One of our local instructors was out with a 13m Cabarete Eze this weekend. Nice light wind kite. Reltively flat shape with high projected area. Rider was 210 lbs and could park and ride upwind with 14-15 mph winds. Had to work it a bit when it dropped to 10-12 mph. Says he can launch it in 8.

Excellent build quality. Really clean bar.

Okay, well obviously there are opinions based on price, etc. REgardless of price for my first water kite, what would be best. I'm really thinking about getting a flexifoil Ion 3 10.5 or even 14.5 if there the depower is good enough.

Can anyone regardless of price give me other good/better options

I have not ride these kites but my opinion is based on reading reviews posted by users

2 expensive kites come out often:

1) F-One most wanted Bandit
2) Cabrinha Switchblade 3

On my side, I just sold 2 Havoc 2007 which I liked, but sticking with FS and will probably load one LEI next week

my choices are either

1) Best Nemesis HP 2008 12m
2) Eclipse Nano 2008 12m

my water quiver will be made of 2 Flysurfer and one LEI

why would your choices be different from what you will carry in your quiver?

if you can afford them, grab Ozone or Flexi,,,,they offer unmatched performance and quality.....ZLOTY rides the Ion's...

I'll use my 13m ozone instinct when the gorge guys are riding 9's,,,the range is huge and stability is perfect...good in wave, jumping, or cruizing

Quote:

Originally posted by trey why would your choices be different from what you will carry in your quiver?

price issue.

I dont like to pay a lot of money for a LEI as they loose value so fast.

So Best offers a good ratio quality/price and I can get some bargains for that. On the other hand, for Eclipse kites, I can have them at very low cost too.

For other brands, I must pay full price.

Quote:

I dont like to pay a lot of money for a LEI as they loose value so fast.

Very true. You can get 07 model LEI's for 50% off or more, and their resale value is not good. I think the best strategy is to buy last year's model for cheap, then keep them until they're completely worn out (probably 3 seasons). Resale value is definitely a plus for Flysurfers and Peter Lynns, but I have a hard time justifying $1000+ for one when I can get 2 or 3 LEI's for the same price.

Quote:

Originally posted by USA_Eli_A if you can afford them, grab Ozone or Flexi,,,,they offer unmatched performance and quality.....ZLOTY rides the Ion's... I'll use my 13m ozone instinct when the gorge guys are riding 9's,,,the range is huge and stability is perfect...good in wave, jumping, or cruizing

I read good reviews but my Ozone local shop sells them too much $$$ even last year models.