Ready to demo and buy a "new" kite

[Loscocco]

yeah Tom def try out the Rise. I should be at 3rd this week also so hpefully ill see u there

[tomcai]

Thanks for the advices and demo offers. I have to say that there are many high quality kites in the market. My short list is merely based on suggestions from my small cirlcle of friends and what I see. I don't want to and can't try every single one before buying one. Ideally I want to try them on the same day at 3rd since that's the place I would ride most. Stefaans, I'll call you to arrange picking up the Rise. I haven't received replies from Bandit and Rev though.

As for demoing 2008 kites at this time. 1) I am at a point that I need a "new" kite. 2) Some 2008 models are already really good to satisfy my needs (based on what I heard). 3) 2008's should be less expensive than 2009's.

Happy riding!
-Tom

[OliverG]

Since all the reps and team riders have already thrown in their bit, I would suggest no 2008 kite purchase would be complete with a good run on the 08 Slingshot Revs. Very, very nice *all around* for whatever kiting discipline you enjoy with very much top tier customer support, local support and representation, and the well-known quality of SS construction.

To demo a Rev, simply PM Dave Civiello, our local SS rep here. His username is "Slingyello".

[kitenaked]

Tom,

Come to the Demo next weekend at Sherman Island or I will meet you at 3rd and you can demo a 2009.

I believe in it, so I happen to think it is the best. Everyone has their own opinion and for their own reaons. I have / had Naish's (Helix's), GK Trix & Sonic, Cabrinha's.....

Wainman is not the cheapest however not the most expensive. Kite Naked, Inc. will stand behind the kites for a year without a problem regarding manufacturing defects or workmanship.

However the "whatever" happens warranty is great for the consumer, however the pricing on kites will reflect. Someone that brings back a kite that is roached from improper care and dropping it into rose bushes or dogs eating them, etc. My hat is off to Eclipse.

The Wainmans aren't one pump, but they are 3 strut throughout the range for a reason. Great valves on the struts and the LE. Simple to inflate.

Relaunch is super easy, with the structure of the leading edge and kite shape.

In terms of performance, speak to others who have flown the Wainman's and then try for yourself. This ultimately stops the "reps" claims and allows the consumer to see for themselves.

Finally, there is a place for a Ford or Chevy in every garage, however some people can have a Ferrari too! :)

Fly Wainman!

&

Have fun kiting!

[manplesvanuatu]

Hi all,
Very good feedback on the products. Well I am part of the small circle that has given Tom some suggestions of a purchase of a new kite.
I believe that all kites are generally good these days. I have not gotten the chance test all the kites (or have the interest to do so) but after hearing so many users talk about their personal experience and also reading the various articles, it seemed that the OR, The F-one bandit and the REV are really good kites. Of course when purchasing a new kites money is always an important factor. It's hard to justify to pay more for something when you know 2 similar kites in features, yet have to spend more of your hard earned cash to get the other. I did suggest Tom the 3 brands above because not only the are good, not many people have them yet. The Rev are getting popular. I hear Ocean Rodeo is very popular in Marin. But at third, I am just getting tired of seeing Cabrinha:-) HOWEVER, I second one of the previous post by the "doctor". Why have the Ford, the Chevy's and the Hondas in the garage when you can have a Ferrari? True, Ferraris are not that realiable I hear but sure turns heads when one is around ain't it?
I ride at 3rd with Tom and instead of buying all the brands you guys are describing, I went EH/Freakdog myself. It maybe not the best kite, the most efficient one but I do like the idea that I don't look like everyone on the beach. Human were like sheep aren't we?:-). So Tom, maybe look into those Waiman he!he! sorry to confuse you more and just kidding of course.

Like the ad for LOOK bicycle says: "unique bikes for unique people". (very boutique feel i'd say).

for Eclipse and Best..I think they make good kites for the masses but they seem to be on the "cheap" side (sorry "I did not mean bad in a sense" for the Reps) but it's not my cup of tea..even if they have a bulletproof warranty.

As for the purchase of 2008 vs the 2009. I reckon the 09 are going to be very expensive with the price of Oil (that's what they make kites with:-) and the decrease value of the dollar. But one way to look at this..hey we need to support the kite industry..no income=no new innovations:-)..

It's always hard for me to say this cause I make a meager salary..we need more guys like Sergei (that guy from Google) hahaha.

[Sonny]

Hi all,
I ride at 3rd with Tom and instead of buying all the brands you guys are describing, I went EH/Freakdog myself. It maybe not the best kite, the most efficient one but I do like the idea that I don't look like everyone on the beach. Human were like sheep aren't we?:-).

Like the ad for LOOK bicycle says: "unique bikes for unique people". (very boutique feel i'd say).

.

It's very stupid reason to ride a crappy kite just to be different, I'm going to buy a kite that I like best for the price even if that is what everyone else rides.

[manplesvanuatu]

One more thing...with all these blablahs about which kites are best...it's not the kite but the rider anyway. I think we can give Lou, Ruben and Aaron a tent Tarp and they's do kite loops/handle passes for you he!he!

[manplesvanuatu]

Sonny,

I know..I know...you always tell me that. Oil changes on the BMW are $120 vs $19.95 on my previous Honda accord and they probably break down more than the japanese counter part..but some people still buy the BMWs he!he!he!

[Sonny]

But if I use your analogy, I should buy Yugo becuase everyone has a Honda. There is a reason why lots of people buy Honda, it's a great car.

[EvanOR]

09 Rise. :mrgreen:



Contrary to Spindoctor's spin, I can assure you that this kite is no Ford...even if it's not priced like a Ferrari!