im only just starting out done few lessons got sum mates doin it and real keen to get my own kite, tossin up between a park and switchblade just wondering if anyone can give me a insight into their opinions for how good it is for progressing and in the future. and wat size im 77kgs and average wind in my area is 12-18knts.
cheers
Sb is gonna have more bottom end and is a bit slower turning not really a pivot turning kite its more a" park" and go kite,for your weight you'd prob get away with a 10-11,Park is more a pivot turn kite,awesome for kiteloops and unhooked,dosent have the bottom end of the Sb but you would prob go to the 12m and itll still out turn the Sb,Park has real light bar so if you like a heavier bar then the Sb.
I would go the park (but i ride parks so there could be a bit of bias there 
) mainly for the progression ,youll outgrow the Sb quicker especially if your mates are busting out moves and your a fast learner.
Not sure i'd agree. With the average wind of 12-18 and 77kg's I'd definitely be going with a 12m SB, not a 10 or 11, in fact I'd potentially be inclined to look at a 14m because you won't see the top end of a 14 in 18 knots of wind, thats for sure.
As much as I agree that the Park is probably more suited to better riders, I think it depends on what style of kiting you intend following. If you go wakestyle, you'll never outgrow the SB. I've seen plenty of better riders than me on SB's and its not limiting their kiting ability.
...and all this coming from someone who doesn't actually like cabrinha's.
Man both you guys need to buy a new wind meter.
You gotta be a pretty heavy unit to be riding a 12m in upto 25 Knots.
For anyones first kite I would be getting a 9/10/ 11.
That way you don't get all pissed off trying to learn in winds that are too light for you. more dangerous than learning in 18 - 22.
You will get loads more kiting time out of a slightly smaller kite and once you creat apparant wind the kite is super powerful.
Choose whatever brand you like, but at 77kg don't even touch a 14m.
My biggest kite is an 11m, although I do live in WA
12M SB, would get my vote. Maybe Radman has not ridden the 2012 SB - its no slouch (I've got one in the shop for demo), and even the 2011 is plenty quick turning for most people?
You could not go wrong with either kite though, BUT Cabrinha's are super easy to relaunch, have a great easy to use safety system, and have an external one pump system that is reliable and easy to maintain (I do not like the Naish one pump system).
Keahi and Marine both won the Nats on 2011Switchblades, they turn fine.
Yep some like light bar and fast steer(me ) others like heavy bar and a slower steer,thats why you've gotta try before you buy,also depends on what you've learn't on,as to what your already used to,with the kites your contemplating id have a go on a C4 and a Cat as well.
I'm in QLD and fly a 10m Bandit Dos on anything from 10-25 knts, 80kgs. Half the riders around here (Hervey Bay) ride 12m sb's. Looks like good all-rounder. Newbies love them and a couple of advanced guys ride them also, albeit wakestle. Hard to fault for the money. Haven't ridden the park but did enjoy my helix 12m before the bandit. Now, after riding the bandit, wouldn't change. Wouldn't recommend for beginner though. Test ride both if possible. If not, go the sb.
i am 75 kg and ride a 10m switchy in brisbane from just under 15 knots to pretty much any wind we get here unless its crazy. when its light use a surfboard. switchys are grunty you will be suprised how powerful a 10m is. 12ms suck in most kites (compared to 10s or smaller) get a 10 or 11 wouldnt you rather be doing something else when its sub 15knots? if you decide later on that you like light wind then get a big kite.
it is 21 deg max in bris tomorow with a 20 plus knot westerly that will as per usual be gusty as hell. 10 is perfect for this.
cheers for the input fellas think im gunna go with a sb 10m also seeing as im learing on one :)
