WA
109 posts
I'm starting lessons in a few weeks and the plan is to havesome gear to practice on away from the school. I simply can't afford a new set of gear and was thinking of buying a 10m crossbow 2011/12 as my first kite.
I'm 90 kegs.. would a 10 bee a good choice for Perth metro? obviously I'll expand quiver later when I figure out what I like. Just thinking about that first kite and wondering if this size and model would be good for progression.
Thanks in advance
VIC
152 posts
I first tried a crossbow about a month ago when I borrowed it off a mate because my kite was elsewhere. It was a 12m, probably a 2010 model.
I think it's a great kite for a beginner! I can't comment as a complete beginner, but the kite was really forgiving. I was able to nail all the tricks I had been getting a semi success rate on my usual kite, and then when I did stack I'd pop up ready to stop the kite from hitting the water only to find it hovering there unaffected. It's a bit too slow for my liking, but that's what makes it so forgiving. Myh favourite thing about the kite was boosting, my usual kite often drops me like a ton of bricks at the end of a decent sized jump, but I swear the crossbow has a jump and glide button, it's just so easy.
I think you'll have a good time with the kite.
As for perth winds, I've got a mate in perth that is about that weight and only has a 10m. He recons the summer seabreezes are pretty strong so I think you'll be right. But I've only kited on the east coast so my word on that's not worth much.
WA
258 posts
I learnt 3 years ago on a 2008 crossbow 12m .. was perfect . slow , forgiving and powerful. At the time I weighed in at 100kgs so 12m was good. I mainly learnt at Applx so the extra size was needed compared to if I was in the ocean.. A mate of mine is learning at the moment on 2012 crossbow 10m and 13m. he weighs approx. 100kgs and started last summer .. to be honest he is mainly using his 13m as the winds haven't hit yet.. I have had a go on both kites and they are tip top.
I would be leaning toward the 10m to start with if you are only buying 1 kite because they are really powerful kites.... also pair it with a fairly big board to start with... I started with a 140. Also maybe go a little older say 2010 kites and buy 2 kites ?? 2009 if in good nick... you are going to be smashing them in your first year anyhow.
So it depends when and where ( ocean or river) you are going to learning .. not sure which size is the best for you but either way the crossbow kites should work well..
good luck. enjoy !!!
QLD
6493 posts
I think yes. Good pull, not too fast, jump well, depower is good. You'll probably get to a stage where they'll only come out if you want a boosting session, but they'll do you well for 2 or 3 years - if you don't get into wave or freestyle. I'm thinking the bigger sizes though...
In my cupboard, I've got 2011 16, 13 and 10. The 16 is really slow, the 13 is a total Swiss Army knife and the 10 is ok. Depends on your winds though. You'll want more kite when you're learning, cos you'll be all inexperienced and inefficient with the kite and board :) depends on your winds of course...
IMHO you do NOT want older than 2011 XB - the bridle design changed and from 2010 to 2011 there's big difference in bar pressure.
QLD
1451 posts
i would reccomend that as a good kite for a beginer. i use a 13m one for my light wind kite. zero complaints. bit slow looping it but what can i expect its a 13m bow. it is what it is.
try get a new one from a shop. new as in 2010-2012 (few years old) model but new as in never used. you can --->"ruffly"<--- knock 500$ off for every year the kites old. so 2014 = 2100 , 2013 = 1600 , 2012 = 1100 , 2011 = 600 , 2010 = $400 (you will rarely find kites sell for less then $400 thats why theres only a 200$ less between last 2 years mentioned)
hope that helps
WA
109 posts
Thanks for all of your excellent advice!!
Great to hear others recommend the crossbow. Gives me some faith in choosing this model.
Kozzie I really like the idea of finding an unused 2011 kite for around $600!! unfortunately everything I've seen in that price range is all used gear.. I'll keep my eyes peeled and maybe post in the buy/sell forum..
Cheers!
QLD
1451 posts
only shops can do that, theyll be asking for 800 or so. ..... may be able to talk them down
WA
3619 posts
Nothing against the Crossbow (or Cabrinha generally) but (imo) as a beginner you could do better with a lower aspect kite.
The Cabrinha option is then the Switchblade.
All major brands do a lower aspect bridled kite - mostly referred to as 'Deltas' rather than 'bows'.
Something thats easier to relaunch off the water & delivers more regular grunty wind holding ability is (imo) a better beginner option.
No biggy though. The Crossbow - and other higher aspect varieties of bridled LEI's - again all brands make one - will still teach you how to fly them to best performance with all the safety & depower essential for beginners and all kiters these days.
WA
109 posts
cheers mate,
since i started this thread i have actually been thonking i might go for a sb over the crossbow due to seeing thread saying a similar thing to what you just posted..
hopefully i can find what im looking for :)
