2nd hand racekites for budget race equipment. What 2 buy?

[BlindRider]

Hey guys!

I'm getting into racing with 1.5 years of experience riding freeride foil kites.

I try to assemble my first gear, with a Moses Comet/Havok foil and 15 and 11 meter racekites (later on a 19/21 is in the plan). I try to stay on a budget, so I'm looking at second hand foil kites.

What is the better choice in your opinion, R1V2 or Diablo V1 - both referred to as user friendly race kites, which can be purchased for reasonably good prices now.

Any other suggestions? Ease of use being a priority !

Thanks in advance!

[grigorib]

Slingshot Phantom (Elf) is on sale for $999 brand new

[Regis-de-giens]

Elf jocker 5. Very easy and light race kite.
...and i am selling mine in 11m
If you can afford it , the r1v2 is a very good kite.

[borist]

I'd go with R1V2 between the two, if they were in similar price/condition

[twig]

Hi

From what I've heard the R1V2 is possibly one of the best kites at the 2nd hand market if going fast is your main focus > because its so easy to handle and because then you have almost all its performance within reach even if you are not the most experienced foilkiter. I have not tried it though.

I guess that the only downsides could be its delicate fabric, that you have to stay away from sharp things at the beach. And that if its been used alot (by previous owner) it won't perform at its max anymore. But this is the problem with all highperformance racekites. Thats also a reason to try to find one (in good condition) at the 2hand market, If you get a new one it hurts as hell to have even small scratches to it.

another good one to consider could be the Peter Lynn v1, good performance/price rate. I dont know if Diablo v1 is at the same level as Peter Lynn v1 and R1V2.

I bought the Sonic2 as my fastest kite because its made out of a material that is possibly a bit more durable then the most light racekites, but it has a bit less performance then the R1V2 and im not ready for the fastest kites yet anyway.
I think Sonic2 was considered a racekite before but not today.Now the performance is much better. Sonic 2 maybe lacks performance to be the fastest but instead it turns quicker and its easier do big airs with/much more fun kite for freeride wich I use it alot for and for racing its good enough for me.

If you want to compete at a high level you will need the R1V3 or Flysurfer VMG, or similar. If not you cannot win.

[davesails7]

The R1V2 is a good deal now because all the top racers are getting the R1V3. Used R1V2's are in the $1200-$1500 range now depending on size and condition. R1V2 is the fastest used kite you can buy right now for a reasonable price.

A Diablo V1 is a 4 year old kite now. Unless it is a really good deal ($500), I'd stay away from them. Four years is a long time for a lightweight race kite.

The Sonic 2's are quite a bit cheaper than the R1V2's, in the $700-$800 range now. I flew Sonic 2's for two years. They're just as easy to fly as the R1V2, but probably 95% as fast around a race course (which makes a big difference). Compared to the R1V2's I have now, the Sonic 2's seemed more durable. Sonic 2 had stiffer bridles and lighter pulleys than the R1V2, so I had less issues with bridle tangles on the Sonic 2.

[BlindRider]

Thanks for the info, I think I'll go with the R1V2s, they seem to be the best bang for the buck right now!

I'm far from winning races, so I don't need the R1V3, but definitely wanna work on my technique, try and push myself in competition, and we'll see

[downunder]

Well,

Lake Balaton is not far from my old place:) And I have R1v1. The problem with R1 kite is something no one talks but it's annoying as hell.

And that is the sand in the TE webbing. Just because of that, I would stay clear. Somehow FS hasn't got that issue but Ozone does. Also, duno about R1V2, but metal vent zip? It's piece of rust.

Something to think off.

[deniska]

Slingshot Phantom (Elf) is on sale for $999 brand new

Anyone here has hands on experience with this kite?
I hear that this is just not so successful version of ELF that no one wants?
But yeah, $999 for 15m looks damn appealing...