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Buying my first kite

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Created by AfroLover > 9 months ago, 30 Jan 2019
AfroLover
2 posts
30 Jan 2019 9:39AM
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Hey guys, I'm about to buy my first kite and I'll admit it, I know nothing. I'm buying from the place that thought me to surf and I'm a bit afraid they'll take advantage of my lack of knowledge

What should I ask and check? from which year to buy a kite? (I can't afford 2019 or 2018)

What is better to get for example 2015 new or 2016 used?

And anything else that you can keep in mind that will help me to get the right choice

Cheers mates!

jms
NSW, 131 posts
30 Jan 2019 1:09PM
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Anything post 2010 should be a more modern design with more modern safety features.

I'd rather go for 2015 new than 2016 used (depending on the model). The new kite won't have any wear, and design changes over one year shouldn't make a big difference.

You'll want a beginner friendly kite - a surf kite or allrounder. These are easier to control and relaunch than a high aspect race kite or a wakestyle kite.

If buying second hand make sure the kite holds air, is symetrical when pumped up, and check for stitching/repairs on the canopy. Repairs aren't that bad, but an unrepaired kite is for sure worth more than a repaired one. Also check to see if the repairs look like wear and tear or from an accident. Wear and tear is a bad sign as it's likely to recur/spread where as an accident is a one off. For example, one of my kites has been getting holes where the canopy sits against the leading edge on both sides = wear and tear = I've got a replacement kite and it's my spare now. Another kite has a few holes in the middle of the canopy from where I drifted into rocks, and that's not a show stopper.The school should give you advice as to a good size for your weight and location.

You took kitesurf lessons right? They're important!

jms
NSW, 131 posts
30 Jan 2019 1:11PM
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If buying second hand make sure the bar is good too - ideally should match the kite brand, and check that the lines are in good condition and that the safety releases easily. Bars and kites are mostly mix and match these days so long as the connectors at the end are compatible, but there are a few brands that do things differently and a mismatched bar could cause the kite to fly badly. This would be especially dangerous as a beginner as you wouldn't necessarily know there was a problem.

AfroLover
2 posts
30 Jan 2019 2:42PM
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Select to expand quote
jms said..
Anything post 2010 should be a more modern design with more modern safety features.

I'd rather go for 2015 new than 2016 used (depending on the model). The new kite won't have any wear, and design changes over one year shouldn't make a big difference.

You'll want a beginner friendly kite - a surf kite or allrounder. These are easier to control and relaunch than a high aspect race kite or a wakestyle kite.

If buying second hand make sure the kite holds air, is symetrical when pumped up, and check for stitching/repairs on the canopy. Repairs aren't that bad, but an unrepaired kite is for sure worth more than a repaired one. Also check to see if the repairs look like wear and tear or from an accident. Wear and tear is a bad sign as it's likely to recur/spread where as an accident is a one off. For example, one of my kites has been getting holes where the canopy sits against the leading edge on both sides = wear and tear = I've got a replacement kite and it's my spare now. Another kite has a few holes in the middle of the canopy from where I drifted into rocks, and that's not a show stopper.The school should give you advice as to a good size for your weight and location.

You took kitesurf lessons right? They're important!


Thanks mate, yes I did took some lessons, I think I'll get a new gear as u recommended and after I'll acquire some knowledge I'll start buying 2nd hand

Have G'day

toppleover
QLD, 2033 posts
30 Jan 2019 6:46PM
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If you buy secondhand from a shop, you should be OK - waste of money buying new for your first kite imo.

Simsurf
WA, 237 posts
30 Jan 2019 5:05PM
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Select to expand quote
toppleover said..
If you buy secondhand from a shop, you should be OK - waste of money buying new for your first kite imo.


+1 for this. Buy second hand from your local shop and establish relationship with them. They will stand behind what they sell you, offer great advice and it might well mean discount off new gear down the line.
You don't need new gear for your first kite or board. Maybe just get a new harness and second hand everything else.

Gateman
QLD, 409 posts
30 Jan 2019 7:27PM
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Select to expand quote
jms said..
Anything post 2010 should be a more modern design with more modern safety features.

I'd rather go for 2015 new than 2016 used (depending on the model). The new kite won't have any wear, and design changes over one year shouldn't make a big difference.

You'll want a beginner friendly kite - a surf kite or allrounder. These are easier to control and relaunch than a high aspect race kite or a wakestyle kite.

If buying second hand make sure the kite holds air, is symetrical when pumped up, and check for stitching/repairs on the canopy. Repairs aren't that bad, but an unrepaired kite is for sure worth more than a repaired one. Also check to see if the repairs look like wear and tear or from an accident. Wear and tear is a bad sign as it's likely to recur/spread where as an accident is a one off. For example, one of my kites has been getting holes where the canopy sits against the leading edge on both sides = wear and tear = I've got a replacement kite and it's my spare now. Another kite has a few holes in the middle of the canopy from where I drifted into rocks, and that's not a show stopper.The school should give you advice as to a good size for your weight and location.

You took kitesurf lessons right? They're important!


Usually pin holes or wear on the canopy where it touches the leading edge is caused by sand being trapped between the two during pack up. If you don't rinse this out before your next session, sand stays there next time you pump up and wears through the canopy while you're flying. Usually a sure sign of a kite that wasn't cared for properly.

jms
NSW, 131 posts
30 Jan 2019 11:31PM
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Select to expand quote

Gateman said..


Usually pin holes or wear on the canopy where it touches the leading edge is caused by sand being trapped between the two during pack up. If you don't rinse this out before your next session, sand stays there next time you pump up and wears through the canopy while you're flying. Usually a sure sign of a kite that wasn't cared for properly.


Yeah, that's what I figured caused it. It was an older kite when I bought it, haven't had the same issue with any of my other kites. Strangely enough the guy I bought it off takes immaculate care of his kites (I've seen how he treats them, and he looks after his kites much better than I look after mine), so maybe the age contributed.PS - agree with the others that 2nd hand is a good way to go as a first kite, just if I had a choice between a new kite one year older than a second hand kite, I'd rather go the new one.



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"Buying my first kite" started by AfroLover