Kiteboarding Gear: What's worth spending money on?

[@sergemann5951]

Couldn't agree more with the bar n line. Well done.

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks!

[@incognito4118]

Only riped lines when they got tangled in a reef one km off shore and had to "sail home" on the kite. Never had lines riped by regular use incl. jumping kite loops. You can see when lines get damaged and can replace them before they become dangerously worn out. Therefore I don´t see a why you should not buy a good used bar.

[@sergemann5951]

@@incognito4118 for some consequences can be much different. Like the guy that died from the cold cause they couldn't get to him. Its like saying I never had an accident therefore I will never change out my tires.

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Benn using a “wrong sized” used board for ages and I’m just fine with it. Bought a new bar and lines & omg what a difference! My previous bar was a proper POS!

[@jameskameda873]

Another great video Laurie and Yuri, but I have to say, you forgot the most important category. Always pay full pop for BEER (or whatever beverage necessary). One must not undervalue how much a beer is appreciated after you borrow a pump, or get rescued, or someone helps untangle your lines, someone takes a wicked photo of you, someone has a patch kit for you, or even just as the new guy on the beach looking for local advice. I say go all out on the best beer you can afford! Merry Christmas you two. I hope our paths cross soon, 🍺🍺

[@OurKiteLife]

Excellent point! Beer is definitely missing from the category options 😄 Merry Christmas to you too 🎄 cheers 🍻

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Too true! I’d gladly buy one for the dude who helped rescue me - but he vanished off upwind after helping me out 😂

[@kevinbradley9601]

Good vid and really hard to make absolute comments but generally agree w/ what you said. Bar and lines super important. A Floatation vest, uber important though I still see lotsa guys without them as shocking as I find it. And it takes time as a kiter to kind of learn whats out there, what you like, what you deem as safe. Example--my first Bar when I started kiting was a Best bar from 2012 or 2013. Bar was fine but the release was really tough and would stick. The thing was downright dangerous. Bought it brand new from a reputable dealer and every online review on it was outstanding. I now know what I like and what I know... I find Slingshot bars to be really safe and reliable with good release mechanisms. I'd like to see reviews do a better job of calling out issues with gear as I had no clue as a beginner. Great site, guys. Keep up the videos.

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks! The first kite I bought as a beginner was a used Best kite with bar... and had the exact same issue with the safety release not actually releasing. Agree that there's definitely a need for more honest reviews of gear.

[@DmitriyLaktyushkin]

I'd separate bar and lines into 2 items. Bar is one item that never really needs replacement until you manage to break it somehow(kiteloop with a fixed anchor?). Lines are a consumable that you want to keep fresh for boosting big, otherwise you're in for a self rescue at worst. Also, I've yet to hear about a quick release failing due to age, it's just too simple a device that gets minimal use. My personal list would be: 1) Comfortable harness 2) Flotation(thick wetsuit is often enough) 3) Kite 4) Lines 5) Wetsuit/Drysuit (move up to 3 for beginner) 6) Board 7) Bar/quick release 8) Everything else

[@OurKiteLife]

that’s fair - bar is separate from lines, yes, however not always readily available in that form

[@MatDGVLL]

Order of importance for me : 1. Harness because my first one was an entry-level seat harness... it was really painful and dangerous for my back. I have a semi-rigid harness now and I feel great every session 2. Carbon Boards are mandatory for me as I get 70% of the pleasure of riding from the sliding feeling on the water. I have 2 recent of those and pads quality is definitely a major point to check! 3. Bar for safety and because it's the only part of our gear we touch. It's almost as important as pads for me 4. Kites as a good new and fancy kite is always a pleasure but I recently got a 6yo Foil kite and I love it! 5. Tracking devices like cellular watches or height captors are last but still important to track data from sessions I'm on warm water so that's it for the budget 😄. I lose my sunglasses every 5-10 sessions so I always go really cheap on them. Great topic guys 🤙

[@OurKiteLife]

Glad you liked the video and thanks for sharing your list! You're right - a bad/uncomfortable harness can be very painful! Nice to see we aren't the only ones who value bar/lines over the kite :)

[@MatDGVLL]

@@OurKiteLife You're welcome.

