me for a pretty decent wind range.

Although I agree the range isnt quite as good as a bow or hybrid, its still fine and I never had to worry about any gap between them. That said I love an overpowered 13 almost as much as a 9 that is just hitting the sweet spot. (100kg, experienced kiter)

There is nothing wrong with the board you have, it's also big enough if you looking at going to bindings to. Their is plenty of good info in the gear reviews wakes style/freestyle board topic.

BurkeyBoy said...
I've tried a bit of everything over the years. Never been a big C-Kite fan, but that often comes down to gusty wind in my area that can just die suddenly. For a good allrounder, I find it hard to go past the Naish Park. The pivot is popular and has a good range, but the point and go aspect of the Park suits me well. Easy to progress on also and isn't bad for looping and unhooking.

Learnt my first unhooked stuff and loops on 9 and 12m parks. They were good kites when I was learning

jpic27 said..
mt preferred style would be wakestyle/ freestyle. Somewhere that sits between the two

Sounds like you should just keep your kite, its probably one of the best for learning and one of the more predictable unhooking kites.

If you got the savings and are set on getting a new kite, get a bigger or smaller one/ depending on what you want. However you will find 2016 kites are pretty expensive compared to the 2015 ones

glasstraxx said...
Can vouch for the park good to progress on. Make sure you get a kite size higher if you like riding full powered. Another good choice could the f-one bandit

Bit of hijack of this thread, but my instructor recommended this kite for me and would be great to get a second opinion on the bandit. Is it a good all rounder, with good wind range that would suit a beginner? Also good for progressing on?
Thanks!

If your still learning I wouldn't go for a new kite. Save some money and go for something a few years old. There really isn't much difference in technology in the last few years. I recon a rpm sounds like a perfect kite for you. C kite feel and easy re-launch.

Just another vote for non pure c untill your pro.

And dont get a 2016 you numpty buy a completely unused 2014 or 2015 for less money from a main company distributer who can offer a good deal. You should be able to expect to hack off $500 per a year rrp.

Get another 2015 Envy they are awesome kites and then focus on your riding and getting into boots if you want to progress wakestyle.