Hey guys,

After renting gear for some time I decided to buy my first own quiver, and I cannot decide on the right sizes (or brand or anything else actually ) so I would really appreaciate any help and tips.

I have 60kg, would say that I am an intermediate kiter, can ride, ride toeside, jump and land, do a backroll, want to learn some basic tricks and try wave riding. I dont live by the sea, so I will always go to different locations to kite, thus its hard to say what the wind speed is gonna be. I like going to places with consistent wind, either in Europe (Fuerte, Greece) or Brazil for example. I will get a TT ( sth around 135cm based on what I see on the web, I am not bothered about the board too much yet).

Which two kite sizes should I get? I am thinking about 7 and 9 ...aren't they too close to each other ? But I feel that if I choose anything else than 7 and 9, I will be missing the most useful sizes for me. I don't really like the 6, they are just too fast ... and I dont really enjoy kiting in light winds, so I dont think I want anything bigger then a 10. Please help, I just dont know how to decide..Should I just get an 8 instead ?

It probably also depends on the kite which is another hard question I'm thinking about Bandit 6, it seems like a popular all-round kite ... I have only tried North Evo and Rebel kites before. The Evo was ok, but I felt (and was told) that its not too good with gusty wind. I will try to test the Bandit somewhere, but is it not already too an advanced kite, meant more for some serious jumping? Maybe you have other suggestions?

Thanks a lot for your help.

Jackie,

As you go to smaller and smaller kites, the gap should be closer, so a 7 - 9 gap is fine, but depending on kites and if you wanted to expand the range, 6 - 9, or 7 - 10 gap will work also. The difference in turning speed between a 6 and 7 are very close. Some brands though do not offer all those sizes in some kites.

Hope this helps,

Bob
www.kiteridersllc.com

i have a 6 and 10m set up right now, but i only ride a surfboard

I'd go 7/10

Still lots of overlap and you'll get skunked less.

Get a surfboard sooner than later and your set.

No one has talked about your wind conditions either, which it depends a lot on. Where I live, I am on my 12m about 80% of the time, and the 9m the rest of the time. There are a few sessions where I'm overpowered on the 9m and would love to be on a 7, but very very few where I would be lit on a 7m. A 6m just wouldn't have enough power to be worth going down from a 9 early, and I'd only use the lower end of its range once or twice a year. Not really enough to justify spending money on it.

This is something to consider, how many times would you ride a 6? Do you think you could jump down from a 9 to a 7 and have some great sessions?

nothing wrong with a 7 and 9

7 and 9 N Evo is all I got and perfect. Unless I need a bigger one, rare though

Yes, go 7-9 with your weight and likings.

7-10 is possible but the step will sometimes feel "aaaargh I wish I had something in between"...

7-9 is fine !

Peter

exactly.

this all depends on the spot. some places are perfect for 9 and 7.

the general thing here is always to pick the one size you'll use the most at your spot. then pick the one you'll use the second most. etc etc.

never ever pick 11 and 6 if the one size you really need is 8. Then you'd be better off with one kite. So make you have that covered. If you do that your sessions will be a lot more enjoyable. I promise.

Since you are 60 KG, 7-9 should be perfect for you.

I am 70KG, I use 5M, 7M and 9M, if wind is lighter than 9M, there is not much fun any way.

When you plan your vacation, just go for places wit consistent wind.

Jan