[@vlaaady]

Completely agree. My line was damaged by a death loop after the first eject. Change all 4 lines at once.

[@davem1966]

Great topic. Given my kite exploded the day you filmed, I’ll say kite is most important

[@OurKiteLife]

Sorry about your kite! Question is, will you be replacing bar and lines too? ;)

[@tdj1349]

I always have a whistle attached to my wetsuit. Wouldn't say it's the most important part of your kit, but if you're ever in trouble, it can get people's attention for sure

[@OurKiteLife]

Great point - a whistle is very inexpensive but very effective at getting attention when you need it! Definitely worth having and wearing.

[@marvinschaefer3973]

This brought back some memories. When I was a dirt poor beginner. All I had was a brand new 14m complete and the cheapest harness I could find on ebay. I would go to the beach and make friends so I could bum another kiter's extra board! Bottom line, I think the results are pretty spot on.

[@JamesLamb]

I totally agree - especially for a beginner, board is low on the list. The board was the only item I started off with that was used, but it was still a really nice board. Unfortunately, as a beginner, I've spent a lot of time chasing the board. Someone tried to help by bringing it to the shore, but by the time I got to shore it had disappeared. Our beach is pretty low crime, but the board was dropped in an area with lots of sunbathers and disappeared. My second board is not as nice, but I've now spent about $700 on USED boards. And if I lose the second board, I won't be as bummed as the first, even though it will still hurt my wallet. Once I get to the point I spend more time on the board rather than chasing it, my reward will be to get a nice one!

[@mbkiteboarding]

For foiling i switched my 1400 euro core xlight for a 500 euro Gong Unik. I love the Unik.

[@HaIPeHaOP]

If I can, I would like to give my opinion as an advanced kiter that never had a brand new kite - brand new kites is a waste of money, buying 1-2 years old kite is much cheaper and will be just as good. I've spoken to a kite dealer and he agreed that kite manufacturers have kind of done all upgrades they could to the kites and the progress from one model to another isn't significant, sometimes completely negligible. I've used kites that were 1 year old as well as 12 years old (really, 12 years old ozones) and I have to say, they can all provide amazing performance. If I was to buy anything new it would've been a bar, but other than that you can enjoy this sport and buy second-hand gear forever. Just make sure to consult an experienced friend if you're going to buy something second hand and are a beginner in the sport. :)

[@JamesLamb]

I have read that kite design has changed quite a bit over the years, and for beginners, newer designs are much easier to handle. Also, I wanted the warranty that came with my first kite, but I will consider used for additional kites.

[@HaIPeHaOP]

@@JamesLamb I can totally understand if someone wants a new kite. All I'm saying is that 1-2 or even 4 years old kite will do the job. I'm sure the kite technology has changed over the years but recently there isn't any significant progress. There used to be huge difference between the technology in the past but not now.

[@robinmordasiewicz]

on this channel, I know it’s going to be a great video, so I click like even before I watch it !

[@OurKiteLife]

Wow, thank you! ☺️

[@jeromeserre]

My 2 cents after 10 years of kitesurfing : all recent kites are good (and some are really excellent), so you can't really go wrong with the kite. Same for boards (simply don't take too small for your size/weight, it'll make your sessions less fun. You might have to resist the kiteshop's seller push on that: remember they most likely ride far better and often than you do). Wetsuit, harness and straps are underrated but sooooo important for comfortable and looooong, pleasing sessions. It took me 3 buys and numerous tests to find the perfect harness fit. After trying waist and seat harnesses, I finally settled for a seat harness. Less sexy, but I jump higher, unworried of hurting my ribs, and can ride hours more a day, since abs are less used. It has been a real game changer for me. One rider's harness won't fit another rider. It is not a matter of price, only a matter of fit and confort. A super cheap harness may be THE harness for your body. That's something you can only assess after a couple of hours on the water. Definitely not something you can reliably do in a kiteshop when you're wearing jeans! Think choosing a bed all dressed up in a store... As for the bar, I find the Duotone clickbar (2023 and after) to be far ahead of all competition by all means. Not cheap, but sooooo good.

