Hey,
I'm planning to get a lightwind kite (less?, 7-15kts, Malaysian conditions) but I can't really decide which kite to get. I've done some research and this is what I came out with:
- Big Mama 14.5m (2012)
- Lithium 14m (2013)
- Lithium One 16m (2013)
- FLY 15m (2013)
I'm still a beginner, learning how to ride upwind properly. I'm hoping to get into wave riding. Freeride and some freestyle are fine too when theres no wave.
Currently, I ride 135 tt, and will be getting a 6'2" surfboard soon.
I also have a 12m Bolt for 15-22kts.
I'm leaning more to FLY just because I can use the same bar. (But there isn't a lot of distributors around SEA region)
I weigh 70kg. 6' tall.
Could you guys offer some advice on my choice please? If you know other kites that are suitable for this type of riding, please share .
Thanks!!

Correct cbu. I am a relative beginner too and sub 17knots for me is beginning to be a waste of time. My kite falls, or I have to control it vigorously all the time just to get going. 20 to 25 knots are truly ideal conditions for most beginners and intermediates I think. Of course kite size, weight, the usual always prevails. I think there is this misconception that the light winds are good for beginners because of the less risk of lofting and other accidents. But I am beginning to think light winds equates to small sub 3 foot waves where you have to paddle harder and pump the board more to catch the waves.

I think fly comes with longer than normal lines as well

I've just started this season and have had a ton of fun with my Blade Fat Lady 17m. I'm 95kg 6'7" and in 9-15 kts I'll either use a SB or Spleene monster door. I'm only using 19m lines at the moment as well which seems to keep the kite nimble. You have to really work it in the lower wind ranges until you get some apparent wind going but from then on its park and go. I'm not up to jumping yet but on my timid turns it seems to want to pull me up ok. Mostly I just like to say I'm going to ride my fat lady ;-)

Depends on how you define newbie I guess but light wind work is definitely within reach of someone who has a few months behind them, e.g. me. One thing I would suggest that helped me out is go out on a couple of 12-15 kts days with your 11 or 12 and your normal board. It gave me a real feel for what I had to do with the kite and body/leg position over the board. If you don't bring yourself back in over the board in the luls it's hard work, and if u don't keep the kite moving in the 8-10 range, with the FL anyway you're sunk.

I think this years Blade has a better bar coming than the budget direct one that came with my 2012 model. Apart from that the FL is light, nimble and pretty tough to stand up to my shinnaningans! I also think being able to go out in all ranges accelerates your learning, was out today at Golden Beach and had the place to myself, priceless! www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ60801/IDQ60801.94581.shtml (1300-1500).