I currently have a 12m cab xbow and I'm looking at getting another kite for when the wind is stronger. Is 8m too small, is 10m too close to the 12? I'm 85kg.
Depends what style of 8 you are looking at. I use the wifes 8 Switchy as my small kite and I am 80kgs. You could get either an 8 or 9.
i'm the same weight and my ten gets me out in 15 up to just under 30 comportably.
Go the 8. If you want it for high winds, then you'll have WAY more fun on the 8.
And its cheaper.
If you like the Cabs, the 9m Xbow IDS should keep you happy until the mid to high 20s. It depowers really well, eats gusts with ease, is stable and predictable. However, I've found the Switchy IDS to be a better kite in the surf.
I'm between 85kg - 90kg
Had a switchblade 3 12m (18months ago) that got me going from just over 15knots to almost 35knots - I would definitely look at a 9m SLE/bow/delta or even a grunty 8m as high wind option so you can change kites at around 22-25knots and feel comfortable from 22 to 35knots. The 12m obviously won't be enjoyable over 30knots and a 8 or 9 in high winds would be a mega fun kite to throw around in any conditions flat (chop) or wild surf!
I'm in the same dilemma myself - just bought a 12m 2009 Eclipse Kima - will need to buy a 9m to handle the stronger days and use the 12m for 15 - 25knots which has been the majority of our wind recently (last 12months) on the Gold Coast
. I think you guys get slightly stronger sea breezes in NSW 
than we do so a smaller 2nd kite would be a must....
. I think you guys get slightly stronger sea breezes in NSW than we do so a smaller 2nd kite would be a must....
I have been out in 35knots gusting to almost 40 knots (not saying comfortable survival stuff with kite at 11.30 and 12.30 most of the time) on SB 3 on TT - mind you I wouldn't try it once I had used the kite for 6-9months as the line and canopy stretch made the kite more porwerful and less able to handle high winds but absolutely handle 25-30 knots. Weight wise I would be closer to 90kg leading into Summer and that's dry no gear on....Only had the one kite so it's amazing what you can get used too and oops forgot to mention I added an extra knot to the front lines to take out a bit of grunt for the higher wind days!
Might want to recalibrate your wind meter it seems to read around 10 knots too high. Either that or you will soon be in the running for the kitesurfing "Darwin Award".
Baz.
