i think most people that kite have all the gear they need. apart from replacing bits that wear out i e bearing ,lines,harness, etc
i got a full set of blade 4s within a year when they first came out and a few smaller kites back in the summer last year,as they are still in good condition so there's no need to replace them.
ok so some people up grade when new kites come out ,but they then sell there old kites to fund that.
if i was a noob to kiting im sure i would buy second hand as there is so many second hand kites out there now.
and like you have said the weather has'nt helped ive only been out 4 or 5 time since last august.
none of this is helping the shops.
it's a shame to see Adam and Lukas shut up shop and i hope that whatever they do works out for them.