Hi all,
I started kitesurfing nearly a year ago now. I learnt on a 2006 12m Best Waroo which has been and still is a good kite but having progressed am looking for something that will push me a bit more. Mostly do flat/choppy water stuff, un-hooked and just cruising around. Fairly rarely go into the surf but heading back to Aus for a few months so might give it a stab.

I travel around a lot with work so am mainly looking for something that doesn't go wrong, big wind range as i have a one kite quiver and is pretty grunty. As i had briddle lines and bladders blow on the Waroo(not fun). The 2 main kites i am looking at are the F-one Bandit 3 and a North Rebel. I was wanting to go 12m size wize again but speaking to a few people they say that the newer kites are much more grunty and would only need something around 10 or 11 M. To have the same low end but higher top end wind range.

If anyone has owned or used these kites any input would be very helpful. Mainly with wind range and things breaking.

I weight 82kgs and ride a 140 x 40 t/t board.

Cheers
Jack

Try as many different kites as you can, but consider back up support in case things go wrong.

If you are in Brisbane, we have 11 brands for you to choose from, and anything goes wrong, we will loan you a kite free of charge to keep you on the water.

The Waroo was my favourite kite in 2006, I bought a 12m, then a 14m within a week after. With your experience, definitely try the new Best TABOU. The 17m with my Liquid Force Lowrider or the Raceboard is my ultimate lightwind machine. It is the kite I went 'WOW' since the 2006 Waroo in the Best range.

Also consider the Envy, super responsive and great fun kite. Dont have to depower to unhook. Quite similar to the Bandit but lighter in bar pressure and turns more responsive. We have all sizes from 4m to 15m ready for you to demo any day of the week, and we are right on the water at Sandgate.

If you need more info let me know. If you are not in Brisbane I can send the demo kites to you to try, at no cost to you.

I ride a 2011 North Rebel 12m & 134x42 board, weigh 80kg.

I have been out in 14 knots riding upwind with very little effort, have also been out in ~28-30 knots and again the kite depowers quite well although I wouldn't advise you take it out past about 26 knots.

It has no bridle, a new canopy material and one of the best bars on the market...I'm sure you've read the reviews. Relaunch took me a while to get used to but have no problem with it now and have relaunched it in 14knots.

With respect to things breaking, I see the vulnerability on the rebel as being its floating centre strut particularly if hit by a wave. Its a solid kite and alot of fun to ride, its more expensive than other brands but you will notice the difference in quality.

Hi guys,
Cheers for the info all taken on board will probs try and demo a few when i get back to Australia towards chrissy.
Jack