What size do you have at the moment? Are you looking to pair it with another size?

SaltySinus said...
Thanks for the Qu, Saffer.

I have a 12m Allstar Tiana. I typically go kiteboarding with a mate who often uses his 9m north rebel (2012). He's normally fairly well powered (when I'm a little over powered). He's 72kg, I'm 82kg. So figured if I was on a 10m he on a 9, that might balance out?

Or the short answer, a 12m!

The question I'd be asking is how the Allstar compares with the Rebel because you want something to complement it but at this point I'd assume the 9m is better. 3m gaps between kites is generally a good fit although you can go 4m. The problem you may have is that if the Allstar isn't grunty (say as much grunt as a 11 or 10m Rebel), you may even want to go as small as an 8m.

SaltySinus said...
Thanks Saffer, again.

Firstly, I'm an idiot: AllStar = StarKites. Tiana in particular. It's rated 10-22knotts for a 75kg rider, and I find it good for 14-20knotts (due to my weight 82kg and skill level 1st full season).

The Rebel seems to have a wider wind range and I think you're right, the 9 seems like a more sensible option in terms of giving me a wider over all range.

I guess the only thing going for the 10m is, in my little mind, I reckon it's been typically 18-25knotts most of this season which would would lean more to the 10m, than the 9m. Hmmm what to do.

The biggest issue you will find with having a new kite is wanting to use it more than the 12 because it's newer, faster and jumps higher. (small kites generally jump bigger than big kites). I used to ride a 12/9 or 12/8 combo and last year I bought a 13/10/7 combo of Rebels. The 10m was such a nice kite I never wanted to ride the 13m so I ended up dumping it and buying a lightwind surfboard (North nugget) which has the same low end as the 13 and means I can ride my 10m. The 10m is a really nice size, I use it 90% of the time and the jumping on it is incredible. That said, I go between 75 and 80kg's so I am a little lighter than you.

It's a no win. If you get the 10m, you'll wish you got the 9m on windy days and if you get the 9m, there will be many days you wish you could have the 10m so you were more powered.

Okay, after much thinking, talking and thinking again, I'm going for a 9m (to go with my 12m).

Thanks all for your advice.

Hey Random101,

I am newbie!

SpaceCoyote said...
9m in my opinion is a better choice than a 10m. it will give you more top end and you can later replace your old 12m with another 12m rebel. and then add a 7 or even a 6 to the quiver and you will be set for almost any conditions.

Thanks SpaceC...

I'm glad you said that as I settled for the 9m!

I since found out that the Bar (North Trust 5th element something) works with all 5 lined kites going back 5 years... so should mean I can use it going forward aforementioned 12m/7m etc.

Note to self, start taking care of your bars, rinse after use!