I'm just starting out and I need a kite that is really good for upwind. I've found all three of these kites for about the same price complete(~$900) for a 9m. Also do all three of these have pretty much the same relaunch in terms of how easy they are?

I feel more comfortable buying new the first time as I don't know how used a used kite really is. I mean if it can survive 1,000 crashes and it's already been crashed 950 times...

I won't mind buying used later on. But I want to be riding and not repairing bladders when I'm starting out.

Element has very good relaunch, almost automatic and is also good upwind. It is also incredibly stable, probably one of the most stable kites on the market. If you are looking for an allround kite then it is definitely worth checking out - best thing to do is to see if there is a team rider near you with an Element and demo it.

Edit: To be clear, ....so the post below does not put doubt in your mind.

Renegade and Kahoona have been around a few years and have been refined into pretty great kites.
The 2011 & 2012 Kahoonas are impressive, I have never been a fan of Best kites in the past, but we have three of them in our local crew and these guys love them, and the kites are doing very well in our crappy, gusty, lake wind.
The Renegades are as good (or better) than any kite I've ever been on.
I've been kiting since 2002/03 and have experience with a lot of different kites.
Renegade is designed for surfing which means an easy, friendly all arounder that drifts well while riding toward the kite, forgiving and really great in gusty wind, powerful and fast turning, they jump great, are really stable and go upwind very well.

I used to ride both Epic Screamers and Best V1, V2 Kahoonas and this year I switched to the Switch Elements. I never tried the Renegade but I heard it didn't really get good until 2011, not sure about the 2012's.

My advice, go with the Element. Its a better all arounder then the kahoona and probably better build quality then both the kahoona and the renegade. I could talk bad about my experience with epic and the rumors I've heard about the newer kahoona but I'd prefer not to bash publicly . Feel free to pm me if you want.

If you can, try all three and pick the one you like best. Kite selection is a very personal thing.

I will also say that the Element seems to go up wind much better then the V1 and V2 Kahoonas I used to fly although the kahoona did have the best relaunch I've ever seen, the Element is a close second. I think because of this the Element felt a little easier to self land too. Kahoona relaunch was almost too good to where I couldn't get it to land when I wanted it to.

They all go upwind well if you just sheet out on the bar....

In my opinion, the board has a LOT more to do with upwind performance than the kite.

www.kiteboardingtampabay.com

They'll all probably go upwind about the same, or not enough of a difference that you'd notice

I'd go with the kahoona for your first kite, really simple straightforward kite that doesn't have any issues like backstalling or overflying etc EVER. The element is a great kite but it doesn't seem as refined yet.

I don't even particularly like the kahoona, but as your first kite it'd be awesome and you won't outgrow it

Renegade is a bit pricey compared to the Kahoona or Element, and I cant comment on Epic kites because I have never met anyone in person who has tried one. To be honest I really dont understand the way epic have priced their kites, they are more expensive than some of the major established brands who have to cover the cost of distributors and retailers. The build quality of the Element is better than the Kahoona, which is something to consider if you are learning. The Kahoona is a good kite, and I know a few riders who like it as a free ride / surf kite - but it isnt a kite that will take alot of punishment. As C Johnson says, you really need to try them out to find out which you like.

All I can say is.. the $70 is worth the difference between the Kahoona and the Renegade, the Epics are better built kites, and I like everything about the way they perform in the air.
In the case of Switch, the Nitro and Method did not agree with me at all, maybe the Element is vastly different, but I was not willing to chance it.

Can only comment on Renegade and Kahoona:
If both the kites are new and priced the same, I would go with the Renegade. I have flown the Kahoonas and used to own the Renegades. I think OB summed it up nicely. The Kahoonas are still great all-around kites and I have friends that have been progressing nicely on them. Another thing to consider, It will be hard to beat the customer service you will get from Epic. Just my 2 c. As already suggested, nice to try first if u can. Good luck

Yes the Element is completely different then the Nitro and Method

Method is a heavy bar pressure delta style wave kite

Nitro is a high aspect slow steering heavy bar pressure big air free ride kite

Combat is a strict wakestyle unhooking kite

Element is a light bar pressure pivotal turning all arounder. Before the element switch did not have a kite that really covered multiple markets. The element feels a lot like an Envy or a Kahoona except I thought it felt a little more refined and the build quality is better IMHO.

Sounds like the guy asking the question is new so the chances of getting to try all the kites is probably slim unless he takes lessons from a shop that offers them all (unlikely).

research research research.....best and switch both have forums on their sites worth checking. you'll get a lot better less pimp like responses their then kook forum