I am new to this forum, and this sport. I am looking for an 8M Neo to start using for kite surfing, and land boarding. This would be my first foil kite, and I would like to find something in the $300 range, but am willing to consider anything as long as it is a closed cell foil in that size range.

Hoping to find something in the next month.

Have you flown anything else at all? This is definitely not a kite that I would recommend to a first timer!

I'm guessing you already use LEI's and are tired of pumping? Like rich said, Neo 8m isn't necessarily what we'd recommend to a newb, but if you have some experience it might be the right one for you. Unless you're quite light and/or it blows pretty hard where you're at, a 8m might be small for water use. Perfect for a landboard/snowkite size though.

There are also a number of other closed-cell foils that can be used on water, though most people here would recommend a PeterLynn twinskin closed cell ARC kite, as they're quite user-friendly.

Thanks guys. I understand the concern about my status as a "newb". I have experience with small foil kites...3M 3.5M, but have not ever used them combined with a sport (board, buggy or skiis). I feel ready to take that next step, but would like something inexpensive to start off with.

Ah, well then I would suggest being flexible as to what you'll buy and keeping an eagle-eye on the for-sale section. Taking a lesson is a GREAT way to progress faster than you will on your own and save yourself a lot of bumps & bruises.

Best of luck!

Remember, what sport you want to do + your weight & skill determines what kite you'll need, since I landboard mostly, my 5m slingshot octane and 6m flysurfer rookie are my usual go-to kites.

ghatch I hope you aren't taking any of this advice as a downer. Too many of us learned the super hard way. (i.e. broken bones, ripped kites, fractures, dislocated shoulders, to name a few in my past)

Coming from someone who rides the Neo's and the whole HQ line, I would def have to say that although you are the target market for the crossover kite, that you might want to get something else as your first depower. This kite has some quirks that you really don't want to be fussing out while you are learning your feet. (especially landboarding, you really don't want to crash any closed cell repeatedly into the ground fully lit) Take it from someone who has learned the hard way. I hate to point someone in a direction away from my kites, but you might want to look into LEI's. A lot of the guys that landboard around here use them. Me... well.. I am partial to my foils as I not only landboard, but buggy and snowkite and I like the power loading and the lack of pumping. For any depower kite above 7m you will most likely be above a $500 price range even used. I wouldn't recommend purchasing any full depower kite that is more than 5 years old simply because of the big changes in safety systems. (redesigned chicken loops and the addition of primarys/tophats/leashes etc...) Thankfully you came to the right place to buy used kites as nearly everyone on here is super reliable and friendly.

If you still want to try a Neo let me know and I am sure either myself or one of my buddies on the East coast can find their way to you to get you some demo time with one.


Nic

Thanks guys. Not taken as a downer in any way. Just helpful advise from people who know.

The 8m Neo is a fun kite to fly and really comes alive at 15mph. I use mine in the buggy. Never in water! It makes tons of power, and loves to be worked! Can become a handful in the blink of an eye!

I have a Neo 8M that I might be looking to part ways with, it's practically brand new with only 4-5 rides on it, the material is really clean and the lines look brand new. If you are still interested let me know, I wouldn't be able to let it go for $300, but we may be able to work something out.

there are a couple 8m Flysurfer Pulse' for sale as well......................either way $300 wont do it however it could get you on a good inflatable rig. New to kiting and water you may want to take that $300 and put it towards lessons. If you dont like the water then youre not stuck with gear you didnt/dont need. Good luck.............................................

If you do get lessons and decide you like the LEIs , let me know, I have a couple in my stash (7m and 13m Waroos) I will let go for that price.

I demo'd a Neo when they first came out and it wouldn't be my first choice for someone just getting started kitesurfing. Depending on your weight, I'd probably recommend something like a Venom 10 / 12 (or some other medium / low aspect ratio Arc) or a inflato like van's Waroo 7 or 13.

Having said that, I always recommend that noob's hold off on buying anything until after they've had a lesson (or two). Almost every time I go to the beach I see some poor sap who just bought someone's antique C kite off Craigslist doing things that will likely get him killed if he's anything but very lucky. Get a lesson or find a buddy who can show you what you need to know before you buy anything.

One for sale here.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=17729