An instructor is offering me a deal on some almost new Switch Element 6 kites: a 12, 10 and 8m. $1200 for all 3.

12 - used x2 10 - not used 8 - not used

My question for people: Should I buy?

He’s selling bc. the bladder glue was defective and Switch sent him brand new ones. Before he replaced them though, he switched to another brand of kites because he got a deal. So the Switches stayed in storage. Now he’s replacing the bladders and offering the kites to me.

These would be my first kites and would cover my wind range/weight pretty well.

I took lessons with this instructor and he helped me to get my first long rides and ride upwind. He’s been great and has offered good advice on gear.

Before he let me know he was selling, I had already figured I would just buy new; doing research and talking to people it seemed like new was the way to go because idk how to examine used gear yet and I just didn’t trust the used contacts I was interacting with. Also a lot of people say “you’ll beat up your first kites, so buy used.” But I’m not trying to beat up my kites; my goal is to drill technique, be smart and treat my gear well.

But maybe this sort of used almost new deal is a good option too? I think I have decent reasons to trust this guy. He’s been helpful and I will take lessons from him again. I assume he wouldn’t knowingly sell me defective stuff.

I’d still love a second opinion on these Element 6s, esp. for first kites.