cabrinha convert 2008 any good for beginner?

[cheezylee]

Hi all,

 

 

I'm currently landboarding and now have had some kite surfing lessons and looking at getting some gear, can anybody advise me on the cabrinha convert lei? They seem a good choice from reading reviews, my other question is I have seen a 12 m and a 9 m, I weigh 75 kg, which one is best to get for now? Eventually I'm sure I will get a full quiver but as always I can only afford one for now.

 

Thanks Lee

[mick]

Well if your landboarding then possibly the 9 would do BUT if you're thinking water, you have to go for the 12 first then a 9. I fly the Revolver and I'm more than happy with Cabrinha. I think the Convert would be ok as you're not a total noob. I guess you're looking on ebay at the mo. Theres a couple of tidy ones on there. Also maybe have a look towards the Nobiles that keep popping up. Excellent kite and they sell for nowt. This is my opinion.

[cheezylee]

Thanks for the reply Mick, I have seen a couple of tidy ones on ebay, but will have a look out for the nobiles.. I was told to look out for a delta lei I think the one I used in me lesson was a naish 8 metre.. Felt a bit under powered, it was blowing a good 15 - 20 mph.

[mick]

A lot of new kites have more producable power than older kites because of weight, speed etc but at your weight which is only a bit under me, I reckon you'de need minimum 10, max 12 or 13 as maybe your everyday 12-25 ish wind kite. I weigh 78kg and my old 12 mtre Takoon which is an 07 (the 2nd I've had) is my biggest water kite. If for eg, paper is being blown on the beach, my kite is going to pull. If the water is whitecapping just, the 12 is still ok and is holdable to about 24-26 mph then my 9 Cabrinha comes out.

 

Deltas, SLE's, open c's, bows, I don't know the difference but I know after 07 most kites are pretty good. Older kites I think last better because of the weight and a few on here have mentioned that they don't expect to get many seasons out of a newer kite. You only have to look at the ads to see things like. LE has been sewn, new panel put in etc. I crashed my Takoon thro 3 palm tree umbrellas, a massage parlour sign and the leg of a goal post and not a mark. A new kite would have been destroyed.

[Trissy B]

I learnt on a 12m 2008 convert and they are rock solid for learning on. they handle pretty bloody slowly, but thats exactly what you want right now and has very good depower... itl only last you a year mind you and then youl want something more exciting!

[cheezylee]

Cheers for the replies.. I did see a cabrinaha switchblade 3 up on ebay I don't know if that's a good one compared to the convert.. It does say it has a bigger windrange. Guess I better try some out!