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 !
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.
Mate Thank you very much for your advice ..... Greatly appreciated !!!!
Yes I agree, a very suitable kite for a beginner through to experienced, very responsive, easy to fly, great relaunch. Have only had mine for a couple of months so can't comment on durability but seems to have wear protection in all the right places and build quality seems very solid. Have had several other brands prior to the argos so find they compare exceptionally well for the price. I live in Tasmania where I couldn't test one and chris at griffin offered to send me a kite to test, he could not be more helpful.
cheers Tony
+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
The griffin argo is an exellent choce for a beginner. I wish I had a kite with the argo's characteristics when I was learning.
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.
Gents thank you for your great responses .... I think that this is the kite for me !!!!
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.
Maybe the service problem is a US thing, but I found the service here is oz excellent. Had a minor little issue and it was sorted promptly. You should email Chris directly through this forum, I am sure you would see it within two weeks...
I would love to give the kite a try first but there are no dealers around where i would be kiting...
I'd love to be there and let you try mines, but I'm so far...
There is anybody riding Griffins near there?
I have taken the plunge and bought a 10m Argo just waiting for delivery !!!!!!
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.
Looks like you were using a Cabrinha bar!
Did the kite want to drift towards the trees alot?
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 :)
True - They are cheap. But check the link:
www.powerkitesdirect.com/2009-griffin-kitesurfing-kites/
What's wrong with that?
The site says 2012 kite, the link says 2009 kites and the kite says mmx (roman numerals 2010).
Before I crash the party I reckon those old 2009 2012's are actually a great kite to fly still today in 2013. They are good value for a newb. But even newbs would be confused by this link.
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.
Yes I suck at marketing, I will be working on this for 2013.
Usual kite brand formula:
Get a figure head, get a investor, pay team riders, pay $30,000 or more to be in every mag and forum per month, pay for a designer, get a marketing angle.
What I do:
Go to the beach if its windy and fly a kite, work at making it better, try new stuff, make a load of protos. Sorry I don't have the investors and marketing agencies of other brands. I will work at advertising for 2013, it would be good to get support and not be charged like a USA big brand.
Totally agree!
