Greetings all I just had my first lesson today and absolutely loved it, I can see how everyone gets so addicted. When I asked the instructor for his recommendation of gear he said to buy everything new. It may be more expensive but you know it's 100% and the best.
However I thought if I was to splash out and by new gear whilst learning, am I just going to thrash it to pieces? Should I be buying older gear to start with or was he right and I should save (alot) more and get the best I can possibly afford? Any opinions would be greaty appreciated.
hey dude i got a deal for ya. check out either of the kites of got listed the 12 is brand new and the 9 is 1 yr old both are great kites to learn on and ill finish your lessons for free 
pm me if your keen. But my advice buy new they can take a fair bit of a thrashing and you will progress so much faster
Buy second hand definitely, just don't get anything older than the 05/06 season cos the safety systems just won't be up to scratch.
Buying last season's gear is probably the best way to go, it's up to date, should be in decent condition and should also save you 30-50% on new prices.
Hey Lee.
I'm only a tiny bit ahead of you on the learning thing but here is my experience to date.
Read lots & then bought my gear about Aug this year cause I thought there would be a rush when the wind got up. I bought an 06 Cabrinha (one of the first bow kites).
I did lessons a few weeks ago on the new Airush DNA kites, then have had a few sessions on my own gear. I reckon you can hardly tell the difference between the old & the new - but maybe that is cause I'm still such a newby. (The only thing that seems good about the new kites to me at this stage is the one-pump system some have.)
I'm glad I didn't buy new - I'd be so worried about crashing the kite all the time.
But remember - I'm far far for any sort of expert, but if your like me finding the cash to buy new is far harder than just telling some one else to.
See you out there.
Either buy new or-
Do lots of research, forums, google etc
and buy something from last season, which might mean an "07" model. Plenty of guys replace their kites every year. You might end up with something that has only been flown a few times but 2/3 or 1/2 the price of new.
Hi Leeboy,
New is always nice, there is something special about removing all the tags and bits of protective foam etc from your kite and having that lovely crackly waxy feel to the canopy and of course knowing it has a warranty, and is the latest in safety and hasn't been worked over etc etc.
However, 2nd hand is definately much cheaper and it is true, you probably wont have the skills to know the difference between a new or last years model for a while yet.
It all comes down to you really, do you want new or is cost a huge issue. "Many a good tune is played on an old fiddle" my old man used to say, I think he was refering to the old lady Yuck! 
If you can't afford a new kite, then you have your decision. I have just started selling our last years school and ex rental kites so maybe have a look or a test fly of some of our last years gear.
At the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with your purchase, if you're not comfortable, don't go there.
Good winds,
Darren 
Anyways, have a look for something similar to what you did your lesson on
