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Beginner Kite

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Created by Stacks > 9 months ago, 29 Dec 2008
Stacks
VIC, 10 posts
29 Dec 2008 10:41PM
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G'day, i'm new to the sport and am about to purchase my first kite. Currently i'm looking and a 2006 model AirRush Flow 12m (new).

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience/problems with these kites. It'll be my first one and for under $1000 it seems not too bad.......

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Mr float
NSW, 3452 posts
29 Dec 2008 11:31PM
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Have you had a lesson and perfected kite skills on a trainer kite yet?

airush geoff
974 posts
29 Dec 2008 9:52PM
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Naish has 2 kites for $2000 08 models on sale at the moment- 06 Flow sounds quite expensive...

Get some lessons and then your instructor can advise you on a suitable kite- it will save you money in the long run.

Stacks
VIC, 10 posts
29 Dec 2008 11:58PM
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have had a couple of lessons and my instructor has advised that i get my own equipment for my next 2 lessons. The only suggestions he gave me were to get a new 12m kite.
The kite i'm looking at is new old stock adn only 750. is there really a need to go for a newer model for first kite?

airush geoff
974 posts
29 Dec 2008 10:03PM
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$750 sounds better, I think if you look around you will find better kites, I am thinking the 06 flow had horrible bar pressure...but I could be wrong.

What have you had your lessons on ? might be a good place to start....

Stacks
VIC, 10 posts
30 Dec 2008 12:07AM
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the lessons have been on cabrinha and flexifoil. Both felt pretty good, but they also appear heaps more expensive.

lex123
NSW, 511 posts
30 Dec 2008 12:50AM
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For $750 you should be able to get a 07-08 kite sure it will have some use but would be a better bet. But really check through the condition of any 2nd hand gear thouroughly first. look through the "Buy&sell" section here and ur bound to find a great deal. Specially on Ozone kites given that the 09's are soon to be released to a very brand whore community.

Smedg
NSW, 836 posts
30 Dec 2008 12:56AM
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Check some of the 08 kites in the seabreeze buy and sell section. I reckon as your first kite you may be better off with something used but a nice and recent model. Recent models are usually well designed for safety and user friendly and forgiving to fly. You're instructor would probably suggest a recent model with minimal use over a new but older model. Just thoroughly inspect the condition of everything for safety. Especially the bar and lines and quick releases. And always kite in a place where you are prepared for everything to go wrong. (just in case) Have fun man. welcome to the addiction.

Andrash
WA, 637 posts
29 Dec 2008 11:25PM
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Hi Stack,
If you are looking at an old model, it does not have to be new. You will likely to move on to a newer model soon even if it means putting every penny aside. You can buy a 2006 second hand kite for around $300-500 good condition, and in a year or two they will all likely to worth nothing, even if they are new. You need to fly the kite that you want to buy, before you buy it. Check the bar pressure, the stability, and the depower of the kite. Ask around, try to test few models....even if it takes a little longer. But at the end you fly the kite you like...
Good Luck

mattyjee
WA, 575 posts
29 Dec 2008 11:31PM
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I learned on a 2006 10m flow. Beware that the kite is a C, it is not a SLE like the 2007/08/09 models of flow.

PS, my 06 10m sold for $400. I would not pay $750 for that kite.

And yes, the 06 has a horrible bar pressure.

Still, i learned on it so it can't be too bad, but once i bought my second kite, (an SLE), my progression rate tripled.

nickloop
WA, 138 posts
30 Dec 2008 12:44AM
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Go for a SLE, much more beginner friendly and more depower, depending on your weight < 75k 9m <75k 10m. Flows are ok as beginner kite but not as safe as SLE. $750 is top end for 2006 but in 6 months will be worth $200, if you can sell it. ask instructor what to get. Look at local beach see what kites are being used and speak to other kiters there on kites, you will get a good idea then.


personally I would not pay $750 for a 2006 c kite.

Kitehard
WA, 2782 posts
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30 Dec 2008 12:51AM
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Hi Stacks,

As others have said, the 06 is a "C" kite and is worth no more than $400 if in really good nick, ie newish. I'd give it the big miss unless you can pick it up at around $350

You should be able to find a 10m SLE 07 for around $600 and an 08 for around 900-1000 if in reasonable condition.
I say a 10m because a 12m "C" is about the equivalent to a 10m SLE/Bow.

Good luck, lots of crappy kites out there,


pfr
NSW, 156 posts
30 Dec 2008 9:06PM
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just save your money and get a cab sb3 ids. I have the sb2 and it has outlasted the slingys, f 1's and best kites i have had in the past. Other kites are good but the bars on the cab's are much better. the plastic coating on depower rope means no snapping depower ropes and no getting stuck behind the breakers.



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