I currently have two kites right now, 5.5m Apex 4 and a 11m Apex 4, I need something to fill the gap.

This was my first season of snow kiting on skis and I have had a blast, I cant decide if I should just buy the 8m Apex 4 or go with a more intermediate kite.

I have been thinking about a Montana but I am just a little chicken because I don't want to unexpectedly go air born. Will this kite get me into trouble?

Any other kite suggestions?

8m Apex is the obvious and a good choice. Unless you are looking for higher performance why mess with what works?

You haven't exhausted the performance envelope of the Apex 4. Those kites will do anything you ask of them, much more versatile than people give credit. If you don't want to go air born unexpectedly don't buy a kite that is designed to offer big airs. Or, if you do purchase a freestyle based kite don't put it in situations where it will launch you accidently.

Any kite will send you air born if you make a mistake. The Apex is more forgiving than a Montana might be.

Another kite suggestion? Flysurfer Peak 6m. Very popular with our students and clients and can cover the range of 3.5, 5.5 and 8m (and then some) Apex 4s. Super easy to fly, less likely to launch you if you make a mistake than even the Access or Apex. ( http://www.hardwaterkiter.com/flysurfer-click.html )

Beginner to experts, everyone gets something out of the Peaks. A great kite if you have to travel. The 6m (complete) will fit in a medium size camel back.:P

I currently got a 5-meter Octane and it's currently gust-hell where I kite anywhere besides Galveston beach (i.e. backcountry). I'm looking to get a 2014 10-meter Access to replace it, but I'm wondering if the Frenzy is also more stable than the Octane in gusty conditions. I may end up getting an Access either way, as I have no intent to freestyle anytime soon, but still curious nevertheless.

I am really tempted to try the Peak.

I have read the 6m pulls like a 10m, I already have a 11m that pulls too much when the wind picks up. Is the pull of the Peak comparable to the 8m Apex?

The group I kite with are trying to talk me into learning to do some jumping and other tricks, all I can think of are hospital bills. I guess I have a fear if the unknown, I have never tried it, they all say jumping is fun and can be done in a safe matter. That was why I was looking at the Montana.

Sier, the Access will handle gusts much better than your Octane. Most depowers handle gusts considerably better than fixed bridle. 8m Access would be a closer comparison to your 5m Octane.

Chrisz, The 6m pulls more like a 8 or 9m than a 10m. Power delivery really depends really on the wind conditions, surface, rider weight and board/ski. We've found that with some minor add ons the wind range, especially the lower end, can be increased quite a bit. Top end is much higher than officially stated. As with any kite, the performance of the kite depends largely on pilot skill.

We've compared the 6m Peak to the 5m Apex 4 in higher winds and found the PeaS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s depower range to be much better than the Apex. At full depow the 6m it pulls much like the 3.5 Apex 4 without any trim. But at full power it easily pulls like the 8m Apex 4 maybe a bit more.

Both the Peak and Apex 4 can be jumped. They resist it but if you adjust your timing they jump very well. The 11m Apex 4 is a very nice floaty jumper. The Peak has a very "Flysurfer" smoothness and is highly controllable in the air, even in gusty. The 6m kite loops really nice. :D

I have always been a fan of the Montanas. Although great performance they offer few surprises unless you work to dial them up. Trim them down and they will appear as easy as the apex. Then trim them up as you go and become more comfortable. I have e flown them much in the buggy where I don't want lift and they have enough park and ride stability to crack a water bottle or a beer.