What kite to start with.....

[Bobson]

Ya, I know....it's the dark side ! but I'm being open minded and I'm going to give it a try sooner or later so why not NOW ..??

I'm gonna take some lessons at the Nat as soon as possible and would like to know the different types of kites, what's best for me and what my options are. How much it's gonna cost as well as buying used vs. new pros and cons.

I'd like as many different opinions as possible so I can make an informed decision about what's best for me.

So come on....you got an opinion.....express it and please give your reasons.......yup, c'mon tell me why the dark side is the place to be ... or not to be and WHY!

[JL]

I recommend the bridled kites (O.R. 'ONE' & 'RISE' etc) for the de-power & range. Your a 14M candidate Rob. If you want used : I can put together a bundle: 14M BRONCO, 9M, Bar with lines (fifth-line included) & a 170cm UNDERGROUND (kiwi) Twin tip...$ 850...Jim 652-3005. Read this: http://www.oceanrodeo.com/kites.php Don't be scared to 'click' on the kites.

[Gareth]

Congrats with winning your rugby championships. Many quotes from you in Sundays paper.

I would suggest a bridled kite, which means that you will probably have to buy new or a 2006 model. However, I would check with an instructor first. They should know what a good 1st kite should be. The bottom line is that most kites that are 05 and up are going to be good. With your weight, probably a 14/16m would be a good lightwind kite and a 12/9 would be your high wind kite. If you want local and the knowledge that goes with it, then OR is a good choice. I would suggest that you hook up with someone like Dwayne(AC), take a lesson and ask him.

Another consideration is that your first kite will take huge amounts of abuse, so maybe consider used.

[Bobson]

Thanks Penguin! Ya, I guess I get a bit like Chatty Cathy after I win. Body is sore, face is ugly again/still.....feels pretty darn good!! YAHOO!

[Gareth]

Oh, and change your avatar if you cross the line!

[Teabag]

what is a bidled kite? I google it and nothing come up.
Damnit just bought lots of used kites last year:(

[WindePendanT]

Teabag: Bridled kite.. with an r.
It is a SLE: supported leading edge kite.
Or try Bow kite.
Both fly similarly, but are different shapes.
An old C kite has that defined C shape and it holds it's own shape.
A Bridled kite holds it's shape because of a bridle that is attached to the kite.
A SLE's trailing edge is flater, while a Bow kite has a concaved trailing edge. Making it look more like a boomerang.
Both kinds of kites depower alot more than the older C kites. Alot!

There is one more newer kind of kite and that's a Depowering C.
Where the wingtips have a swept back curve to them giving them, more depower than a regular C kite, but not quite as much as a SLE, or Bow(the most).
The Depowering C's are more stable in the wind window, but the newer SLE's like the OR Rise, is kind of a hybrid. Still a SLE but with more of a C shape to it. Giving it that stable feeling, but with all the depower.

Any of the above will be easier to re-launch than the old C style.
Any new 07 kite is a good kite, but Bobson: like Penguin said, talk to your instructor. Find out what style of riding you think your going to go for.
Because there are sooo many new kites with different shapes that are good for different styles of riding, they will know what's best for you.
It's also about what's available. Because some kite companies are already sold out of some kites for the season.
With OR, you'll be good to go with whatever you want. Plus they are local, and can give you any support you'll ever need. When you want it.
Like fixing your kite when you blow it up. Ha!
I could go on, but I have to go to work now. PM me if you want more info.
Good luck.