Hi all,

I've been lurking the forum for a couple of months now and want to congratulate everyone on the great community you've created here. Lots of really helpful resources also for beginners. I'm an excited newbie, currently working with a trainer kite and interested in exploring landboarding, snowkiting and kitesurfing.

I regret that my first post here must be the dreaded "please tell me what gear to buy" post, but I'd greatly appreciate any insights. I've searched around the forums a bit and haven't seen a directly relevant thread, but if I've missed anything, please feel free to tell me I'm an idiot.

Short story: I'm looking for a landboard but don't know what I should be looking for

My size: 6' 0", 195 lbs

My location: New York state

My board experience: zero on landboard, several years on snowboard

My kite experience: several (8?) hours on a Hydra 300. Feel very in-control of the thing, including flying while paying less than full attention (realize there's still a lot of room to improve)

What I want it for: Although in my head I'll be using it both for kiting and for racing down mountains and popping sweet 360s on the way, the reality is that it'll probably just be kiting on flat ground for the time being (one hobby at a time?). Eventually, assuming that I become proficient at jumping with kites (which I hope to do when the time is right), I'd be using it for jumping on the landboard as well. However, I'm probably not going to be buying a bigger kite in the immediate future (or so I thought before all these used kites started popping up on the forum…) so for now I'll likely be doing a lot of rolling around with the Hydra. Note I'm on pavement for now, so think I should be okay on a smaller kite, though I'll be wrapped in lots of protective gear. Would like something that'll do grass/beaches as well. Eventually I'll be looking to learn to kitesurf, but for now I'm just having a good time learning the ropes.

What I think I know: As I appear to be on the heavier and taller side of people looking for landboards, It seems I should be looking for something on the longer (115cm +) side that will allow me a wider stance. I believe I also need something that is on the stiffer side to accommodate my weight, especially if there's going to be any jumping involved, though it seems like boards built for kiting are generally built to be lighter. I guess that's one of my key problems, is I'm having trouble figuring out which boards are stiffer/less stiff and what I should look for. From what I can tell, fancier trucks (as opposed to skate trucks) are great for maneuverability / ridability and some shock absorption. I'm not sure how focused I should be on having upgraded trucks.

If there's something that works for the above that I could also use if/when I get into riding on hills/mountains with no kite, that would be great, but for now I'm most interested in the kiting aspect. Any suggestions of various boards I should consider would be great.

Followup question: Does anyone have anything cheap for sale that they think might fit the bill for me? I'm not concerned about cosmetics but would like something with a good amount of life left in it and would love to keep the cost under $200. Would the Comp 16 Pro that is listed here do it if it's still available? I also saw the older GI Flight 93.

Sorry for the length on this, and thanks so much.

Welcome aboard. I just purchased an Ground Industries ak103 and am 6'1 205lbs. The stance is good and the flex is manageable. I suspect the same thing as you...that if I push it landing jumps the boards life expectancy may suffer.

In the interim it is a great board for learning and have had no issues. The board only ran me $125-150 used so check the used boards on this site and I think you will find something that will work for you.

I have done business with several vendors and individuals on here and have nothing but top marks for everyone.

Landboarding is typically done with a depower kite. They are bigger bucks than most fixed bridal stuff and a little more complicated when just starting out.

Fixed Bridals to look at: Ozone Flow, HQ Beamer, Peter Lynn Reactor

Depowers: HQ Montanas, Flysurfer Speed, etc.

There is a lot of knowledge on here and you should get plenty of advise. Welcome to the addiction!!

WOW!! I am going to post more later, sadly i am on my phone right now looking at this. But I wanted to say Kudos.. you are more than off to a great start asking the questions you are, and trust me we are all more then happy to help. Back soon to give you someanswers, although I am sure other folks will beat me to it.

Welcome a Board.

I couldn't resist. Ask questions, there are plenty of boarders here and some may be looking to upgrade boards, so you could get their used ones at a decent price.

I think you are fine right now. Maybe look towards a 4 or 5m for lighter wind days, but no hurry. Definitely get your skills perfected with what you have.

But TXShooter is right. Most boarders end up with DePower kites in the end.

I'm a relatively heavy 220# 6' rider.... With MBS located in my backyard I literally tried everything they had on the rack before deciding upon a model that suited my riding style (conservative - freeride - no desire to freestyle). At my weight the ATS and Vector skate style trucks just didn't cut it - they felt sketchy and were prone to high speed wobble. The only real solution that I felt comfortable on was a longer, stiff, deck equipped with Matrix channel trucks and Orange or Red "eggs". In the end the Comp 95, Pro 95, and Pro 100 felt the best... I found the kite specific board from MBS to offer too much flex - in fact, when I jumped it I bottomed out the deck. Contrary to appearance... the Matrix channel trucks are not going to offer suspension or shock absorption... instead they offer more precision in turning, the ability to tune the board asymmetrically if desired, and greater control at high speeds.

Good on you for taking it slow - that's the key to not getting hurt. I'd suggest however that you go find your local MBS dealer and spend some time on their boards. Provided your local dealer is worth their salt, they will have several boards in stock for you to compare and maybe even demo. In the end you'll be money ahead getting the right board locally instead of a cheap board that doesn't really feel right or fit your riding style.

