Hey guys,

I'm doing some checking on ebay for kites, and I see some real "bargains" out there. The problem is that I am left wondering if it is a knock-off or not. For example, I just came across a PL Vortex 14m brand new for $450 (KO), which seems awfully cheap. Any of you old-timers...errr..experts out there have any advice on what to check for when determining a kite's authenticity? Thanks oodles!

a link would help but a vortex is several years old. You will often get what you pay for on ebay. You have to be picky. It is usually safer to ask before you buy.

That actually sounds about right to me. You could probably even get it cheaper.

Vortex's were never very popular because they were released at the same time as the Venom II, and they aren't in high demand. They are fantastic kites, though. Very stable, does well in just about any kind of wind. Forgiving. Good luck!

EDIT: Try to get him to throw in a bar with that, preferably a Zero 7 if you don't already have one. I'd pay like $500-550 for kite + bar...

might want to get details from the seller. Does it come with sticks? Why is it still brand new. Guy has 100% feedback but only 22 sales. Take into consideration that a bar and lines might cost up to $200 for the kite too. If youpay with paypal you have some protection. The pic is a stock pic, real pics say more. I would say it is probably a reasonable price for a new kite of that age.

Here's the link to the example above. Says it's new, but hasn't been around for a while. I'm curious in general if there are some particulars to watch out for when looking at used, or new, kites on ebay or elsewhere. Thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Peter-Lynn-Vortex-14m-brand-new-kite...

Honestly, your best bet would be to avoid eBay completely and buy from this forum. Many of the members here are trusted dealers that sell Peter Lynn (among others) merchandise. Ask nicely, and they might work out a deal for you. There's a few posts around here somewhere that have links to pretty much all of the sites, undoubtedly contributed by Sam… I'd dig through the threads for you but I'm on mobile and it's a PITA.

Quote:

Originally posted by stetson05 Guy has 100% feedback but only 22 sales.

FWIW: the 100% is as a buyer not a seller. This appears to be his first sale.

That said... buying from long time PKFers with an established reputation is a prettty safe bet, but it's not like eBay is the 7th circle of He|| (despite many comments to the otherwise). I have been flat out burned once (non-kite related) since I started using eBay and part of that was the whole "buyer beware" thing. Other than that, I have received one kite with a mesh snag, and one kite that was received (most likely on consignment) soggy with worn lines, but cleaned up well. Other than that, via eBay, I have received:

• 1 pristine Ozone Flow that would be hard to tell from store bought.
  
• 1 immaculate Rage 1.8
  
• 1 Blurr 7M with a teaspoon of sand, but top condition otherwise with the exception of a power leader with a slight tear in the finger abrasion vinyl but the price would have been hard to beat anywhere.
  
• And quite a few other kites that were either as described or in better than described condition.
  

Ask questions, get actual photos if you can, and confirm what is and isn't included with the purchase.

There are bargains out there and just as many honest folk as anywhere else in life. If you have concerns, feel free to ask here or just walk away from the auction. There's alway another kite just over the next hill.

ATB,
Sam

Thanks a lot for all of your feedback! Great info to digest. And you're right - this forum is a great source of not only info but kites and materials as well. Appreciated!