I have a Tensor 3m and want to move up to a depower kite in lower winds(slight gusts too)
I live Dallas so winds are usually 5-15 and mostly 7-10 mph.
My Tensor has a tendency to collapse when there is a small pause in the wind between gusts so I would look for something that doesn't behave like that between gusts in lower winds.

I optics there are a lot of close outs on 2013 and 2012 models so hence I want to buy a kite now.

What de-power kite would you recommend, foil or inflatable?
I will use it for training and maybe to try snow boarding but my ultimate goal is kitesurfing next summer. But before then I want to be really good at flying a de-powered kite. I will get a harness as well, of course.
Oh, I weigh 185lbs.

So given this what you recommend, a small inflatable say 6m or a foil and if so what size, 5m or more? Want to get some exercise out of this but not interested in a land boarding at this time.

Thanks

At 7- 10mph I'd want to be using a 10 m access, this is fine for land, and holds the gusts well, it needs to be pointed out that for static flying, something smaller but if you want to move on a snowboard you will need that size, but if you're in the water you need a kite that will not sink, so you will need something else. Something like an HQ Matrix or an LEI ( just don't smack the LEI into the ground) others will have to advise as its not my field.
Normally for me to use a 3 m fixed bridle in a buggy I'm looking at 25+ MPH as an absolute minimum
5-15 is quite a variation, to get one kite to do all at is a big ask.

Well, you are trying to cover a few bases with one kite. Maybe an HQ Matrixx is what you need. It's a great kite that can be used on water, land, or snow. Although I don't think the 12m will pull you on a board on the water at 7mph, the 15 would be better suited. But I can't wrap my head around telling a guy to get a 15m Matrixx for his first de power kite. It is an intermediate to advanced kite.

Maybe I should clarify, I only fly in 7-15mph and mostly 7-12 while on land in Dallas. That would not be on the water so the recommendation I am looking for is when I am home in town and just for practice and a bit of a workout with a De-Power kite. I have 10M LEI for the water when I go there but I feel something is missing between my 10m LEI and 3m foil (four line with no de-power).

Then my suggestion would be an Apex III 7.5m for NPH

Of all my kites I would suggest my arcs fly through lulls in the best. ( my 18m phantom in particular ) Something in the 15m size would work for your winds.
Closed cell on my Pulse also helps in so much as it doesn't collapse but comes on with a SNAP !
Your 10m LEI is probably a good size. Since you plan to take it to water why don't you fly it and pocket the money you were going to spend to repair / replace the kite if you damage it ? LEI is great for snow. Added incentive not to crash ?

If you buy an open cell foil it will be good for only land. Closed cell will allow you to cross over to water with the same kite.

Bladerunner, not sure I follow what your recommendation is. Fly the LEI on land and on snow and be prepared to pay for repairing it instead?

NPH-I fly land and snow only, and use mostly LEI's....

Great! So I have a Naish Ride I just got at a close out sale so I will do the premier flight soon.
What do you fly and in your experience what wind would recommend I go out in the first time I fly it?

Yes, I am suggesting to stick with LEI for both land and water. LEI are great on snow.

People shy away from LEI as beginners because of the potential to pop a bladder or seam. If you are willing to take that chance then you will be very comfortable and familiar with your kite come spring and water.

I would suggest you hold on to the money. It could be better spent on repair of the one you have on the off chance you damage it. I am not up on Naish these days. The Ride may be more aggressive than the Park judging by the name so slightly hesitant to say if it is a good starter but 10m is a good size ? I would guess it will fly in 5mph + winds. Around 10mph it should be getting into it's zone. By about 15mph you will be pushing things at 1st. With experience it will cover the winds you describe and will leave you wanting a bigger kite down the road / come time to hit the water.

If at all possible try and take lessons when moving to water. You will learn self rescue and a whole lot more that will make your transition fast + safe.

Most LEI are good kites for winds with lulls as you describe.

Thanks for then tips. When I hit the water I will definitely take lessons. The next few months I just want to learn to really control my kite and get the whole de-power thing really well. Possibly try it on snow if I have the chance.