Quiver for a Beginner

[manuelli]

I have been a windsurfer for most of my life but last summer I was in NC so I decided to take a few kite lessons at OBX. I took two lessons and rented for a couple days so I am at the point where I can get up and ride (not terribly consistently) and can avoid getting pushed downwind, although I don't think I could make very good upwind progress. Renting is expensive (100 +) every time and I was looking to buy some of my own gear. I am currently at college in NJ so I would be kiting in relatively light winds 12-20 kts.


I was wondering what suggestions people have in terms of gear. Ideally I would like to get a used kite, say a 2009 Kahoona 12 and maybe an older 141 Naish Haze. What would be the best way to go about getting good used equipment and what could I expect to pay for it. Ideally I wouldn't like to spend more than 650-700 for this initial set of gear.


Thanks in advance for your advice,

Lucas

[ChicagoGlobeRider]

Hi,

I am local and have all sorts of gently used but hi end gear that would be in your price range and perfect for you. You can come by to see it all in person and even try it out if to hook up at the beach.

Just pm me if interested in what I have.

[Bob]

Lucas,

Thanks for the email and I sent a reply yesterday. Glad to help.

Bob

[kitingjames]

Fall 2011 riding season is upon us and I need some advice as well in trying to determine a kite quiver for a beginner.

Currently I have an 11M (a delta kite and mfg wind range 11-22 kts) with a 142 Slingshot misfit.

I was debating whether to get a 7M (delta hybrid mfg wind range 22-38 kts) or a 9M (delta hybrid mfg wind range 17-33 kts).

Given the wind conditions in the great lakes during the Fall, and the fact that I can only afford a 2 kite quiver, which of these two would you recommend me to buy to complement my 11M?

I'm 6'0 and 185 lbs

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks guys.

[4w7s]

seems like a nice package and prices posted right here on this forum today

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10203

IMO the 2007 and 2008 BEST kites are plenty good in terms of quality, handling, etc. and are great for beginners. Those 2 kites would be good from 13/14 kts to almost 30 kts (depending on weight/skill/board, etc)

not sure what your weight is or what level of board skills you have currently, so the UG 135 may be good if you are under 185. if heavier you may want a bigger board (a tad longer and a bit wider)

btw they do not make a "12" Kahoona...5.5, 7.5, 9.5, 11.5, 13.5 are the sizes...great kites IMO super easy to fly, great relaunch, stable, etc.

[Bob]

Hi James,

If you wanted to save a few dollars and extend your range even more, I have a couple of really good options depending on your riding style, etc.

I'm just about to announce selling my Slingshot Rally demos. From your 11m, a jump to an 8m would be perfect and then add a 6m and it's a really good quiver for fall winds. The 6m can handle a ton of wind and is a really fast kite. The Rally's are fast turning, jump big and are super fun in the waves if that's your style.

6m = $1579.00 retail....sell demo for $799.00
8m = $1679.00 retail....sell demo for $839.00

If you get both, I'll ship them for free in the lower 48.

Another option are some 2010 new Slingshot RPM's that I have on closeout.

6m = $849.00 new
8m = $899.00 new

Let me know if these are of interest.

bob
bob@kiteridersllc.com

[jdsoohoo]

8/9 and 11/12 is exactly what Ivo suggested to me earlier as a good beginner quiver. I am looking at a 9 and 11/12 right now (sle).

Also I am just now finding out just how useful universal pigtails are for adapting various bars to various kites!

[Dutchkiteboarder]

Hi Lucas,

Just out of curiosity what do you weight? Weight and skills are a big factor as well buying a kite. (As 4w7s mentioned)

A long time ago 2001, it was normal to go for a 16 12 9 quiver. Now you can pull it off sometimes with only 2 kites.

[kitingjames]

John--How much do you weight? Just curious.

I'm leaning towards a 9M sle. I'm thinking of using my 11M for mid-teens to twenty kts conditions and the 9M for twenty to mid twenty conditions. Overall (including summer and fall seasons) would you guys say that I'd be riding my 11M 70% of the time and my 9M 30% of the time? I guess is hard to say given the unpredictable wind conditions around the lake but if somebody has any advice it would be appreciated. Since I'm a beginner I wouldn't be out with above 30kts winds so no need for a 7/8M at this point.

Cheers everybody

[Dutchkiteboarder]

John--How much do you weight? Just curious.

I'm leaning towards a 9M sle. I'm thinking of using my 11M for mid-teens to twenty kts conditions and the 9M for twenty to mid twenty conditions. Overall (including summer and fall seasons) would you guys say that I'd be riding my 11M 70% of the time and my 9M 30% of the time? I guess is hard to say given the unpredictable wind conditions around the lake but if somebody has any advice it would be appreciated. Since I'm a beginner I wouldn't be out with above 30kts winds so no need for a 7/8M at this point.

Cheers everybody

70% on a 11m I would say no. I am about 156lbs and most of the time I want a bigger than just my 11. Maybe its because of the kite type or something but I would almost say for some one around 185lbs (gear not even included yet, wetsuit, harness) look for a 13. That's just my thoughts

[jdsoohoo]

I agree with dutchkiteboarder. That suggestion was for me and I am a measly 130-140, so at 185, I would guess you should probably go a 'step' up.

[kitingjames]

Thanks guys