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Kristin
Put simply: you get what you pay for. Kiteboarding requires some pretty technical gear. A ton of research and development goes into good equipment that’s designed to perform, last and keep you safe. And don’t forget the super-strong, lightweight materials used to make the stuff work well.
When shopping around, you can expect to pay $2,500 to $3,500 total for a new kite, board, harness and lessons. It’s quite a small investment compared to other sports (i.e., no extra fuel or fees)! To help guarantee you get quality gear, here are a few industry averages you should expect to pay (based on the average 175-pound rider):
KITES
Range: $1,300 to $2,200
Average: $1,700
This is based on North America’s most common “first” kite size from top companies: 12 square meters, which includes kite, bag, pump and control system. (Sold separately, control systems average $400.)
BOARDS
Range: $400 to $1,000
Average: $735
“True” twin-tip kiteboards are designed with specific flex points and are reinforced with strong, lightweight materials and include foot pads and foot straps.
HARNESSES
Range: $75 to $250
Average: $150
There’s no secret to a harness. It either feels good or it doesn’t. Try several on for the best fit.
LESSONS
Range: $50 to $900
Average: $400
While you can learn rudimentary basics in a short lesson, it takes much more to learn this sport. If you’re serious, expect to spend at least four to six hours and pay $75 to $100 per hour for quality lessons.
SAVING TIPS
Look for:
Intro package deals. Many schools and shops offer packages that will save you $200 to $500 if you purchase gear and lessons together.
Advice:
Make sure your shop takes you through an in-depth interview. Your gearevaluation skills may have yet to evolve, and credible shops only demo gear with knowledgeable kiters. Let the experienced riders pair your athletic background with the proper equipment for you.
Be Careful:
Considering new budget gear? You’ll ride cheaper, but your skills may very well plateau early, as lowend gear lacks performance design. Plus, you’ll likely get lower quality, as craftsmanship has a price. Instead of buying extra gear a few months later, spend a little more now, and you’ll have gear that’ll stay exciting.
Avoid:
Used gear from unknown sources. You’ll be taking huge safety risks.
WHY YOUR FIRST KITE SHOULD BE NEW
Just found that “insane deal?” As a new kiteboarder, your experience in spotting good performance along with wear has yet to mature. Many used kites are sold for a good reason: They’re not wanted. The gear either lacks performance or it’s been well-used. Riders typically don’t sell good kites for the heck of it. Gear priced below market value typically equals risk. Sure, you’ll save huge, but chances are you’re increasing safety hazards. We’ve seen many kiteboarders who’ve spent more money on repairing their gear (and themselves) after buying cheap gear. They could have avoided the risks and financial frustrations by just getting a new kite.
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About used gear - If you buy used gear from known source then it's ok. You can check if it's weared out or in good condition. Common sense.
But with the "why your first kite should be new" - If you happen to have tons of cash around, then go ahead. But when you crash your brand new first time kite to bits and pices etc - then prolly would be much more happyer if it was used and you got it for 20% of the price of new one.
Kite's prices cut in half over each year. So - you buy new one this year and next year it costs only 50% what it was now.
But that's just my opinion.
You don't sell good kite, but as beginner, you need stable kite - so, not much to do with some fast performing new one what you are more likely to crash.
i agree with you Kris… just because its not brand new, it doesnt mean you can't use its full potential. Common sense should always be your guide when buying used gears….
New kite don't mean better kite. You can buy a 1/4 year old second hand kite and have great saving and safe kite to learn, and crash it without the worry about it being new.
You get what you pay for, NOT true! There are some great kites out there and are cheaper than the main name kites, but the same, if not better.
Sometime you are paying for their advertising which they heavily invest in, this don't make it a better kite, and people get hooked up on names, just like fashion.
Do your research, and stick with what works for you, not what works for them.