I am looking at buying the Air Rush Kite $199 3m trainer, (they also sell Sling Shot 4m $459 and recommond 5 to 10m kites as one advances) selling at Windsurf Warehouse to get started kiting. I ski, snowboard, ice skate, and have windsurfed for years. I live across the street from Lake Minnetonka Big Island area. I would like to get some good beginner equipment that would serve me well as an intermediate also. Any good opinions on this or other gear new or used.
Thanks,
Mike
Kite Equipment Air Rush or other recommendations desired
Moderator: MK
newbee
You owe it to yourself to talk to Larry at Scuba Center...I used an airrush last season, and he got me into a slightly larger Windwing with a re -launch kit. It save me hours of recovery time having to chase down, or have friends help to re-launch a "Trainer" without a re-launch kit...GOOD LUCK!! 
JIM N
JIM NI don't think any trainer kites have relaunch systems. They aren't usually designed for riding. A 3m foil is on the small side to ride with. I know they are popular when you have glare ice but when there is deeper snow, you'll need considerable wind to get going. I usually recommend to my students to start off with a 4-6m foil depending upon their weight (after a lesson with a trainer). The 4-6m kite would let them get out in the calmer, lighter winds (10-20mph) and then once they advance this size is usually a good high wind kite (you will want to be more powered up after you advance) If you get hooked, you end up with multiple kites, a quiver, to handle most wind conditions.
If the student is looking to get into the water scene after the winter, I suggest they consider looking at an inflatable in the 8-12m size (foils are usually half the size of their tube kite equals). Whatever you get I suggest, as Jim mentioned, to get a relaunch system down. Most of the larger foils and inflatables can have the relaunch system added.
For a first foil kite, the Airrush, the Slingshot and the Windwing are all good options in the 4-6m range.
The Slingshot B Series has been around the longest and has gone through constant refinement.
The Windwings hit the market last year with a B series knock off, a good job from what I've heard.
I don't know much about the Airrush foils though the company is well respected for quality products
A few things to consider other than the obvious...price. Quality of line and bar. Do they have a relaunch system to add? Do they have the same kite in bigger sizes? Having a quiver of similar kites makes choosing the sizes and flying much easier. Not all sizing is the same so putting a mixed brand kite quiver together can be tricky.
If you are looking for a tube/inflatable kite, look for something with moderate aspect ratio in the 8-12 m size. If this is the direction you are headed post something here and you'll get an earfull.
Consider taking a lesson ( most retailers offer them), you'll get to ride different types of kites and get a feel for what the different sizes mean in terms of pull, as well as shorten your learning curve.
If you are going to teach yourself then buy a trainer to start.
Hope this helps.
If the student is looking to get into the water scene after the winter, I suggest they consider looking at an inflatable in the 8-12m size (foils are usually half the size of their tube kite equals). Whatever you get I suggest, as Jim mentioned, to get a relaunch system down. Most of the larger foils and inflatables can have the relaunch system added.
For a first foil kite, the Airrush, the Slingshot and the Windwing are all good options in the 4-6m range.
The Slingshot B Series has been around the longest and has gone through constant refinement.
The Windwings hit the market last year with a B series knock off, a good job from what I've heard.
I don't know much about the Airrush foils though the company is well respected for quality products
A few things to consider other than the obvious...price. Quality of line and bar. Do they have a relaunch system to add? Do they have the same kite in bigger sizes? Having a quiver of similar kites makes choosing the sizes and flying much easier. Not all sizing is the same so putting a mixed brand kite quiver together can be tricky.
If you are looking for a tube/inflatable kite, look for something with moderate aspect ratio in the 8-12 m size. If this is the direction you are headed post something here and you'll get an earfull.
Consider taking a lesson ( most retailers offer them), you'll get to ride different types of kites and get a feel for what the different sizes mean in terms of pull, as well as shorten your learning curve.
If you are going to teach yourself then buy a trainer to start.
Hope this helps.
Tighe
kite suggestion
Hi Mike,
I have a couple of kites you might want to consider. They are both Cabriha Sonics. Brand new 2003 models. Leading edge inflatables, low to medium aspect, with a relaunch system. I have a 9m, and a 12m available. I think one or both of these would serve you well as a year round kites. I would suggest however that if you have no kiting experience at all that you still get a trainer first.
Give me a call @ 715-832-0401 if you would like more info or to negotiate a smoking deal!
Scott
I have a couple of kites you might want to consider. They are both Cabriha Sonics. Brand new 2003 models. Leading edge inflatables, low to medium aspect, with a relaunch system. I have a 9m, and a 12m available. I think one or both of these would serve you well as a year round kites. I would suggest however that if you have no kiting experience at all that you still get a trainer first.
Give me a call @ 715-832-0401 if you would like more info or to negotiate a smoking deal!
Scott
Mike,
I have this exact kite. A lot of the replys above apply. It was difficult to re-launch by myself, but not impossible. That being said, after about an hour flying it in my boots, I was flying it with skis on the lake in about 10-15 mph winds. It was super easy to learn with, fun to play around with, and was a lot of fun. I was amazed at how quickly I was able to get up and going and learn on it. Realistically, I probably didn't need the time on the boots. I expected a higher learning curve, such as I had experienced with windsurfing, but it was much easier than I expected. Now, whether that was because of the trainer kite or because of the sport, I don't know. In short, this kite was great to learn on, provided plenty of power on the packed snow, and a good entry level kite to get into the sport for a relatively inexpensive price. Send me an e-mail if you have anymore questions about it...
Mark
mpeters88@yahoo.com
I have this exact kite. A lot of the replys above apply. It was difficult to re-launch by myself, but not impossible. That being said, after about an hour flying it in my boots, I was flying it with skis on the lake in about 10-15 mph winds. It was super easy to learn with, fun to play around with, and was a lot of fun. I was amazed at how quickly I was able to get up and going and learn on it. Realistically, I probably didn't need the time on the boots. I expected a higher learning curve, such as I had experienced with windsurfing, but it was much easier than I expected. Now, whether that was because of the trainer kite or because of the sport, I don't know. In short, this kite was great to learn on, provided plenty of power on the packed snow, and a good entry level kite to get into the sport for a relatively inexpensive price. Send me an e-mail if you have anymore questions about it...
Mark
mpeters88@yahoo.com