I've been treated to some cash (gift cert - bless the wife) to blow at a specific retailer. Trouble is they have limited selection so I've narrowed it down to the following including price so those that know can forewarn me if it's a bad price. All kites complete, new stock.

Ozone Access XC 8m w/ Ozone XC Harness - $940
Slingshot Ranger 9m - $650
2004 Frenzy 9.5 (Brand new, with 2005 bar & lines) - $800

Thanks for your help. It'll be a while before I blow the load - likely early summer - but I might as well start thinking about it so I can pay attention to my riding styles / preferences / winds etc. before I buy. Any advice / help is appreciated. I get nervous buying new because depreciation is immediate.

The access and the harness sound good, but the harness is snow specific and uses a D ring rather than a hook so you won't be able to use it with your other kites.
I have a 9.5 04 Frenzy with an 05 bar and lines and it is a very nice kite. We use it a lot. In fact I prefer it to the 12 on the really low wind days because it flies a lot faster and seems to be easier to keep in the air. I have heard that the 04,5 and 6 Frenzy kites are all about the same in performance. I have an 04 7.3 and an 07 7.5 and I don't really notice much difference other than the 07 being a little slower turning, maybe a little more stable and having more depower. My wife thinks that it doesn't have as much power. If it is brand new with brand a new bar and lines it is likely a good deal. Used on ebay they are going for about 250 pounds in the UK (1 pound = about $2) so add $100 for postage (I just bought one from there) and another 100 for taxes and duty and you end up paying $700 for a used one. You will have to buy a harness but it will be a normal harness and usable with your other kites and on water as well.
I don't know about the slingshot ranger so can't say anything about it. If it is an inflatable and you are used to foils you may find it inconvenient to use.
I have thought about what I would do when faced with this situation so it is nice to see somebody actually being blessed with it.

Have fun,
George

go with the access

this is the kite that has the best resell value.

beginners all want this kite, and very hard to find used