Have a 12m 2008 switchblade at the moment. I'm 81kg. Still a beginner.

Any advice re what size kite to go for (keep an eye out for) over coming months to complement my 12m. Ie an 8m or a 9m? Was thinking about just sticking with a switchblade (2nd hand)...

9

I'm same weight and when I was learning I straight up bought a 7m, 11m, and 15m. I always found there was too much gap between the 7 and the 11, so I was either underpowered on the 7m or the conditions were gusty 35kt+ crap that I didn't want to be out in.
Now got a 9m & 12m C4 and haven't needed anything else since.

9m for sure!

12,9

or

12,10,8.

12,8 = bad.

thanks guys

lostinlondon - re bar compatibility, assume this would mean same brand, and perhaps same model for the same brand? (i.e. you'd have to specific check) But in fact wouldn't the line lengths be potentially different anyway between same brand/model but different size kite?

The Switchy is a 4 line kite. 4 line kites are a lot more cross compatible than 5 lines fortunately. You need to check your line lengths on your existing bar. Most 4 line kites have the same length lines, if the depower is fully released and the bar is pulled all the way into the chicken loop. Then it's just a matter of ensuring pigtails and loops match.

Rooboy said...
Sorry guys i tend to disagree with the 12m - 9m Combo. If you have a grunty kite like the switchblade is, but it also has really good depower you can stretch the limits a bit and go one size smaller for your small kite. Im 96kg and ride Rebels but find the 12m and 8m combo is more than adequate. I still often find myself in the situation where im out on my 12m and could be on my 8m or vica versa. Having a 8m also gives you a bigger wind range (top end) than if you go for a 9m.

I find my 12m and 8m combo perfect, when the wind is in the middle of the two kites, 18knts to 25knts I often decide which kite based on if I want to boost and do over powered tricks or if I feel like more freestyle and looping a smaller and faster kite.

Rooboy said...
Sorry guys i tend to disagree with the 12m - 9m Combo. If you have a grunty kite like the switchblade is, but it also has really good depower you can stretch the limits a bit and go one size smaller for your small kite. Im 96kg and ride Rebels but find the 12m and 8m combo is more than adequate. I still often find myself in the situation where im out on my 12m and could be on my 8m or vica versa. Having a 8m also gives you a bigger wind range (top end) than if you go for a 9m.

Sure but you're 96kg, which is going to be closer to 105 kg by the time you have your wetsuit and harness on, and you've been in the drink a couple of times. You can hold that 12 m down a bit longer.

8 and 12 are an excellent combination. Modern kites have great wind range which allows you to ride a small kite in much lighter winds.

I would not classify a 9m as a small kite, therefore it is not a true high wind kite. 8m is the largest high wind kite in my books.

The majority of kiters on the beach choose a kite that is 2-3 sizes too big for them.

Be hard to find anything that will compliment you on a Switchy.
But Im sure some would say your bum doesnt look too big if you chose an Ocean Rodeo or BWS or Best kite

Just joking - yep they are my brands - no serious flaming of the Switchy - great beginners kite.
If you want serious then Id agree with others saying a 3M drop would be the max esp for reputation of QLD winds. Might be better still to look at something bigger and maybe a 10M.
Most of those I know over there rarely need anything smaller than 10. Depends where in QLD you are of course.
Another consideration is that as you go up in size the difference between biggest & smallest in a quiver increases eg 7 & 10 cw 10 & 15 = similar amount of crossover.