Have a 12m 2008 switchblade at the moment. I'm 81kg. Still a beginner.
Any advice re what size kite to go for (keep an eye out for) over coming months to complement my 12m. Ie an 8m or a 9m? Was thinking about just sticking with a switchblade (2nd hand)...
A 3m gap is probably as big as you would want to go. You're a similar weight to me and I fly a 10m 95% of the time. Don't rush into anything, fly a couple of different kites if you can. There is logic in sticking with the same kite, though you may find you enjoy a more advanced style of kite when you're more experienced.
I'm same weight and when I was learning I straight up bought a 7m, 11m, and 15m. I always found there was too much gap between the 7 and the 11, so I was either underpowered on the 7m or the conditions were gusty 35kt+ crap that I didn't want to be out in.
Now got a 9m & 12m C4 and haven't needed anything else since.
9m for sure!
Definitely go for a 9m but try and get something that is compatible with your existing bar. You may find it hard to get a 2008 kite in decent condition but at least aim for bar compatibility between your two kites. That way you don't need to take both bars away with you and you have a spare you can use if something goes wrong with the other one.
thanks guys
lostinlondon - re bar compatibility, assume this would mean same brand, and perhaps same model for the same brand? (i.e. you'd have to specific check) But in fact wouldn't the line lengths be potentially different anyway between same brand/model but different size kite?
Not necessarily. I have 2 Epic Screamers, 9m & 12m. Both use same the bar and lines. Also saves you a couple of hundred bucks buying a second set of bar and lines.
The Switchy is a 4 line kite. 4 line kites are a lot more cross compatible than 5 lines fortunately. You need to check your line lengths on your existing bar. Most 4 line kites have the same length lines, if the depower is fully released and the bar is pulled all the way into the chicken loop. Then it's just a matter of ensuring pigtails and loops match.
Sorry guys i tend to disagree with the 12m - 9m Combo. If you have a grunty kite like the switchblade is, but it also has really good depower you can stretch the limits a bit and go one size smaller for your small kite. Im 96kg and ride Rebels but find the 12m and 8m combo is more than adequate. I still often find myself in the situation where im out on my 12m and could be on my 8m or vica versa. Having a 8m also gives you a bigger wind range (top end) than if you go for a 9m.
I have had a few SB. Had a 2009 12M, then got a 2011 9M to go with it. Good gap, and the 2011 9M has plenty of power when it is in the low end of its wind range. Just replaced the 12M with a 2013 12M. It has less low end, so the gap is now a bit close. So overall, I'd say it depends a bit on the year of the respective kites, but you'd probably do best with a 9M.
Oh, and you will find a newer model SB (except the 2013 redesign) will have more low end than your 2008. The 12M SB have a 55 cm bar (at least in 2009 and 2013), and the 9M a 48 cm (2011). You might find the smaller kites a bit "twitchy" on the 55 cm.
8 and 12 are an excellent combination. Modern kites have great wind range which allows you to ride a small kite in much lighter winds.
I would not classify a 9m as a small kite, therefore it is not a true high wind kite. 8m is the largest high wind kite in my books.
The majority of kiters on the beach choose a kite that is 2-3 sizes too big for them.
I'm 85kgs the 2012 SB 10m & 12m and core 17m works perfect for me, only need 2 bars. The 10 has great top end.
Be hard to find anything that will compliment you on a Switchy.
But Im sure some would say your bum doesnt look too big if you chose an Ocean Rodeo or BWS or Best kite 
Just joking - yep they are my brands - no serious flaming of the Switchy - great beginners kite.
If you want serious then Id agree with others saying a 3M drop would be the max esp for reputation of QLD winds. Might be better still to look at something bigger and maybe a 10M.
Most of those I know over there rarely need anything smaller than 10. Depends where in QLD you are of course.
Another consideration is that as you go up in size the difference between biggest & smallest in a quiver increases eg 7 & 10 cw 10 & 15 = similar amount of crossover.
thanks again guys - probably look towards the 9m - realised the obvious follow up question for me was what models in other brands are similar to a switchblade, so created a separate question here: www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/General/9m-kite-models-similar-to-a-Switchblade/
