Hello people, new to the sport and the forum.

I've decided to take the plunge and purchase my own kiting gear. My last instructor in Maui is selling his 09 Cult Sport kites. He gave me a good quote and sent me some pics of one which revealed the kite has had some obvious repair work.

My question: Do these patches & stitch work have a significant impact on the integrity of a kite? Is it worth paying the extra $$$ for something less used?

Thanks

if you are a kook then there is a good chance you will trash your kite so don't spend the big bucks till you are more proficient and know what your style and ideal kite is. For now the newest kite possible at the lowest cost is the best bet. If the repair was on the leading edge then get more info on it as it could really mess up the structural integrity of the kite, but if it is in the canopy it doesn't matter and will still fly well. I purchased a very new trashed kite from a guy who's name we won't mention b/c he really munched it and wouldn't want the community to know how badly. but after a repair job (that took hours and hours) to the canopy only, the kite lasted the season and will be my main kite for the winter as well.
However if the kite was a kite-school kite then it might not be worth very much and will have seen a lot of sun. Is it badly faded? It will tear easily if so.

send me the photos for my opinion as i fix kites:


..and the kites are constructed using 'patches and stitches ' so it is ok that there are a few more in the canopy.

I neatly shredded that 10M by trying to relaunch as the shorebreak dragged it over exposed barnacles !!! Moments after warning others of the hazard !!!

'neatly shredded' is on way to put it

I've sent you an email TGIAPFB. Appreciate your opinion.

I've got about 30 hours exp in the water. Think I may be out of the 'highest risk' for shredding category... but still a kook.