Noob dilemma

[Matt_HB]

A few years back, I really wanted to get into kiteboarding. I went on craigslist and bought some used gear. I got 3 2005 slingshot diesel 4 line C kites (9m 11m and 13m), two bars with lines, a harness, board, pump and bags. I've taken the kites out and flown them in a field in light wind but never in the water... after "mastering" the foil trainer kite of course. I've tried to take lessons in Maui and near Portland on vacation but the wind was never high enough (trainers canceled). I've never set up a lesson close to home because the price was always higher near Seattle. The last time I spoke with a trainer, he said my kites were too old and he would not let me fly them in the lesson for liability issues. My question is... should I take this as a sign that I should sell my kites and give up or is the trainer trying to sell me some new gear?

[PMCD]

The board and harness might be OK, depending on the model/year. He is telling you the truth about the kites. Sell them individually on Ebay so you can reach a wider audience for a better return.

Kites became much more user friendly after 2005. Get used gear (2007+) in better condition for your first set of kites. You would not go wrong buying new, but, there is a higher probability that you will trash you first kites.

[Brian]

crap! I have to agree with PMCD(aka TLKB). Listen to Paul.

[Matt_HB]

Thanks for the info. I'll go ahead and sell my gear and pick up some new gear after a few lessons (probably a year or two).

Thanks,
Matt

[stringy]

not sure how to feel about re-selling some shitty kites.
sorry man but I would hate to be the recipient of those kites.
my opinion take the loss rather than pass the crap to an unknowing noobie.

[PMCD]

When selling the kites just state that they are NOT beginner kites. Sell them on EBAY individually for maximize exposure to the market that would buy each piece of equipment. There are plenty of EBAY buyers out there that know exactly what they are getting when they buy these kites. As long as their is no false representation of condition or year (you will see the year misrepresented often on EBAY). I follow the EBAY (I know...very geeky) kite market. A well written, clear and honest description that gains the buyers trust will yield ~25% more than similar kites with poorly written descriptions. Take pics that clearly represent the current condition of the kite, bag and any accessories.

[Brian]

You could also contact this person to see what they offer: http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-25735.html

[stringy]

When selling the kites just state that they are NOT beginner kites. Sell them on EBAY individually for maximize exposure to the market that would buy each piece of equipment. There are plenty of EBAY buyers out there that know exactly what they are getting when they buy these kites. As long as their is no false representation of condition or year (you will see the year misrepresented often on EBAY). I follow the EBAY (I know...very geeky) kite market. A well written, clear and honest description that gains the buyers trust will yield ~25% more than similar kites with poorly written descriptions. Take pics that clearly represent the current condition of the kite, bag and any accessories.

good points paul.
I probably came across a little short in my post, I just don't like seeing the "pay it forward" with these kites.

The board and harness might be OK, depending on the model/year. He is telling you the truth about the kites. Sell them individually on Ebay so you can reach a wider audience for a better return.

Kites became much more user friendly after 2005. Get used gear (2007+) in better condition for your first set of kites. You would not go wrong buying new, but, there is a higher probability that you will trash you first kites.

If you can buy "modern", invest in a newer bar that has a solid release system. most older bars are shit and will not work as efficient as the newer push away systems. there is a reason why the industry has moved toward a push away system.

[C.J.]

are they 4 or 5 line kites?

2005 was right around the time 5 line kites started hitting the market. some people modded their 4 line kites to gain the safety of a 5 line setup.

IMO your kites are old and terrible for learning but not impossible to learn on. If they have 5th lines added to them then they may be a little easier/safer for learning especially when it comes to relaunch and self rescue.

If you can find kites newer then 2006 that are not C kites they would be much better for learning and shouldn't be easy to find in good condition for less then $400 per kite. New kites will run you anywhere from $600-2000 each depending on what you go with.

When you plan on getting new kites, make sure you get at least 1 new bar and lines too.

[stringy]

are they 4 or 5 line kites?

2005 was right around the time 5 line kites started hitting the market. some people modded their 4 line kites to gain the safety of a 5 line setup.

IMO your kites are old and terrible for learning but not impossible to learn on. If they have 5th lines added to them then they may be a little easier/safer for learning especially when it comes to relaunch and self rescue.

If you can find kites newer then 2006 that are not C kites they would be much better for learning and shouldn't be easy to find in good condition for less then $400 per kite. New kites will run you anywhere from $600-2000 each depending on what you go with.

When you plan on getting new kites, make sure you get at least 1 new bar and lines too.

I recall the diesel was 4 lines, however it had some contraption for "easy" relaunch. had something to do with these clips on the steering lines and when the kite was leading edge down in the water they would activate and grab somehow, pinching the trailing edge and flipping the kite over. I think there is a reason why that concept is not on other models.
If there is a pump leash attachment on the leading edge, you can always run a 5th line on it, however I would leave it slack because those kites weren't designed for a 5th line. too much tension on the attachment point might make it perform different, as well as fatigue the area of that kite.
just keep the kite. don't sell it. pump it up inside your place and hang it from the ceiling of your loft. that's probably the best place for a kite like that.