[@jeromeserre]

If you are a beginner, chances are you'll get most gear wrong, as you 'll discover your real tastes in time with practice and trying your friends' gear. Don't worry: almost all gear sold nowadays is good to excellent, and you 'll be able to buy/sell second hand gear. This sport is mature now, so buying last season gear will get you the same quality for 20% to 50% less

[@OurKiteLife]

Great points :) thanks for your comment!

[@samuelsmithmed214]

While I'd agree that board is not the most important as a beginner, getting the right SIZE board is incredibly important for a beginner. Seen so many people learning have progress hindered because they can't go upwind due to board size. Also harnesses, pretty much if it fits you nice you're good, definitely can go as cheap as whatever is comfortable in my opinion.

[@OurKiteLife]

Agreed - board size and type will make a big difference for beginners. That being said, spending a lot of money on a board isn’t necessary- as you can most likely find an inexpensive used/on-sale board that’s the right size/style. In Toronto we have found that many beginners start with big boards and once they have upwind riding mastered they sell those boards off for a pretty good price :)

[@primearchitech]

What is the right board size for going upwind?

[@MrSpanishPeanuts]

Loved the wind sensor idea. Could your recommend what you guys installed, where it draws power from and how you convinced park authorities to let you put one. I kite in a small lake where the forecast often misses and having a proper wind meter could be a game changer.

[@OurKiteLife]

We installed the Smart Weather Station (we will be changing to the Tempest in the spring). Both the Smart Weather Station and Tempest use solar power, with the power source built into the unit. The hub does require a power source and internet, but can be placed at a range of 300m without antenna/>1km with an antenna. As for convincing the park authorities, we've had good luck - but it helps to mention the benefits for the wind sports community, as well as the added safety it could provide (assuming that people won't be going out in dangerous conditions with the accurate wind readings available).

[@MrSpanishPeanuts]

@@OurKiteLife Thank you so much!

[@canolando3499]

My wind meter is my wind chimes. When they are noisy it is windy. Also just looking out the window and seeing whitecaps means it's time to kite.

[@JamesLamb]

You're a lucky person then. I live a 30 minute drive from the beach, and from where I live it's impossible to tell what the wind is doing at waters edge due to local thermal effects.

[@scottgyver2745]

the bar is the most important piece of equipment. ideally you want a new bar each year.

[@DachdeckerDeutschland]

Lines are most important....and a Knive you can use in total panic

[@nicolasboudet9302]

Very important items for me in winter ☃️🥶 are the changing time poncho, and a portable shower that I can link to my car socket and to a large jerricane of hot water, that I keep warm with a suited ice box underneath and my poncho on the top🌞Another option would be to spend winter in the (French) Caribbean’s 🏝😎

[@OurKiteLife]

Haha - yes travel is another category of spending entirely!

[@Roepstek]

Kitebar is the most important! If you really want to save money. Buy a kitemodel of last year and not the newest model. They are in sale a lot when the new types are out

[@OurKiteLife]

Definitely a great strategy to save $$$ on kites!

[@kinouillek]

Thanks for the video. Any updated gloves and boots you recommend for current Toronto weather? I got a dry suit and always have cold hands and feet. Looking for something comfortable and that will keep me warm. Also for the boots, the ones I had didn't fit in my board's straps so I couldn't use them :( Thanks :D

[@OurKiteLife]

I just got a pair of Xcel 8mm booties and my feet have yet to be cold. Had to adjust the straps on the board for my feet to fit though. As for gloves - our warmest pair is Patagonia R4 gloves but next pair will definitely be mitts - having your fingers together keeps them warmer longer.

