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I'm a beginner, and I wondering if the 2005 crossbow is a good kite. I weigh 235 and there is one for sale near me used for $200. Complete with bar and lines. It is a 16 meter.
Thanks
Keith

Its too old. That kite will be dangerous. Dont buy anything older than 2010.

Just to reinforce - this is a very dangerous kite for a beginner!
You will progress much faster using 2010 or later gear.

How about a 2014 cabrina vector
Found a package deal for 1200 to 1400 including harness, bar, lines, board, bag & pump
Also, what size is appropriate

kmartin888 wrote:How about a 2014 cabrina vector
Found a package deal for 1200 to 1400 including harness, bar, lines, board, bag & pump
Also, what size is appropriate

2014 Vector is a great kite. For your weight get 14m. I am 240 and use Vector 14m as my light wind wave kite and medium wind fun freeride. They don't make them anymore in 2015 (which is a shame) so grab it till you can.

Very stable, easy relaunch, good range, nice boost and hang time. Everything you need to start and enough high performance so you will never outgrow it.

where are you kiting? that determines the size of your first kite

when you take lessons, ask your instructor what size kite you should buy

Agree... I Just grabbed a 2014 14m Vector with a 2015 bar... great kite and set up. Shame they stopped making them. I am 175lbs and use the Vector as my light(er) wind kite (9-13 knots) and can control it at 14-15 if I absolutely need to, but at that higher end, Im sizing down to my 11m Switchblade.

At your weight, start with a 14m. Location is key also - currents, gusty conditions, shadows, etc will all impact your progression. Make sure to get a bigger board size starting out. (bigger for you = 150 cm or so) with less rocker. Will plane easier and get upwind faster. As you progress, you can maybe get a 11 or 12m to ride in higher winds and/or a smaller TT board with more rocker to handle the choppy water.

This is a general guidance, like someone else said... talk to your instructor as local conditions play a big role in kite sizes/board styles.

Good Luck!

How about a 13 meter 2011 crossbow? Found one complete with IDS bar and lines on craigslist for $600