new kites

How to buy a new kite: The five biggest tips 2020

Here are some pointers on how to buy your next new kite.

The five biggest 5 tips, how to buy a kite 2020 is finally here! When it comes to gear, kiteboarders have never had more freedom to define their style and more options to choose from. That’s not to say, however, that all gear is created equal. If you’re in the market for kiteboarding equipment, new or used, remembering a few points will help dramatically in finding gear that will match your style and needs and stand the test of time.  We asked our best customers and friends in our tribe to share how they do it. We came up with how to buy a kite 2018: The five biggest 5 tips!

1. Determine what you DON’T need

Maybe you’re not into mega-loops, or you don’t surf waves, or perhaps you’re an aggressive rider who doesn’t need massive de-power. With so many options out there, a great strategy is to first eliminate some of the possibilities by deciding what features and characteristics you do not need. Doing this will help narrow down your search.

2. Determine what you DO need

Are you a flatwater cruiser, a wave slasher, a big-air booster, a beginner, an old-timer, a foiler or a freestyle fanatic, or maybe a little bit of everything? It might seem obvious, but picking a kite based on what type of rider you are (or want to be if you’re just starting out) is top priority. These days kites are explicitly designed for many different styles, and even though most kites crossover to other disciplines, you’ll be a lot happier with your purchase if you choose a kite designed for the type of riding you’ll be doing the most of.

3. Durability

All kites are not created equal, and neither are all brands. When you’re investing in a relatively expensive and critical piece of equipment, picking a brand that has a time-tested legacy of quality craftsmanship and genuine innovation is imperative. Picking the right brand will mean a longer life for your equipment, more fun on the water with less hassle, a higher resale value, and, importantly, complete trust in your equipment while you’re on the water.

4. Value (and resale value)

Durability and value go hand-in-hand; the longer your gear lasts, the more your investment pays off. Lower price doesn’t mean better value, and at the same time, higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. Investing in a brand with a reputation for using only top of the line raw materials and make sure they have the material science and application science know-how is the way to go. Ensure they have a reputation for making bomber gear that will last, ensuring the value in your purchase will be there day in and day out. That means you don’t lose session time, break down, or miss the precious time when you’re kiting on vacation. Another essential factor to consider when purchasing new kiteboarding gear is resale value.

Gear that lasts longer and holds up better over time will fetch a better resale price. Additionally, certain brands have a higher resale value than others because of their overall reputation for quality. When your dreaming of buying a new kite, check the reputation in the used market. These are important clues to a brand manufacturing “know-how”

5. Support

Quality customer service and support is an often underrated aspect to consider in your purchase. Investing in a brand that is committed to personal customer service will go a long way in keeping you happy and valued as a customer. If you have questions or concerns, feedback, special requests or issues with your gear, choosing a brand that answers the phone, writes you back and takes pride in personal relationships will make a huge difference in your satisfaction, and will generally keep your loyalty as a customer.

 

You can find live support at Slingshot by calling 509-427-4950  8-5 Pst.   Our CS team rides so you can feel completely confident with the answer to any difficult questions. You can also email us info@slingshotsports.com with any questions you may have about kiteboarding and our gear.