Hello All, first time post.
I originally attempted kitesurfing back in 2006. I went out and bought a brand new F-One Tribal, which was all the rage at the time, board and harness. I then spent 3 hours filling my face with sand and salt water body dragging. At the time it was too much ( new baby, new house etc) and so I sold the gear and continued wake boarding.
The baby is now 8 years old and my eldest is 11: both the 11 year old and myself would like to have a dedicated go at the sport.
I understand that kites have changed a lot since 2006 and I also know that this question is asked all the time but there are so many makes these days that it is a bit daunting. I've looked on line at what is available used, as I do not want to make the same mistake twice, and have the following list:

2013 F-one bandit 6 12m
2011 F-one bandit 4 14m
2013 Ozone Edge 13m
2011 Cabrinha Switchblade 14m
2012 OZone Zephyr 17m

All of these kites are priced between $750 and $900.
Which, in your opinions, is the best buy and best suited to a beginner living North side of Brisbane.
I weigh between 100kg (no fat) and 110kgs (good for hibernating).
I would also like to get my boy the same manufacture of kite as we can then build a quiver using same bars etc (he is just shy of 50kgs).

Any opinions would be greatly received.

Thanks for the reply manicskier, I have a three line training kite with which my son and I are up to 9 hours practice each and we fully intend to have lessons: there is no way that I would approach this sport without doing so especially where my boy is concerned.
My reason for wanting the kite was that I plan to take a week off and have a weeks worth of lessons: I would prefer to do it with my own equipment so that I could get to know it while under instruction.

I hover between 85 in summer and 95 in winter, for free riding TT I'll use an 11m from 12-30 kts and just change my boards around. I'd say you would get by on an all rounder type kite of 12-13 for 90% of your first year. Your son is probably going to be on a 7m if a friend of mine with similar weight is anything to go by. I use a 7m with a sb maybe once a month if I'm lucky so you might not have much use for it or even an 8 as part of your alternate quiver.

As for the 17m kite I've got one and I'll always prefer to grab a bigger board and the 11m unless it's under 12-10 kts, they just aren't as much fun but have never tried the Zepher.

The places around north bris tend to be very choppy so demo a lot of boards before you choose one. I started on a North Gonzales and did a few sessions around Brighton and found it horrific, turned over to a Shinn board and found it awesome. A guy you're size is probably going to need a big board, if the instructors have any doors give one a go. My Spleene monster door is an absolute session saver, upwind demon and great in the chop to boot, highly recommend it for your area just put thick foot pads on it!

Your instructor will no doubt recommend an all rounder type kite as well, it's a logical choice while you figure out your style... But yeah, board is king, do your research there and good luck!

Hi, if your kiting Brighton - Sandgate then 14m would be your everyday kite for your weight. I'm 87-89kg and use my 12m 80% of the time from 16-27knots my 16m gets 15% usage and my 8m about 5% use unless I travel up to double island point now and then.
I also live miles away so I have to have the full quiver.
If you want to include your son the 7/10 or 11 depending on kite brand because some kites are more powerful than others & 14 for quiver, if just you for the time being 10&14.
Bandits are good strong kites just check the bar and lines for corrosion and wear never flown cabrinha so not sure, ozone edge is high aspect race kite which can be difficult for noobs.
I wouldn't worry about the 17m unless you live 60klms inland like me then it could be a good investment if you only get one day a week to shoot out which is usually the half day Sunday with me for a kite lol. Good luck and yes lessons are a must just to help you get going

Hi Jday,

I'm only new to the sport to, I've been going since April/May last year.
I purchased my gear after I had lessons and worked out with the kite shop what would be the best size and type of kite to start with plus board. I now have a couple of kites for the different wind ranges which suits me now once I progressed a bit. Most of the kite shops do some sort of deal where the money you spend on lessons they'll discount the gear by a equivalent amount or close to. (Obviously check with the kite shop upfront first if that is the case) plus you get the after sales support which is good when your down the water front setting up and need a quick question answered.
I'm lucky enough to be local around north brisbane also so get to go a few times a week. I've spoken to a few people as you do when setting up and assisting. There has been a few people that purchased equipment prior to lessons and most after. The ones before have quite often wished they waited until after as they had a better understanding of what they now needed.
So I guess for my 2 cents worth I'd wait until after lessons before purchasing gear.
Cheers

My best advice to give is don't get caught up in brands. Every big brand of kite out there makes a good, solid kite to learn on. Use the schools kites for your lessons, they're there for you to beat up and the switch to your gear will not be hard. Be patient, after a week of lessons you'll have a real good idea of what you want. And, There's a lot of good used kite gear for sale, but, again, you'll figure a lot of that out during your lessons.

Thanks to everyone for responding.
I'll take a few days off in March and have some lessons then make my mind up about which kite suits best, seems like sound advice.
Good to know that 12 - 14m should suit.
Hope to be able to contribute once I know what I'm talking about and hopefully see some of you on the water.