I'm overwhelmed by evolution.

Hi, All,

Firstly, if this is in the wrong section, I apologise up front. It's yet another "what kite" question. The reason I'm asking what kite is that when I last kiteboarded it was 2005 and I was on a 9m. I've looked around and there are so many different kites that I am well and truly confused.

I have spoken to a couple of stores and they have been relatively helpful so I'm throwing it out to the kiteboarding community.

My last kite was 9m ?? (memory is vague) and also had a high aspect Slingshot 13m Fuel. The fuel was a pig to fly and I rarely took it out (I still have it in pristine condition). The 9m helped with a major injury, hence why I have been off the water all this time. Partly to recover but mostly because it scared the heck out of me. They were both 4line kites.

I was quoted $800 for a 2008 Slingshot Link in great condition (what the store tells me) which has only ever been in the air and is not damaged. I liked the QR but the bridle really threw me (on a 4line?? Really??? Why?). I am intermediate and not really interested in huge air or lots of wave surfing. I really like just tracking upwind with an occasional jump or two every now and then.

I have a tight budget (no more than $800!!) and don't want to advance to another kite anytime soon. I'd like to keep it for at least 2 years before thinking of upgrading (if at all).

I'd love some help with this. I don't want to make the mistake i made with the 13m. Any helpful insight would be very welcome. Thanks, y'all.

Let me guess, you told the store that your budget is 800, and they happened to have a Link for just that price.
As you probably know yourself (troll), the Link is widely considered as a "special" kite..
I would be keen to have a spin with that infamous bugger myself, just for the heck of it.

If you are genuinely not a troll, sorry bout that..
But there have been similar posts about the Link and the Hellfish (you might wanna ask your shop about that one!), which were usually not meant that serious.
And 800 bucks kite-only wouldn't be great anyway for a 2008 model.

to start you should just give me that 13 then i might give you some good advice

So if you like to track upwind and are not into unhooking, a c-kite won't be good.
Looks like you want an easygoing, allround freeriding bow..
And basically every company has a model like that.
From my experience, Ocean Rodeo Rise is great. Nemesis HP as well, especially if "upwind" is your thing. Only side effect, your occasional jump might end up being a huge one!

Good on ya jambo,you sound like a pioneer with ya wanting to track upwind,,,,the norm is these days is track down wind and distroy all in the path

mate for that sort of money it will be a few years old and a lot of kites will have leaky valves.
I would go a switchblade 10m (try and get at least a SB3)
The sweet size for one of the most popular kites on the planet, and they don't have/ get peeling valves/bladder leaks like so many other kites

and now that i gave you such useful advice can i please have your 13 s for free.

The switch is a sound kite. Stable, good smooth power delivery - enjoyed a couple of rides on a 10m.

But again talk to jason / also someone like darren at AKS (he has a wealth of knowledge) about the 'type' of kite that would suite you best. Don't run out and buy a certain brand and model because others recommend it. He has a range of different brands that suite different needs. Also try before you buy, demo, absolutley!

Again the switch may serve your purpose, but get some more feedback of someone/s who has more experience than most and has ridden more kites than most.

The Link was a 2007 kite, your getting ripped off by a year.

missing link above

Switchblade!!! cant believe i just said that without vomiting in my own mouth,there's plenty of great kites out there without scraping the bottom of the barrel,go and see your local dealer and get a few demo's going 10 is a great all round size.
Prob gonna cop some s**t for this post from the tree magnets but its worth it.