I am brand new to kiteboarding and considering purchasing a 2011 Argo. Does anyone have any experience with this kite? Would it be a good choice for a new rider?
I was just about sold on the Argo when a local kite shop decided to blow out his inventory of 2011 Best Taboo's. I can get a Taboo complete with bar for right around the same price as the Argo. Taboo seems like a more aggressive kite, but at this price it might be worth it once I get past the initial learning curve?
Any help would be appreciated.
g'day Mike,
I own an argo and think it is a really good kite. I wish that I could have learned on a kite as good. My learning curve would have been much quicker. They are very stable, fly upwind, relaunch super easy, and have plently of depower on tap, plus they are very well constructed (they can take a good flogging) these are all attributes to look for in your first kite. They have more than enough performance to grow into. They excel in the waves which is why I have one, but are also great freeride kites. Probably the only weakness is they aren't the best kites for unhooked tricks.
I can't comment on the taboo, but you can't go wrong with the argo
Argo is a real user friendly kite,better bottom end for a lerner,stable as and built tough,i use them in my kiteschool and they get abused, great kite.
As a lerner you want good bottom end and stability,argo fits the bill.
Get yourself a Cabrinha switchblade. I don't ride them but they are very easy and safe to ride. Just like a Volvo stationwagon.
Thanks everyone for the feedback.
So it looks like I'm down to a 3 kite race:
2011 Best Kahoona
2010 Cabrinha Switchblade
2011 Griffin Argonaut
Anyone able to comment on any of these as compared with the others?
Gidday Noob
Its a pretty big question of all comparisons... which most wont bother replying !
All late model beginner friendly kites will have easy relaunch - bottom end and decent build qualities
Dont worry about a more advanced kite as the beginner styles will be better than you for a few seasons yet 
give one to a gun in surf or tricking - and they will blow your mind 
Kiss principal - Keep it simple stupid
Have fun up there
Thanks SaveTheWhales, I know it's a big question- just figured I'd throw it out there and see what feedback I might get. Any info that comes back may help.
I realize that any kite I choose is going to be "better than me" for a while anyway- I just want to try to get off on the best possible foot.
1st water lesson in less than 17 hours- can't wait!
If you want an all round kite that behaves perfectly get yourself a 10m Ozone catalyst with extensions.
Thanks to everyone for your help- being new to kiteboarding I think it's so cool that you all take the time out of your day to help a noob like me.
One more question if you all don't mind. I think I'm going to go for a 2011 Argo, but I'm not sure of size. I'm 150lbs without any gear on, and the winds where I live are generally in the 12 to 28mph range from what I understand.
I'm thinking either a 10m or 11.5m
Any thoughts?
At 70 kgs and a wind range of 11-25 knots
It will depend on wether you are going to have a one kite quiver or two
IMO One kite i would go the 10 m and maybe and extra big twin tip for the lighter days
2 kite quiver I would get the 11.5 and 9
Enjoy the journey
The best way is to talk to people who kite at your spot
And your instructor when you have lessons
If you go the argo don't go bigger than the 10m, they are very grunty. I am 80kg and the 10m is the biggest kite I need. I use it from about 12-28knots with a few different board sizes.
When you are learning you will not be able to get maximum efficiency out of the kite, so slightly larger than you would normally need is ok. If you were an experienced kiter, I would recommend the 9m for your weight. If you intend to mainly ride a surfboard I would recommend the 9m. Mainly twintip the 10m is probably best. However the 10m is going to be too big for you at 28mph.
So there is the dilema, you need to decide if you are going to have one or two kites what board you will mainly be riding and what are the main wind conitions where you live(mainly light/srtong). Your choice will definatly be between the 9 and 10m.
Thanks bennie and allano
I think I may learn towards the 10 as I will probably want to get out there on some of those lighter days (esp in the beginning- 28mph seems crazy fast to me right now). If bennie can ride in 12 knots on his 10, maybe I can get out there a tad sooner since I'm under 70 kg.
I hate to be the skeptic but I find it hard to believe anybody could get a 10 in the air in 12 knots? I'd be interested to see the size of your board Bennie?
Ive got a 2011 kahoona 7.5 and im keeping upwind on strapless surfboard in 16 knots, weigh 70kgs n am 5'9!
Don't forget the skill factor. Experienced guys like Bennie can milk every last drop of energy out of marginal winds.
Kahoona has great bottom end for sure. I Don't ride anything bigger than an 11.5 these days.(100kg) Perfect all round kite and super easy to learn on.
Joe
Well it's official- I've decided to go with the Argo 10m. Thanks to everyone for your help- I'll post some feedback once I get some time in on the kite 
