Just a question for all of the other "old guys" out there. What are the top old school kites? I have not mastered any board offs yet, just backrolls and huge airs. But I assume it is the big jumping lofty kites that are the most conducive to progressing in the old school style. I'm sure I'm set with a solid quiver of Rhinos, but what other models do the other big air guys out there prefer?

nowadays almost all kites are good for it.
Any flat kite will be excellent, due to a good hangtime. But can also be done on a Vegas or Torch or Fuel etc.

Important is either a microloop or good working stopper ball which you can move down and lock for full power.

And the slower the kite, the better is is. So take a big kite, since you also need lots of hangtime to make the jumps with style.

Let me know if you need further help for the boardoffs.

Also look up this:

wiki/index.php?title=Kiteboarding_How_To#Old_School

That's what I expected. Old school is definately not as technical, but it's what sold me on the sport. This season, I'd like to get warmed up and work on some old school moves. Next spring I hope to look into organizing some racing in my area too.

I have vegas rebel 09 but for hang time rhino 2s

yes i agree north is on of the best!! especially for old school, because of the micro loop.

The old 4.9 flexifoil blade...
Make a reservation and send it....

What about the Crossbow 2010...

the Crossbow 2010 in 13 is excellent! great lift and hangtime! I need to try the 16 one day!

ok what about the 9 and 11 ??? thanks

Basically any kite is good for old school, that has a good lift and good hangtime.
The kite should be slow, not too hard on the bar with its forces, and give a good feedback, since you need to steer it while you are flying and doing your tricks.

If you really want to improve with old school tricks, then you rather take a bigger kite, this way it is slower and gives you more glide through the air.
This glide is an important factor for the style of old school. The more glide you have the more style you can do in your tricks. Get someone to film you and then see where it is missing. You will see what to improve and what does not look good, then go back and work on it.