Jihadjack 
New gear is bling like Christmas and yes it is a very nice feeling to get one new...
There is also Hype because kite sellers need to make a profit.
There are also annoying buggers who out jump you and slash on older gear - when keyboarders profess this new model goes to The Moon ?
Hmm caught with their pants down moon perhaps.
Plenty of good design 2nd hand gear in excellent condition out there. The best kite is always the one you have the most fun on new or not 
I'm changing my stance in this after reading the wisdom.
I had much more fun on my 2007 Fuel in 2006. On this baby I had fun just going In a straight line, today's kites I'd be bored. Therefore kites are getting worse.
Thanks for all the comments everyone. Looking at the current lineup of North kites I'd agree that kites have gotten more specialised (or at least they are marketed as being more specialised). Didn't Core only start with two models before they introduced the more specialised ones? One area that has definitely improved is the bar, the 2009 Compstick bar that came with the RPM I bought is pretty agricultural. The chicken dick rope also deteriorated and the whole thing fell off when I came back into the beach last night. Something to be mindful of with older gear is that it may be ready to fall to bits!
The proof is in the riding and I'll keep an eye out for the demo days next season and try a lot more of the new gear to see what I like. How do I know when they are on? Are they all advertised here?
If your in Perth, Actionsports have a ton of Demo gear including North and excellent after sales service..
