Hi, after windsurfing for 15 years I took kite lessons and I am hooked. I want to get to two quiver kite eventually but I am looking at bigger one first. I researched kahoona, convert but I like the idea of a rise the best. Since I am new I don’t want to invest in new kite so used 08-09 is in my scope. I live in indiana and go to hatteras once-twice a year. Would be nice to go out starting 13- 15mph. I’ve bought used board JL flight deck 147x45 already. Should I get 14M or 12M? Is 2008 rise wind range the same as 2009 line?
Eventually, I would like get second one to get to upper range of 30-35mpg. Would 10M or 8M be better?

How much do you weigh??  My ‘09 12m rise gets me up and riding in 13-14 knots with a Mako King and I weigh 175lbs.  I can’t imagine not having a 12m but if you are heavier then maybe the 14m is a better option.  Hope this helps,

-Wade.

I’m 210lbs. I’m thinking about 12m 2009 to cover bigger range. It seems that 14m would be slower and heavier to handle.

I’m 190lbs (when I haven’t eaten pie) and I use an 09 Rise 14m from 11-14kts+. Any greater winds and I call upon the magic of the 10m. All of this is done on a Mako Wide. I’d like to have a 6/7m too but those days are quite rare around here (kills me when it happens though - someday).

@ 210lbs with 11kts you’ll be mowing the lawn on anything, but if you must… consider the 16m with your size board. You might get away with the 14m but you’ll most likely need a bigger board, maybe the Mako King or a buoyant surfboard. The 14m isn’t slow, nor heavy and has a very stable range.

Cheers!

I am 185lbs and definitely prefer my 14m over the 12m below 18 knots. But I like to ride powered as well and booost around, using a small board.
With a big board like that you are gonna cruise around more or less, but at your weight I would not consider smaller than 14m.
Unless you are one of those dudes who enjoy mowing the lawn and priding themselves staying upwind on a small kite

I agree with the above - go with the 14.

The rises do have tremendous power and people who have been riding for while can get the most out of a smaller kite - but when you are learning you want slow, steady available power. 

For a second kite, people usually do not go with more than a 4m split - so a 10 would be a better choice than the 8.  And will get you going early and through the 20 knots range. 

Beware the upper range of wind you mentioned until you know what you are doing and a confident rider - things happen much faster and with a lot more consequence in 30+ knots. 

Good luck.

Go with the 14…I don’t think the 12 will be enough for someone your size in light wind. The 14/10 Rise combo would be great, and eventually adding a 6 m would get you out in any reasonable wind!

Thanks for all your replies. It seems like all of you recommend 14m. I cannot find any good deal on 14m but I can get 2009 12m in great shape for around $500 and I am tempted. Would that work 14knts up? What would be high range of this kite? I am looking for one kite until I learn more and know what I need.

5 guys recommend the 14m and 0 recommend the 12m; I think this is telling you something.  It doesn’t matter how good of a deal a kite is if it leaves you sitting on the beach watching others ride.  They say that for every extra 20 lbs you should jump up 1 kite size (ex: a 180lbs rider on a 12m = 220lbs rider on a 14m).

-Wade.

OK. I will keep looking for 14. Please let me know if you know one for sale.
I appreciate all your guys feedback. Thanks a lot.