[@jyk4]

I think people put most of their money (or lose most of their money because of the depreciation) to the kites. I would say buying a new / expensive kite doesn't give so much advantage to you. Any kite since 2010 are good enough for most. Boards have changed even less and do not wear out much..

[@TomCTown]

I enjoy your video's but this was kind of thin. It seems you did the survey then skipped over the results. Was this just due to no significant trends establishing themselves?

[@OurKiteLife]

exactly, we were going to go through the whole list, but it was just pointless... with survey, people provided their justifications, which is a 40 page document, but it was all over the place, the only important parts were boards, and weather meter pretty much, and we made a case for a bar, as that was the original intention about the video. Weather category was a suprise for us

[@Valsiphez]

Really good idea to make this video!

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks!

[@mikkel_hansen_dkk]

Nice video!

[@andrewp7566]

Laurie nice topic and great video as always! In my opinion there are no unimportant things in kiteboarding (as in aviation) in a case of failure any little piece of equipment you my be put in hard situations if you in ocean in a waives with strong wind. But can i ask you about expensive kites ? I alsow big fan of Flayserfer and own Sonic 3 18 but why you not even tested Ocan Rodeo Aluula kite? "The real game changer " is the Canadian brend to expensive even for such profetionals like you? I like my Flysurfer but i hate to swim in cold water and pull from the rick and sand kite for 3500 USD. In this case even OR Aluula cheaper and more comfortable for using. What do you think?

[@OurKiteLife]

we tried to test out Aluula many times, we have reached out to OR and our local kiteboarding store more than handful of times.... by the time the kites were available it was winter... we will in the future

[@andrewp7566]

@@OurKiteLife For me and i think for a lot of other it will be important to hear yours unbiased opinions about OR Aluula kite. So looking forward yours test) Before changing the all quiver for Aluula i need you test review)))

[@OurKiteLife]

@Andrew P tbh we would use independent riders from two walks of life, foils & LEIs to make such a review, it’s much tougher than it seems to keep it unbiased

[@victorbmadslund]

im a beginner and im currently buying my gear, and I don't have the biggest budget... is it stupid to use more than 1000 euros on a nice duotone board? should I buy a cheap used board instead (in the right size ofcourse)?

[@OurKiteLife]

If you’re on a budget, then yes - we’d recommend saving money on the board and buying second hand if possible

[@ABCDEF-cx1ic]

i've noticed that many kiters leave their bars attached to their foil kites.when packing up.I realize you guys kite in fresh water but for ocean sailing surely its better to rinse out the bar each time?

[@OurKiteLife]

not much experience with oceans, when we go to cuba we don't bother, and just rinse the bar next time we are in fresh water

[@swenzel718]

Hi! I’m a beginner kiter and just purchased a 12m foil kite (1 year old) from the company I took lessons with. They offered me a 2 year old bar with some wear on the bar by the center area where thumbs tend to go and decent lines. For $100 more, I can get a new bar from them. Any thoughts on which is better, going for the brand new bar or used?

[@OurKiteLife]

If you can afford the new bar, that’s what I’d go with. Bars are the only gear that we insist on buying new. That being said, it sounds like the other bar is in decent shape so it’s probably fine to go with if you want to save the money :)

[@swenzel718]

Thank you so much!

[@surfn-]

Real talk: What is the ACTUAL lifespan of a line set? 1 year? 2 years? 5 years?? I've never broken a line, but I think about it all the time. I've used lines for 5+ years and really beat on them jumping - admittedly not smart, but seriously, how do you know when it's time to change!? (assuming they aren't showing obvious damage)

[@OurKiteLife]

Great question! Don't know the actual answer but here are our thoughts. The life of an aircraft goes by the number of pressurizations - each time you seal the doors and increase the air pressure in a plane, you are taking a life way. Same with pumping a kite, each time you pump it, you take a life away. So with bars and lines, I would speculate that it's not necessarily the number of hours on them, but the amount of times you launch or land with those lines - during which they could be damaged. Just a thought...

