:puzzled: I have a guy in my area with the ad below on Craigslist. I do not kiteboard yet but this might be a great [and cheap!] way to get into it. I have a Sunfish that I hardly use. How much are these kites worth??:?:
Here is the post:

I a have 3 Naish kites (model - X2) (7.5m 12m & 16m) 2 bars, and a harness that I am interested in trading for a small sailboat on a trailer. Kites are in usable condition, they are several years old but have had no major damage, only the small stuff that happens through usage.

I would only get em if they were 'a couple' years old. Several meaning probably 3 or more and they are getting quite dated. Even 2006 LEIs are dated. If you can get a smoking deal on them, cool. But I'd stick to atleast 2006... pref 2007 models.

I am thinking of either using them to learn or sell outright for cash for more land kites. I can sell my Sunfish for $3-400.

Isn't it disgusting how more kites are always on our minds?!

The Naish X2's are a high AR kite and if I recall correctly are 3 or 4 years old. Not a particularly good beginner kite. Chances are the safety releases on the bar, unless they've been updated, are not particularly safe either (the first few generations of safetys weren't very good). I come from the "world of Naish" (Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii) and have seen all the Naish kites, and to be honest most of them have been big disappointments.

If I were just getting into the sport I'd look for a recent bow (even a 1 or 2 year old bow will be much easier to fly than the X2) or perhaps a low AR Peter Lynn (Bomba, Guerilla, Venom, Vortex). A one year old Best Waroo or Bularoo should be pretty easy to find for pretty cheap. If you can't afford that, you can get a brand new C-kite (a 2006 or 2007 model) for dirt cheap if you shop around. Just remember that a C kite will have no resale value at all. I just sold my flown-twice Caution Spitfire 10m on eBay for $100, and was lucky to get that much for it.

A quick google search makes it seem that the X2 is from 2002. WAY to old to purchase. Don't think about it. And as mentioned above, a kite of this aspect [and age] will not be good for learning.

I am getting visions of "Tophat" and the video that makes us squirm every time we see it!! I guess my visions of an easy kite grab are out of reach with this deal. Thanks for the info- Not bad, one hour and I have all the info I needed!

I've always called them Naishtrash. I have a 2001 Cabrina Rhino 6.0 meter that flys very well. Actually, it's the only LEI kite that I like to fly.

Scott

I have been trying to unload a 2002 kite in great condition for $100 for a long time now. You may have trouble even giving them away. I keep hearing about folks throwing them in the trash . I don't know about Naish but Airush's lines weren't the best in 02 either.
I think you may just be taking on someone elses problems. Sorry.

Yikes! Nothing but horror stories! I could not delete that craigslist post fast enough! THANKS TO ALL~~!!

kites worth nothing... X2 Bars are awesome... my all time favorite bar.

Quote:

Originally posted by beachrights Isn't it disgusting how more kites are always on our minds?!

That's exactly what the wife said!

WAIT WHAT!!!?? Throw them away!!! I don't care how old they are, or even if the bladder is popped. I will fly them or use the material for kites!!! If anyone is gonna toss one I'll pick up shipping!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by beachrights I am getting visions of "Tophat" and the video that makes us squirm every time we see it!!

I think you're talking about the video of Eric Eck that day he got lofted at Mokuleia Beach. He was flying a Naish ARX and back in those days we didn't have safety releases on chicken loops. The ARX was the generation just before the X2, and yeah 2002 sounds more like the right vintage. There were lots of decent C kites, Slingshot Fuels, Caution Spitfires, North Rhinos, and a few others were decent kites that can be had for chump change now. But if I were learning I'd go with a bow or a PL arc. Super easy and friendly kites.

The crazy thing is I'm still flying and kicking butt on a Quadrifoil Competition XL kite I have had since 1999. It's as powerful and handles just as well as the latest Blade IV I recently bought. I wanted to put it away before it was totally done. I still break it out and ride on occasion with it.

Scott