New Boarder Kite Recommendation - Rebel, Cult, Waroo?

[Greg]

Even though Ollie can give you a screaming deal on a WindWing-----,
I recommend buying a new SlingShot (fill in the blank)...
The reason is clear, Slingies are the dopest, most happen'n, hottest, pussy-sweet... kites in the WORLD!!!

L.M.G. "I swear on my mothers grave", (two fingers crossed behind my back)

[zgur]

Congratulations on entering the sport with some thought and intelligence, how refreshing.

Agreed w/most of the feedback you got. When buying used kites look for:
1. Closely inspect canopy - look for small pin prick holes, or small tears. Look for thread coming out of pressure areas (around bladders/nipples). New kites have a shine to them. Those that spend too much time in the sun loose that crisp feeling.
2. Check trailing edge - when people don't take care of gear, this shows a lot of wear and tear. Some kites, like the Rebel, have reinforcement in that area, which helps.
3. Check the nipples - make sure they are not too stretches (ok, Yuri, hold off on the comments for 10 min if you can ;-)
4. Inflate the kite make sure it holds air - in all bladders
5. If it has battens, check that they are not broken
6. If one pump, check all hoses to see if rubber is cracking, how plastic is holding up.
7. Inspect all pigtails for fraying/color fading (which indicates a lot of use)

When it comes to lines, there are too many things to list, and I have Q2 that I need to close.

When buying used, I think it's best to buy local from a person who has a local presence/reputation. This reduces your risk of saving a few bucks but getting a kite that will fail.....they never fail at a "good time" - it's usually far from shore.

After you get the kite, getting some help with tuning your gear is really sweet. Buy local, reduce your risk and increase your fun. Can you tell that I'm biased towards buying local??

Just one dudes opinion.

Have fun, and welcome to the "most fun you can have w/your pants on"

Get some, Z.

[thelaserman]

I think the CULT or Rebel would be the best choices. While best has been getting better I still think their build quality is not as good. That said. I ride both the cult and rebel on a regular basis. If you were to get a cult i would say get the 13.5m for your weight, Cults like to ride at the higher end of their wind range, and if you want to ride in alameda the 13.5 is the size for you. They have great depower too. The rebel i find has a little more grunt and low end. It is a great kite, but i think its a little unforgiving in gusts.

[Olivier]

I began Kitesurfing 2-3 years ago and I have a Naish Boxer 2007 and a Best Waroo 2008.

I found the safety release in the Best Waroo a little bit dangerous for beginners. It is a lot more difficult to release it compare to the Naish.

The user guide on the Waroo kite explained very badly how to use the leash and without external explanation, it is common to see it used as a suicide leash. This is weird and dangerous for a beginner kite.

I would go for the Naish.

[zgur]

Laserman - regarding rebels low end, dealing with gusts.....it does have more grunt on the low end, and once you understand how to fly the kite (create power w/speed vs. parking the kite) you will be amazed. This enables you to fly a kite size smaller and have a quicker turning, more responsive rig.

Once you get a bit of experience, that power is really fun for freestyle and jumping.

About gust handing: I'd have to say it's really one of the best kites at smoothing our vodoo wind.

Get some, Z.

[windhorny]

I am kinda surprised actually that a bridled kite of the same size would have less power than a kite like the rebel. Personally i find the rebel to have a huge "usable" range. Buttery smooth flying all around. One thing I always say about the North that really sticks out to me after trying some other kites is the power/depower is VERY linear. meaning you let out an inch and it seems to be very proportional as you let out. Some kites feel like there is a huge null zone and then all the depower comes at once. but again, alot of this is what you are used to. 4 line simplicity is nice but the 5th line has some really nice advantages like more kite stability and being able to reluanch in hardly any wind AND self landing when very powered up.

try before you buy!

[123engineering]

:) Thank you for all your assistance.
Based on your comments I concluded to purchase North Rebel 9m and 12m kites.
If you know any good used (2008 or 2009) North Rebel kites, please let me know.
Hopefully, I get to improve my skill soon and kiteboard with you near future.

[rvv]

North is old school!!! BE FRESH!
Best hp your done DO YOUR HOME WORK!
New kites each season buy em cheap and adjustable tear em up (shred) move on !
Great up wind fully adjustable worldwide and affordable!!
If ya wanna shred cheap do it ! so many other reasons but whatever remember what ever you buy wont last so make do(buy cheep) or be rich!

OH yeah run powered you'll appreciate the lulls!!!!!!!