I'm at an intermediate level with my 12m cabrinha switchblade and am thinking its time to add another kite to the quiver for the windier days. there are so many different kites available on the market so am looking for any suggestions. I'm 75kg with about $900 to spend and ride mainly on the gold coast.
Try to get the same brand and model if you can, it ensure that the bars are interchangeable if you have problems with one bar. Nothing worse than a snapped line ending your session for the day.
Get a 9m, and make sure it is something decent, because i'm willing to bet you'll end up using it more than your big kite.
Go the 9m Naish torch C Kite
The Adrenalin & endorphin ride will Buzz you out 
once you get used to the turn speed... at 30 knots
Cheersz 
I agree with Saffer and MattyJee.
The 9m and 12m combo works well for most people (here in Adelaide), although i do know a few people around your weight even looking at 7m these days. At the intermediate level tho im thinking 9 and 12 is a good combo. But just for comparison im 96kg and ride a 9m Rhino and 14m Rebel, ideally id like a 12m Rhino instead of the 14m Rebel. Not the ideal combo but ride my 9m more than my 14m these days.
As Saffer said stick to the same brand as bars are compatible but it also saves u having to adjust to a different kite everytime you hit the water. Most kites models ride very differently and although u will notice a difference going from a 9m to a 12m of the same brand (ie turning speed, etc) it wont be as vast as if ur running 2 different brands or models of kite. Im not a good example but its not 2 bad running 2 North kites, but i still notice the difference everytime im on the water and takes a bit to get used to each session before i dial in again.
My recommendation would be to go for a 9m Switchy to match ur 12.
you can't get the SB in a 9m only 8m(apparently the 2010 sb will come in 9m) but for $900 that is out of reach. I agree you Idealy want to get another SB as you are familiar with that kite/bar set up. I think an 8m wold be fine with your 12. I personally think a 12-9 combo is great, but you weigh 10 kg less than me so an 8 will have you riding powered from about 18+ knots up till about 35 on a twinny and 15-16> with a surfboard. If you can find an in good condition sb3 that would be my choice over an IDS as it has more grunt in the bottom end.
12 - 9 is a good idea, look at someting similar so ozone sports or havocs or another switchy or what ever you can get thats a similar kite (sle) that way the feeling will be similar to what you already have.
i dont know if anyone else has noticed this but 90% of bars are interchangeable between kite brands.,.. on my kite for example ive used a north naish airush (vapor and generator) catapult (original bar) and some dodgy home brew bar without any issues.
apart from some silly older kites most kites that are any good come out with even line lengths meaning you can just whack em onto about any kite.
sweet, thanks for the advice. 9/8 metre cabrinha sounds the go.
btw what does IDS and SLE refer to???
IDS means Intelligent Depower System - It's cabrinha's version of a total depower safety system, using only the front lines. It's on all 2009 and 2010 Cabrinha's.
SLE stands for Supported leading Edge kite - and it just means that the kites got a bridle. (like your switchblade.
My advice - 8m Switchblade 3 (If you can find one) These things were killer and offer some really nice features.
If your willing to pick up a repaired or ex-school kite, I know of a few 2009 Switchblade IDS's available for around your budget...
I'm also 75kg and own a sb3 12m /8m quiver and would recommend the same.
They have a decent degree of overlap in wind range, I start using the 8m at about 21kn average wind speed with a TT, but I can stay upwind on it in 18-19kn with a bit of working of the kite.
Sweet spot is about 24-28knots, you can hold them into the low 30's but by the time its near 32-33kn I have full depower on, very slack rear lines with poor steering, and the canopy is just starting to flutter.
Andy
for all you switchblade riders,
for a 98kg rider would the 12/8 combo suit? Im sure the 12 would be fine but im a bit concerned about the 8
thanks for all your help. have found an IDS 8m i might give a try since SB3's are so hard to find!
The IDS Craps on the SB3. I still have SB3 in a 6. IDS 8,10,Nomad 11. Bennifer is obviously just bitter because he cant afford to upgrade.
Omega:
I'm usually around 100-102 and I ride a 14m and a 10m with a 135 board - you could do a 12m and a 8m but you might find that you want a surfboard or race board for lighter days (see Steve coments on 2 boards).
Classy Benjie, real classy mate, your mum must be really proud of you
