IJS86 - 14-2-2009 at 02:40 PM
Hi everybody!!
We are new starters on the kite terrain and would need some information.
Have you seen the offer of argos.co.uk? We are thinking about buying either the
-United Skates Firefly Junior All Terrain Board 35 GBP (description: 9in heavy duty polypropylene truck with carbon steel axle. PU injection
cushions. Velcro closure foot straps and leash. Maple double kick 76x20cm deck top with black non-slip grip tape. Size: H17 W76 D20cm) OR THE
-Exit Excalibur All Terrain Board: 80 GPB (7 ply Canadian hard rock maple with 2 ply hardwood laminate. Extended skateboard truck in polished
aluminium, chrome moly axle. Glass filled nylon 2 piece 5 spoke hub with pneumatic 7in (17.7cm) freestyle tyre. Separate inner tube. Schrader (car)
valve. 608 2 RS sealed water resistant bearings. Fine grained custom fit grip tape with die cut logo. Deck size (W)22, (L)92cm. Size (H)14, (W)107,
(D)36cm. Manufacturer's 5 year guarantee. )
However, we do not really understand the difference between the two - is the Junior good for us for the beginning or is it meant for children?
Concerning the kites - how big should they be? Does it depend on our height and weight? We are one male, 26 years old, 1.86meters, 85kg and one
female, 22 years, 1.72 and 55kg.
At argos.co.uk they have the following kites:
- 1.4m for 20 GBP
- 1.8m for 50 GBP
- 2.2m for 98 GBP
We are inclined to the first two of either 20 or 50 pounds, but don't know if the size is ok.
We would be really happy if somebody could give us an advice as we are complete novices on this arena 
Many thanks,
Juan and Isabel
IJS86 - 15-2-2009 at 04:40 AM
Nobody supporting some newcomers on the field?
Scudley - 15-2-2009 at 05:29 AM
Sorry, I have never heard of Argos kites. The 2.2 might give you a ride, but you are going to need some pretty big winds to move 185 lbs. The most
commonly recommended size kite for beginners is 3 or 4m, so the kites you are looking at are pretty small. The cheaper board is probably for kids.
Your budget appears to put you in the used kite market rather than new.
Are you located in the UK? If so you have lots more opportunity to meet some local kiters than on my side of the pond. Meet up and talk with them.
Over this side of the pond you would probably get to try a kite after a few minutes conversation. Probably the same in Britain, kiters, here at
least, are a very friendly bunch. They could probably point out someone who is selling some second hand gear that would be good for a beginner. The
prices you quote seem pretty low for good sports equipment. A new board suitable for your weight would be more like $400 over this side of the pond.
Same for a kite.
Just had quick peak at the Argos web site. It would not be my choice of store to buy a kite.
Good luck, it is a great sport. I would try to come up with a little more cash and get some good new gear, or shop around for used, rather than waste
money on cheap crap.
S
WolfWolfee - 15-2-2009 at 05:34 AM
Wise advice Scud, save up and get something thats worth having. Try and get out in your area and meet people, I know we help people by letting them
try kites we know they can handle and will have fun on without getting hurt.
Scudley - 15-2-2009 at 05:45 AM
Wolfee, what are you doing up? It's quarter to six? The sun does not come up for another hour.