advice on kite purchase- BT 9.4

[Guest]

New to the sport..just a few lessons and the local shop has a "great deal" for me on a kite.

I weigh 180 lbs, winds are usually 10-20+ on average days, and the dealer is trying to sell me an unused BT 9.4 that they just discovered in their inventory from over a year ago ( they thought that it had been stolen from their loft and just found it burried under some old windsurfing equipment).

Is this kite too small for me or is a good deal on the price something that I should look for and start small and work my way up??

180lbs and a 9.4 seems too small for me...I need your unbiased profesional opinion before I negotiate a price.

Thanks

[longy1975]

Its an old kite now, extremly slow, and they do split down the leading edge easily, I would stay away from it, I know of three mates who had that model and they all had major troubles.

If your on a budget look for more of a pullet broof kite such as a Qcean Rodeo or Globerider , as a suggestion. Try and spend a little more to get something that will last you.

As far as sizing, you may be better off on a 14m

[longy1975]

Its an old kite now, extremly slow, and they do split down the leading edge easily, I would stay away from it, I know of three mates who had that model and they all had major troubles.

If your on a budget look for more of a pullet broof kite such as a Qcean Rodeo or Globerider , as a suggestion. Try and spend a little more to get something that will last you.

As far as sizing, you may be better off on a 14m

[Mikito Harakiri]

That's 9.4 projected. 12.8 surface. Pretty decent size for average rider. High aspect ratio - very fast kite. Don't listen to those gibberish kites promoters, you can buy this kite for half of the 2003 kites price, and if you are beginner you wouldn't notice any difference.

[Mikito Harakiri]

The reason not to buy BT, is that it's high AR kite for intermediate to advanced rider. That means that you'll have more trouble relauncing it as compared to medium AR kite. My experience was that after 3 months of kiting on smaller 10M medium AR kite, I had absolutely no trouble with high AR kite even though I'm still a beginer.

[Shannon]

I learnt on a BT 7 (12m2) I only weigh 65kg but I ride a wakeboard, Ive had this kite for a year now and have had no trouble at all with it. I still ride it all the time.

[CosmoDog]

I like my 2002 BT 9.4(12. - no problems so far and fast enough for
me. I learned on it and relaunch was a bit of a pain
early on - pump it up. Stay away from the 2001s - potential
bladder probs.

-J.R.

[Shannon]

Forgot to mention mine is 2001, I've given this kite a fair hiding with no worries, the store I bought from had boxes full of bladders should I need one. But yes I have heard that about the bladders but never actually met anyone who had this trouble.

[mickpilch]

Its a cracking kite, the 2002 9.4 is particularly sweet. Still does the job, good lift, quick and stable, the relaunch may be an issue at first - just make sure you give it some practice, then it wont be any problem

I love mine, I'm only getting rid now because I'm replacing my kites with a quiver of nitros.

[KGN]

I HAd a 2001 blacktip and all the bladders popped one after the other the very first time i blew them up..every single one!!But the store gave me replacements.I think the 2002 black tip wiil be fine.I see lots using and no problem.Im using 2003 blacktip and 2002 airush and they are all pretty good.Im not sure what your kite skills are..but that 12mtr will be fast and big enough to start.Dont get to small a board at first.150 or 160 to start.
Have fun and use your gear.Dont fall for the hype..kite skills are more important than having the newest gear.Go ride and be safe!
Oy yeah,ask the store to sick a qr on your chicken loop.I dont think the bar will have one.