Hi all, done a few lessons with the boys at zu, and looking to buy some gear of my own. I've found this kit on Gumtree and was hoping for some advice if its any good.
2010 13m Slingshot Octane
2011 10m Cabrinha Switchblade
158cm Balance board (this board is the jam)
Pat Star harnesshttp://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/coburg-north/surfing/kite-surfing-quiver-slingshot-cabrinah-balance-board-more-/1063660742
Price: $ 1,400.00
Obviously conditional based on what nick the equipment is in. Any advice for a newbie? Cheers, Adam!
IMO is over priced for the age... Look for a kite and board separately and you will get better value, lots in the buy and sell section here...
Select to expand quoteSmithy said..
IMO is over priced for the age... Look for a kite and board separately and you will get better value, lots in the buy and sell section here...
Agreed. That switchblade is definitely not 2011, looks 2009ish going by the bar and bag. Whole lot prolly worth 1k tops.
Make sure u get a good harness that fits nicely, most good ones are between 150 and 200.
On the topic of the forum, can anyone recommend some kit in vic that would suit a new comer? Zu will do a 12m kite, board lines and harness new for 2k so obviously looking at coming in a fair bit cheaper for second hand gear
I'm about the same weight (92kg) and purchased their standard offering which was 12m kite and 138 cm board (Switch). The board was way too small and I have since purchased a second, larger board.
Yep, it will cost a lot more to replace..
I've also already purchased a few 2015 products.
I have the 2011 Cabrinha and it's an awesome kite, would Definately reccomend it for a beginner but as the others have said it's a little pricey for the age.
I'd look at your local shops old 2014 models and you should pickup a steal.
It's gumtree FFS, lowball him an offer of $500 and haggle from there. It's probably stolen anyway so he'll be keen to unload.
If you want Brand new and well under 2k check out $witch Kites.
The Element is an excellent beginners kite, I demoed an 11 meter a little while ago and was very impressed but ended up buying the Nitro because I was even more impressed with that!
I think a 13m or 11m element is about $750 bar is $310 and they do a board too but I haven't ridden it so cant recommend, probably best to look on here for a board. you could get a decent board off here for $400 id imagine. Then go to your local kite shop and try some harnesses on, something like a dakine charmelon will be about $200, so..
$750 + $310 +$400 +200 = $1660. That sounds like a much better deal than 5 year old kit for $1400.
If you want any more info feel free to PM me.
Select to expand quoteHucksley said..
Thanks everyone. Most appreciated
Yep, this is 2009 Switchblade with (maybe) 2010 bar. Bag and pump are 2009. Give up on this deal. Also, 2-3 snowkiters said very good things about Switch Element. I didn't try it but they love it on snow. As pezzy said, try to find demo or ask some1 short ride if u see anyone. Looks very stable and relaunch is almost automatic.
Thanks everyone,
Based on the feedback and research I have done, along with overwhelmingly positive reviews, I actually bit the bullet and ordered a 13m element, and a 9m nitro. For the price, compared to other brands, and considering they offer a lifetime warranty, its a no brainer. Because I am quite new to the sport, I figure its somewhat of an advantage as I have no bias on equipment yet, and don't really know or could probably even tell the difference between most kites as I am still learning. I managed to score a second hand harness and board quite cheap (he also threw in a 2010 12m North Kite and bar with lines! so now I have 3 kites lol) , so have everything I need to hit the water now.
I cannot wait to test them out. Again thanks to everyone for your input.
