Hey
I'm looking to get into kiteboarding and have been shopping around a few kiteboard shops in melbourne to get recommendations for gear. I've settled on getting new gear or at least a new kite as the difference between a 09 new and 09 used at the moment is very little. However one retailer recomended the cabrinha crossbow as the best kite to learn on, stating they were the best brand around, whilst the other said the cabs weren't very good and suggested the north rebel or evo, or possibly the naish cult. What do you guys think?
thanks for your help
good you are looking into kiting :)) Enjoy. I am sure you will:)
with re to brands. Don't listen to any retailers - they will try to sell whichever brand that gives them more income :) Research the net a lot before you will decide. Try kiteforum.com and seabreeze.
Me personal opinion (don't listen to it a well - research:) is Ozone. Light is user-friendly, easy and remarkably strong kite and a allarounder. North is a very good brand as well. Rebel is nice. Nice for a beginner.
Cabrinha - by far not the best brand around. Research why.
Enjoy and good luck
i believe cabrinha is the best brand, but it all comes down to personal preference..
get some lessons then perhaps try demo gear... goodluck with it :)
Mate, unless you have the money to trash a brand new kite I would suggest getting your hands on a 2nd hand kite to start off with. When learning you will abuse the sh!t out of your kite. Once you get over the first season, then get your self a brand new quiver. Their are plently of good 08 kites out there that would be perfect for learning that are half the price of a new kite. When you have lessons your instructor will recommend what kites are suitable for you. Everyone has a different opinion on what brands are best, but as a newbie most brands would have a kite in their line up which would suit you.
Guitarad, just go get lessons and worry about the kite purchase later. Though, I started with a Naish Boxer SLE (The Cult replaced this) and I have no complaints. I believe the Cult is better than the Boxer and Naish is having a good deal at the moment where 08 kites come with a board included. Can't complain about that!
I'm not a dealer so I have no vested interests.
I reckon once you have had lessons, just go down to your nearest beach and chat to the guys who are rigging up there. Most will spare you a couple of minutes of their time to give you some advice.
Thanks for all your help guys.
Bennie: I was interested in second hand gear but when brand new 09 kites are only marginally more expensive then second hand 09 and 08's i guess it's better knowing that it's only copped damage from me.
LostinLondon: thanks for the heads up about the naish deal I reckon ill get the cult through that. I had a lesson a few months back. Local kite shop is offering lessons when you purchase a kite and board is that a good path to go down (with the cult). I had a chat with guys in numerous kite shops they all suggested different brands as the 'best' but none of them said anything bad about naish.
