I would have to disagree. I have a Montana III 9.5 and a Montana VI 12.5 and I love them both. The 9.5 will give you lift in 18mph winds, but you also need to know how to fly the kite.

The new Montana VI 12.5 is the liftiest kite I have ever flown. Yes there were a few times where I was dropped from over 10ft, but that was in the learning stages going from the III to the VI. Now that I have a few hundred hours on her I cannot think of flying anything else. I have had a couple 30ft high jumps off flat ground in 20+ winds with no problem.

I personally would not say a Montana is the best kite for the beginning, non hardcore kiter.

I cannot say enough good things about the kites I own. I LOVE HQ!!

My video of my flying my new Montana VI, most of which was from December. Jumps have gotten much larger since then.

http://vimeo.com/19403500

I have the Montana 3 and was wondering how you compare the 6 to it? I have had always great things to say about it but was thinking of a new purchase. The kite seems a little tired and doesnt handle the way it used to. I plan to replace the lines soon. I also ride the apex 5 and a Neo first generation.
Can you compare it to the new frenzy?

Many moons ago I bought original versions (2008?) of the Neo 11m and Rush II 300 Pro 3m Trainer. Gotta say they're not as good as my Ocean Rodeo's on water, but they have their place in the quiver, especially for mountain boarding, etc... Bomb proof AFAIC!