Kitesurf Atlas, Kiteboarding Holidays, Kite Surf Lessons

well, you are missing all the inflatable kites first of all.

It really depends on where you plan to use your kite most: on water, land or snow.

Personally, i think that low/medium aspect ratio kites are best suited for beginner "water" kite surfers for different reasons:

1. Water relaunch: is true that a foil kite is much less prone to falling, but is also true that as soon as you learn going upwind (6-10 days) and want to start with some jumps, then you might be the cause of smashing the kite in the water, not the kite itself. At this point i would feel much more confortable having something that floats and that can be easily relaunched.

2. More depower: inflatable kites, especially most recent ones, have a wider depower range. This means more safety when you are out in the water and wind starts getting stronger suddenly. They give also a more "smooth" pull compared to foils grunt.

3. Safety leashes and 5th line: more efficient in the water with inflatable kites, allow you to completely depower the kite when activated, and give power back at will.

4. Re-sell: you should change your mind and want to try a different kite, inflatable wings have much more market than foils.

Sure, the temptation to buy an all-terrain high-power foil kite is high, but i would buy it maybe after some months of practice with upwind, strong air and jumps in the water with a more "domestic" (and second-hand if you are total beginner) bladder kite.

My point of course