-Bill

Great thanks for the input guys I appreciate it. I'll be on the lookout for an AK103 or the Comp 95, Pro 95, or Pro 100.

Thanks also for the input on trucks. Helpful to know. I don't have any MBS dealers right nearby but agree that I would benefit from checking out the line in person. I go back and forth on whether to get something just to learn on and then upgrade or get the right board now. Just a little tough as a beginner to get past the sticker on higher end new boards.

As for the kites...yes I covet a larger depowerable, though can't really justify it at this early stage. Current thoughts (not that they belong in this forum or thread) based only on what I've read here are to try out a PL Charger or HQ Montana. Ideally I'd just like to own one bigger kite that will work on a lot terrain and wind conditions.

Stat...I forgot to mention that i did upgrade my trucks to Bionic which are MUCH more robust than the other trucks available on the ak103. Just so you know my opinion of the board is based on it with the better trucks.

Make sure to give the Flexboardz a look. It rides a lot like a snowboard and has a longer length. If your comfortable snowboarding, you'll feel right at home on a Flexboardz. Bigkid is hosting a pass the Flexboardz, try before you buy, all it will cost you is the shipping to the next person if your not interested.

There are a few good deals on some decent boards on the forum. Mind you that I only have exp on my pro 90 board. I'm sitting at 190lbs right now and rode all summer in and around that weight and there appears to be no wear and tear as of yet. I will add that I'm not much of a rider so no jumping other than practicing flat ground rotations and balancing on two wheels. I don't believe that the pro 90 was ever developed to be a down hill rider as much as a board park freestyle riders choice. Still on the bumpy bunny run I rode down I only had an issue of speed wobble it supported me fine and would with you. Though from your update it sounds like it might be too much for your budget. Good luck and keep us posted. Welcome to the forum!!!!:Ange09:

Shaggs

hey wht part of new york state do u live?

Thanks for the additional advice - I'll be looking around for a board and I'll let you know what I come up with.

Gemini - I'm in NY city. I saw that you and some others use FBF. I've been there once and it seems like a pretty cool place. I'm trying to get there this Saturday to do some static flying.

Kent currently has the AK103 on clearance for $268. A tad higher than the price point you set, but

• shipping is free
  
• Trucks have been upgraded to Torsion Bionics
  
• Bindings have been upgraded to Talon Pros (maybe even black and green to match the board) :wow:
  

The Talons are seriously nice.


ATB,
Sam

I've got my AK 103 up for sale for 200... http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=15574

ak 103 with channel style trucks would be a great start. i am @ 200# and ride GI patrol 106. the ak 103 would def do to start but you will want more esp. for air.

here's the 106/bionic trucks in action and yes def has a wider stance. http://vimeo.com/16264414
arkay's for 200 is a good decision maker unit without too much $. it will let you know what your in for!

And if you got the loot, you could join the TRAMPA crew .The most bada$$ board available in the states .Only thing better would be a D-EX board w/revolution trucks.Even more spendy than a TRAMPA.
here is the link to the trampa shackhttp://trampa.mountainboard.net/gear/complete-boards/

Hey. welcome to kiteworld.

I think you already have good advice on boards.

When you ge a bigger kite and if you don't want to get a depower right off then I would look at Peter Lynn Twisters - they are amazing boarding kites. and awesome value. They work well on a bar too but get a long one (70cm) if you get the 5.6m or 7.7m.

Most landboarders DO ride depower - and almost all snow kiters. I still gotta say I like my fixed bridles on the landboard. They are just quicker and more responsive.

Boarders mainly fly depower because a) its a pain riding toeside with handles and b) bigger canopy = floatier jumps.

Since I got my Blade and my Twister working well on a bar I never touch depowers anymore. the Blade just slays any other kite out there for boarding. though it will yard you if you let it!

I would definately spend some time riding your landboard downhill - and you will pick it up fast if you snowboard - because its easier to learn basic kite skills and board skills separately and then put them togethor.

I am almost in the exact same spot, I have a hydra 350 and had fly it enough to feel comfortable even in 20mph wind (wish we get them more often) I got a freebord to use on the pavement in FBF but haven't made it out there enough to learn how to control it well. But I just jump on a deal for the GI flight lite board and are dying to get it so I can try rolling on grass.

Wanted to thank everyone again for the warm welcome and helpful advice. I ended up buying f0rgiv3n's Comp 16 pro and I think it's going to end up being a great match for me. May put some stiffer eggs in but no idea really at this point. If I can drag myself out of bed super early some morning I might try some runs on some of the hills here in Central Park before it fills up with people.

Certainly an unusual sight here - I carried it to home depot to get some hardware and at least 5 people stopped me and asked me what in the world it was.

Took it out to Floyd Bennett Field last weekend and got skunked, but had a good time skating around and practicing some 180s. The weather looks like it's going to be perfect tomorrow so I'm going to try to get out there and give it a go. Looking forward (hopefully) to having something to contribute in the way of pics / video of the many spills I'll be taking… Fortunately I'll be covered in safety gear.

check with cheezyceez and see if his pro 100 board is still for sale. The only thing longer is custom.

Welcome!

Thanks Kami - loving the discussions on here. Also your video wailed