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Some advice on equipment for newbie

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johnisher
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Some advice on equipment for newbie

Postby johnisher » Mon Jul 19, 2021 7:33 pm

Hello Everyone,

I'm novice and I'd like to ask you for advice to buy a kite.

Level: Beginner
Rider: 88 kilos (~200 lbs)
Board: 140/44 rocker
Wind range: 11-25 knots
Style: Freeride, small jumps in the future. For now I like easy starts, stable kite and good control on the bar.

Initially I've picked Contra 13m and Switchblade 10m

Do you think this configuration could work fine and covers the wind range in my case?

Thanks in advance for comments ;)

Blackened
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Re: Some advice on equipment for newbie

Postby Blackened » Mon Jul 19, 2021 11:45 pm

johnisher wrote:
Mon Jul 19, 2021 7:33 pm
Hello Everyone,

I'm novice and I'd like to ask you for advice to buy a kite.

Level: Beginner
Rider: 88 kilos (~200 lbs)
Board: 140/44 rocker
Wind range: 11-25 knots
Style: Freeride, small jumps in the future. For now I like easy starts, stable kite and good control on the bar.

Initially I've picked Contra 13m and Switchblade 10m

Do you think this configuration could work fine and covers the wind range in my case?

Thanks in advance for comments ;)
Not a bad pick. You will struggle in 11kn regardless of the kite you choose, especially as a learner. Aim for 15kn+ to make your learning experience a bit less frustrating. The 10m Switchblade will be fine from 20kn+. The Contra is a bit grunty, so just be aware you will need to use your edge a bit more to stop getting pulled downwind.

Good luck :).

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Re: Some advice on equipment for newbie

Postby Windigo1 » Tue Jul 20, 2021 2:01 am

Yeah that's a good combo to learn those are good kites for that wind range.

johnisher
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Re: Some advice on equipment for newbie

Postby johnisher » Tue Jul 20, 2021 10:18 am

That's good news, thanks for the tips ;)

Could I ask about one more option, what about this configuration of 2 kites:

Switchblade 14m + 11m

Which of two configurations do you think would also cover the wind range, be nicer to learn and give more fun while progressing ?

I am a bit afraid any wind 25kn+ at the moment ;)

Blackened
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Re: Some advice on equipment for newbie

Postby Blackened » Tue Jul 20, 2021 10:32 pm

The Contra has slightly better low end and slightly lighter, giving it about the same effective windrange as the larger switchblade. For the 13/10 for you as a learner and that board is probably ~15-28kn. The range for the 14/11 combo is probably ~15-25kn. This range will increase as you get better.

1. Wind range: Stay with the 13/10 combo and it will give you a higher top end. As a learner, you'll be unintentionally trying to stay a little underpowered anyway.
2. Nicer to learn: Personally, I think the Contra will probably be nicer to learn on because of the lighter bar pressure, but this is complete opinion preference for lighter feel.
3. Fun: As for fun while progressing, you'll just be having fun doing anything as a learner. You'd have fun with strings tied to a sheet to catch the wind :P.


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