[@TylerKaraszewski]

It's not measured in years, it's measured in wear. Lines wear with use, not with age.

[@DmitriyLaktyushkin]

@@TylerKaraszewski I mean UV does age the lines, but they are probably in use at that point so you're not wrong. Honestly, it'd be nice to have a good indicator of when to change lines. I'm still on my first set, already had to stretch steering lines 30cm as they keep shrinking with use. They've lost that nice new line slickness, but aren't frayed enough for me to feel scared using them. Now that I think about this, the process of stretching the lines to matching lengths requires a lot of force and does inspire confidence in the condition of the lines. Gotta stress test the one power line that didn't need a stretch the next time I tune.

[@TylerKaraszewski]

@@DmitriyLaktyushkin UV will degrade your lines but unlike many dyneema ropes, kite lines are typically stored out of the sun whne not in use. I have dyneema lines on my boat that have spent al summer in the sun, even when not in use, every summer for the past 6 years, and they show no obvious signs of UV damage. Kite lines, as thin as they are, are easy to damage by snagging on sharp things, but unlike most sailing lines, they experinece very little wear in use. The only friction points are in the depower system and at the point where lines are crossed when looping your kite. I would think that most kite bars and line sets could last at least a decade if well maintained and undamaged, but things like rocky launches do make it much easier to damage them.

[@Habixus]

That's very easy but also very complicated... Fresh lines are very smooth. When they get "rough", it's time to have a look at them. You can see the braids of the lines. My rules is when any of the braids is halfway through: change the line! If one braid is completely through: don't use that line again! This applies to the depower ropes, pigtails, bridles at the kite, leader lines etc. On many bars it's difficult to have a look at the hidden lines. PU covered depower ropes, steering line ends inside the bar floaters... My rule: have a look at ALL lines every 30 sessions or once a year. Flying lines will probably last 10 years or more if not cut. However I change my depower line and chickenloop every 2 years. Or with my non-covered Slingshot depower rope whenever one braid is completely through. And also check the flying lines while you're rigging up. Just keep your focus on the lines while setting them up and you can be pretty sure to find little cuts from stones or other sharp objects. However there are some difficulties: With the Clickbar you have the safety line going through the stiff center cover. Same for the new north navigator bar. Sometimes the safety line can get damaged from the edges of that cover so before each session: Pull the safety line a bit out and check for damage! That leads me to my last rule: CHANGE THE SAFETY BUNGEE/LINE once a year! It might look perfectly fine but when you need it, you need it! I saw bungees snapping that looked fine but were 4 years old.. I don't really know why they snap, but they cost 10-30$. Driving to the coast and back costs me 20€ of fuel so a safe safety line is so worth it.. Hope that helps :)

[@mitchelkennethsonius353]

What kind of wind meter did you get and why? Would love a wind meter on my location but its like 3 km away from my house so the windmeters i find have a maximum range of 100m to the station. Is yours connected close by an house with WiFi?

[@OurKiteLife]

watch this video, at 2 minutes 20 seconds we talk about how we have a sensor over 2 kilometers away, People have done it up to 10 kilometers I believe kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGiymINqmKunjNU

[@RaymerProductions]

What kite sensor is that?

[@OurKiteLife]

WeatherFlow Tempest

[@ABCDEF-cx1ic]

not really on the same subject. ....ive ordered an 8m soul and i think it comes with 17m plus 3m lines. is it easy enough if i want to put 12m or 15m lines on it, and does it matter what tyoe of lines?

[@OurKiteLife]

they used to have line extensions included with bars for larger sizes (15 and up), you can use 20m lines on 12, but for 15m 6m extensions are a must imho.

[@simpleman5494]

Which wind sensor do you use ?

[@OurKiteLife]

WeatherFlow Tempest

[@simpleman5494]

@@OurKiteLife Thank you!

[@philchalabi8885]

Can’t find the link for green hat kitting!?

