The best value in kites is the close outs on 2007 kites, imo. You can get some sick deals on some kites right now. Then ride it for a season, sell it for 200 less than you bought it while it's in good shape, and buy a 2008 kite (new) at closeout this time next year.
Repeat the process every year. You end up literally only paying 200 to 300 (max) a year for a kite that way.

Some of the most heavily marked up kites are the most discounted (makes sense, because they clear them out just a tad above cost the longer they sit around) so you can get deals on all brands this time of year. Cars are the same way.
Some people like brand new cars. Some wait for the price to depreciate at the end of the year before buying.
The beauty is, the kite doesn't rust or truly deteriorate while sitting inside, not in my experience anyway.