Any bad brands or models out there? Any that are the best hands down?

Looking at North/Naish models.

I might get a two kite setup. A "high wind" 7-9m kite and a lower wind 10-14m kite.

Will that cover it or would it be that much better to have a three kite setup? I just don't want to wind up only using two of the three or having two so close together they seem/feel redundant.

What kind of kite quivers do you all use?

I like Cabrinha a lot - IDS is such a great thing for beginners. I got a 16m and a 13m and probably won't use the 13 all that much :D but then I'm bigger than you
Avoid the Cult/Helix things like the plague - they look like nearly impossible water relaunch!
F-One do some nice kites, I've liked the ones I've used too. Richard Branson flies Liquid Force (I think) and the ones I've seen here look pukka.
Ozone make a great bit of kit too ...

... really, I think you just gotta choose a brand and go for it. Best is about the only brand I'd avoid but that's just me - all the burst bladders and exploding LE seams have been on best kites ...

I like my Rabbits but I have to give mine up due to brand change.

whats the wind range out there in Okie, and what do you plan on doing with them? As Kami stated, Cabrhina are good, my son rides North (great lineup) Slingshot and Wainman..............................

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Originally posted by Kamikuza Avoid the Cult/Helix things like the plague - they look like nearly impossible water relaunch!

My buddy flies these and only when the wind dropped did he have relaunch issues. I hooked to his 15m cult and all that was needed was to grab the appropriate line and it would flip and take right off. When I dropped it the kite drifted to the edge and flipped part and its wing tip making the relaunch even easier. That was on a 2010 model not sure how the older models worked though.

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Originally posted by tridude whats the wind range out there in Okie, and what do you plan on doing with them?

It's gusty 20-30 mph and I'm going to kiteboard on the lake with them.

Sorry Kami, I beg to differ.
I borrowed an '09 Naish Cult and had no problem relaunching. Just like the video....easy peasy.
A little easier then the older Cabrinas I was using and much easier then the older Flexi Ion.

The kite market for LEIs has improved a lot in the last 3 years. As long as you go with something that is 08 or newer, you will probably be fine. Some of the older Best kites did have bladder issues, and some other brands have had some issues with their canopies. However, most brands have sorted out those issues in the last couple years. If you can afford to go new, or like new (2010 or 2011 models), then chances are pretty good that you wont end up with a lemon...

North makes some darn nice kites. If I was going to get an LEI, I would probably be getting a North Rebel. But thats just me. You need to get out there, and try some stuff and see what you like. Most companies are making good products these days...

As for your quiver, a 7/10 quiver wouldnt be bad. Though you might want to go with an 11m for your big kite. Hard call. Really depends on the model kite you get. Some have better low end than others...

plenty of good tube kites , might look at specific types in order to more complicate your choices, c-kites always on top, bow, delta, C-hybrids with some cool convertibles as well.

SS rpm has my attention lately . very quick, easy relaunch. its a hybrid type

a 12m with 8m for 20+ , there was no mention of weight so its hard to say.

12/8 180 lbs or above or 11/7 combo if your 170ish or less...................agree with the North and Slingshot. Cabs are nice and Ocen Rodeo make a robust kite. They had a few initial issues with the 4 strut design but seemed to have worked them out. The OR Rise has the venturi vent i.e. the jet flap theroy Flysurfers uses. Althought the designs defer they equalize pressure on both sides of the canopy for smoother flight and reduced backstall. The ORs are grunty, have great pop and lift................also keep in mind while learning anything over 25 mph will not be all that enjoyable at first so you may not need that 30 mph kite just yet..............good luck, be safe, and bienvenido a la aqua...........

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Originally posted by Jaymz Sorry Kami, I beg to differ. I borrowed an '09 Naish Cult and had no problem relaunching. Just like the video....easy peasy. A little easier then the older Cabrinas I was using and much easier then the older Flexi Ion.

Lost my post but it went something like ...

I included "look" to cover my ass there's 2 guys here with Cults - one guy I have N-E-V-E-R seen him relaunch his kite ... he usually just drifts in to shore and gets someone to help him :puzzled: The other guy is a newbie so I'll give him a break but he manages to do some interesting things with the kite ... did you know a Cult can take off when it's on it's back and fly straight up in the sky? Well it can

A kite shop guy here also said either the 08 or the 09 had particularly bad relaunch but the 09 or 10 was much better ... can't remember which one though :D

I'd like to think it's technique so I'm keen to try :D

Did I mention Liquid Force? I've really liked the ones I've seen up close, and I enjoyed riding the F-One deltas too ...