[@OurKiteLife]

It's in the description, but here it is greenhatkiteboarding.com/products/green-hat-kiteboarding-sunglasses?sub_id=OUTKITELIFE

[@OurKiteLife]

Also you have to use coupon code Ourkitelife

[@philchalabi8885]

@@OurKiteLife great thank you

[@mikes_machines]

I'm surprised that your kiters place safety equipment at the bottom of their list. As Kevin Bradley states, a good Floatation vest is super important, and even more so when you're using foil kites, which cannot be used as emergency rafts. A poor fitting vest can ride up on your body leaving your mouth and nose submerged. When your kite falls into the water and leaves you stranded a few kilometers from shore, a good vest that keeps your head out of the water makes dealing with your water logged kite much much easier.

[@OurKiteLife]

we were kind of surprised ourselves, but tbh there's really only one kiteboarding life vest on the market here in Canada, and its cheap. Also, outside of Ontario, from what we have seen, very few people wear life vests

[@mitchellfleetwood4025]

Your a Legend

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

Since I have been without wind 2km off shore for half an hour while the wind shifted watching boats go by, I haven't been out that far since, and I carry signal mirrors. I carry signal mirrors with string lanyard because I go far off shore. It is possible to signal a boat or even an aircraft miles away. It is best to get rescued by the closest boat to not waste time and resources. I kite in a bay with shifty wind and water taxies. So I carry some cash with the mirrors in a Chums water wallet. I can hail the water taxi with the mirror and pay with cash. I always carry a silvered plastic signal mirror that costs $2 and weighs less than a credit card in case I forget or drop my glass signal mirror. A signal mirror is way better than a radio because you can signal a boat without a radio, it immediately gives your position, and you know you are signaling the closest help. www.opticsplanet.com/s/signal-mirror kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6bKeJywib2qbNk

[@vikingh3008]

I change my bars yearly,

[@janski30]

Down my beach its clearly the VW van!!!!! Bargain at £35k!

[@soundsfromblackandwhite2651]

Where are these random interviews at the spot? 😂

[@OurKiteLife]

Too chilly for on the beach interviews - survey was done by email :)

[@AdrianKerr]

How many did you email?

[@OurKiteLife]

@@AdrianKerr 50

[@KitesurfingAcademy]

Fun fact: People spend ANY amount of money on two things - health and education...

[@ryanberthelette8801]

#corekites worth every penny...

[@lovetofly32]

Woooww 90% of viewers come from colder climates!?!? Really!? So I should get a wet suit and just go! Its been 20°f alot lately lol 😆

[@CristianCocheci]

90% of your viewers live in cold climates? Really? I find that surprising. Is that a general percentage, i.e. do 90% of all kiters live in cold climates?

[@OurKiteLife]

It depends on what you view as a cold climate, if you use a wetsuit, we consider it to be cold climate. We can give you more breakdown, but Brazil only gets 1.3% of the traffic, and from what we have seen they don’t need a wetsuit there

[@CristianCocheci]

I would consider a latitude of 30 or lower as warm climate. All of Florida and the Texas coast would be included in that (even though you need a thin one in the winter there too). Also the entire continent of Europe would be in the "cold" climate zone in that classification. I can see now how most of your subscribers would live in a place where you would need a wetsuit.

[@notyak]

They didn't actually say much... Make sure your lines are good and make sure you have good wind information that's about all they established... 😂

[@OurKiteLife]

pretty much, those were the only two clear patterns beside the board, as otherwise in our survey, were people wrote justifications for their decisions, it was all over the place... too much variability but boards, bar and lines and wind information

[@ABCDEF-cx1ic]

i enjoy your videos very nuch but im doing everything i can possibly do to avoid using you yube. Do you show your movies on other platforms? i have managed to cut out about 75 percent of my you tube viewing and have countless other platforms. The reason is that i do not like the way youtube censor peoples' videos.

[@OurKiteLife]

Hey, sorry - our videos are just in KZbin at the moment

[@ABCDEF-cx1ic]

@@OurKiteLife ok thanks i hope this changes in the future