Buying a used kiteboard

Well your getting a new kite and want a new board but are short the extra $

Your options are getting a used kiteboard
"Wow I just saw one for $75 what a deal" Old adage you get what you pay for
Ask someone who is already a kiteboarder for an opinion.
Some of these "bargain boards"may not be that great to use.

Sometimes there may be some great deals on slightly used newer kiteboards
Again if a newer rider ask for advice and a board for the conditions you will be riding in.

Beginner riders usually want a wider kiteboard for stability and a board that has some flex.

The size of the kiteboard (length and width) will ultimately depend on your weight and the wind conditions where you are riding at.

Or another option look for some newer demo kiteboards or school kiteboards.

Things to look for in a used kiteboard

Generally newer kiteboards now days are made of epoxy and will last a while.
There are a few things to look for

Watch out for-

Worn out bindings-
usually at the base where the straps attach look for wear
Velcro can get worn out as well
They can be replaced but cost from $100-160 new

Cracks-
long wise or across the deck of the board
This board may be getting ready to break soon
Some cracks can be repaired which is fine for l;earning
 but for jumping and landing hard they may come back

Stripped binding inserts in deck-
 (where the screws hold down the bindings) or broken off screws
Sometimes this may not be an issue if the board has two sets and you can use the stance that has inserts that are not stripped
Example "wider stance" has a set of inserts and the narrow has a set

Missing hardware fins and or bindings-
these can cost almost as much as a complete kiteboard buyer beware
some deals on "kiteboard only" or "deck only" can be misleading
by the time you purchase fins (4) and the straps(2) you are looking at $200-300
plus what you paid for the kiteboard
If you have some old fins and or bindings then it may be a deal
otherwise avoid these if possible

So let's look at the progression of the "twin tip" or wakeboard kiteboard.

First generation kiteboards-
sky pirate and others
Generally long and narrow surf shaped have surf fins
not as stable for learning due to narrow stance
Usually super heavy not epoxy and old school
Unless you like riding something that feels like a slalom ski stay away from these

First and second generation twin tips-
Built out of polyester resin some epoxy
generally stiff and have little or no flex at all
bindings are usually not as comfortable
may be good for learning but you will outgrow them quickly
larger versions may work for light wind kite board

Avoid narrow kiteboards-
 These tended to be narrow
great narrow if it's super windy or your 120 lbs
otherwise stay away from them

Newer "discount" or entry level kiteboards-
Some have little flex and are sometimes not very good to ride
will beat you up in choppy conditions due to lack of flex
Are not very good kiteboards when you progress
and you will outgrow them quickly