Looking at purchasing my first kite and was looking at the Griffin Argo 10m. Would someone be able to offer some advice on the build quality and ease of flying this kite. As i am new to the sport.

Thank you for your response !

Mate Thank you very much for your advice ..... Greatly appreciated !!!!

strapped said...

Maybe you should try the gear forum next time.
For a first kite they are great. I am an experienced rider and am stoked in the handling of the Argo, (mainly in the surf) I ride a 9m. My girlfriend got a 7m in Oct and now she is riding well with less than 20hrs water time after she could body drag proficiently. Chris from Griffin will be really helpful in sorting you out and he has great advice. The only thing I don't like is the below the bar depower system but Griffin offer above the bar systems which are very easy to operate. The build quality is very good on the canopy and I know of one Griffin customer who was sorted out surprisingly well when they had an issue with the leading edge. Good company, great kites.
I make no profit from Griffin and am not a pimp. Flame on.

+1 for the recommendation.

i have a 9m Argo 2012 model and am really happy with it

Build quality is good, bar feels great and it is one of the smoothest turning kites i have owned.

I mainly kite in waves, its ease of relaunch has saved me a couple of times

You will find a lot of comments about the Argo's and all Griffin Kites if you just choose "Griffin" on the Brand filter available on this forum.

Here is one more from kiteforum:

kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2372384&p=717045

Sure that the Argo is a good choice for a learner, as well as for an experienced rider. Lot of depower, great range, really stable and easy auto-relaunch (I've ride 2010 and 2011. I haven't tried 2012 yet, but it seems still better than previous years. Anxyous to try it!!!)

Just ask for a test. Even if you are a learner, you'll see easily if you are feeling comfortable with this kite in the air, how do you feel teh bar, how does it turn, etc... At the same time you'll see construction and materials by your own.

I have a 13.5 2011 argo. Before you purchase make sure the dealer gives you the 4m extensions like they promise on Griffin web site. I didn't get any and my dealer is clue less about them. And its been two months and still don't have any yet. I know it is a little problem but service can be a little lacking.

jplmain said...

I have a 13.5 2011 argo. Before you purchase make sure the dealer gives you the 4m extensions like they promise on Griffin web site. I didn't get any and my dealer is clue less about them. And its been two months and still don't have any yet. I know it is a little problem but service can be a little lacking.

Hi, re above you got your kite from I think USA or Europe, I will get you sorted but usually the dealer you get the kite from should fix you up, each distributor can choose what lines they order, 25m lines, 21m lines or 21 + 4m extensions.

I have been in Western Australia for a few weeks proto typing new kites, so sorry for any delays in replying to emais.

Re the Argo, it has everything beginners and wave riders want. Beginers seem to progress much better and faster on the Argos.

Super forgiving
Handels gusts smoothly
Lots of grunt and depower
hands free assisted relaunch
lots of reinforcements where you need it
4 years of refinements and improvements
unhooks and down the line as good as any other kite BUT
also boosts, kitelops and pivotal turning when you need it.
exelent upwind ability
medium aspect.
Massive wind range.

excuse the crappy voice over below,

Anyone bought a Griffin Argo from www.powerkitesdirect.com/??

I have taken the plunge and bought a 10m Argo just waiting for delivery !!!!!!

catalaussie said...

I'd love to be there and let you try mines, but I'm so far...

There is anybody riding Griffins near there?

Always heaps of them on ebay brand new for $600.

I love my Griffin Kites.. about to get my TRX.. Yeww!!!

*Pls note* I had my old Cabrinha bar when this was shot, was waiting on a new griffin bar after I had my other one stolen.. used to ride Cabby, never looked back since switching to Griffin. Far superior flying/handling/power.

richswing said...

Looks like you were using a Cabrinha bar!

Yes, like I said in my post, above the video.. ;)

richswing said...
Did the kite want to drift towards the trees alot?

Strange question.. but, no..

I looked at powerkitesdirect for the same reason Less $$ but after a few emails with one of the oz dealers of griffin kites they came to the party with a great price and I am very happy got the kite in a couple of days :)

Griffin are not known for their marketing and advertising. In my opinion their marketing is incredibly bad. I hope it gets better because it's hurting sales.

Their kites only come in very limited color options, they don't look flashy, and there are aesthetic flaws for sure..

BUT!

They clearly spend their time developing kites, instead of selling them, and it shows. Griffin's kites are way ahead of any other brand. I was in shock, the first time I flew an Argo. I was a long time Cabrinha rider, tried everything else, always came back to Cabrinha.. You know how every year, kites seem to fly a bit better.. turn just a bit faster, launch more easily, pull harder, more depower?

Since trying Griffin, it's like I skipped a few years of kites. The Argo is where I'd imagine Cabrinha to be in 2015. No kidding.. Aesthetically, no. Performance.. you won't find one kite that even comes close to the incredible performance of a Griffin. If you don't believe me, try one.

Totally agree!

hanikai said...

Griffin are not known for their marketing and advertising. In my opinion their marketing is incredibly bad. I hope it gets better because it's hurting sales.

Their kites only come in very limited color options, they don't look flashy, and there are aesthetic flaws for sure..

BUT!

They clearly spend their time developing kites, instead of selling them, and it shows. Griffin's kites are way ahead of any other brand. I was in shock, the first time I flew an Argo. I was a long time Cabrinha rider, tried everything else, always came back to Cabrinha.. You know how every year, kites seem to fly a bit better.. turn just a bit faster, launch more easily, pull harder, more depower?

Since trying Griffin, it's like I skipped a few years of kites. The Argo is where I'd imagine Cabrinha to be in 2015. No kidding.. Aesthetically, no. Performance.. you won't find one kite that even comes close to the incredible performance of a Griffin. If you don't believe me, try one.