NSI vs. Best "Golf" bags

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1804 Posts XTreme Poster

Anyone compare the two side by side? Can either really carry 3 kites/board/suit/harness/bar? Needed, or can a medium duffel accomplish the same?

Thanks any and all.

Eric

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

Haven't tried the Best bag, but the thing I always run into with the NSI one is weight. You can fit a ton into it, but you have to be careful not to exceed 50 lbs or you will get charged by the airline.

With 1 board, and 3 kites in there and maybe a shorty and a bar, mine is usually around 48 lbs. I put my harness and pump in my regular suitcase.

Another thing you can do is take one of your kites as a carry on, then you will save on some weight and you could maybe get an extra board in there.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1804 Posts XTreme Poster

That's good to know--thanks. I have spoken with several people who said just use a normal duffel bag and it goes through as luggage. True?

dcrowe · Sat Sep 30, 06 10:39 am

Yeah, but a lot of duffels aren't big enough to hold your board and keep it safe from the abuse of air travel. I, like PKH have the NSI and can fit a 9m, 13, and 17m, with bars and a wetsuit. I'm right under fifty and put the pump and harness in my suitcase. Been using it for a couple years (15 or so trip) and haven't had a problem yet.

coastercoe · Since 28 Mar 2005 35 Posts redmond

I get the 3 kite-board combo with a couple extrs in at 49 lbs....the sad news is continental in brownsville knows they are kite bags and are aggressively charging for them.....they have a specific section on their web site about kite gear...so far seatac has let it go through...

NateDogg · Sat Sep 30, 06 11:05 am

Dakine actually makes a duffel bag with a padded board sleeve built into the bottom. It's a couple cm shorter than the NSI bag with about the same space and would easily pass as just a straight up duffel bag. Dakine's split roller is nice too, if you're overweight you can just turn one bag into two, but you loose the stealth factor of the NSI.

I think another important factor is to just have a good attitude when checking in. Don't be late, double check weight and length restrictions, don't be pissed off and don't forget anything important like ID or your ticket. Make it easy for the person checking you in and they'll likely make it easy for you.

stevegriffith22 · Since 14 May 2006 434 Posts Obsessed

Money talks, BS walks. My wife and I take off from seattle about 2-3 times a year. Its a simple propositions. We check in out side, and when the man says, "you can't check in out here." I hand the dude a 20. This does two things for me: 1. confidence that the bag will make it to it destination and 2. confidence that the bag will make it to its destination. I have never had any problems with my NSI golf bag, and I also use a giant yellow waterproof TNF bag. The point is money boz, its a tipped based industry. And if they flip you crap on the way back, you simply say "they didn't charge me on the way, May I talk to you supervisor." Most airlines don't have kiteboarding, kitesurfing or anything like that in there system. Be honest, say: "I have kites." There is no surcharge for "kites." Only boards. THat bing said, there are no surcharges for "kite boards" or "kite surfers," only surf boards and wake boards. Or you can take your "golf bag" smile at the dude and hand him a twenty. It always works for me and I have never been charged!

However I was asked why I had a parachute with me, try explaining that its not a parachute!!!!!!!!!!!

goiner · Since 26 Aug 2006 87 Posts

Continental has a posted policy on charges for sports equipment.
The FAQs at their site show a charge of $95 each way.....and specifically list kitedboarding equipment. Confused

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx

The $20 tip would be a great bargain and worth the try....

kss · Since 24 Apr 2006 613 Posts pdx Addicted

it sounds like continental is no longer the way to go to get to s padre.

has anyone flown another airline down there... to either south padre or corpus christie (from portland) that is reasonable (i.e., relatively quick and cheap)???

Mark · Sat Sep 30, 06 4:13 pm

Here is continentals policy:

Kiteboard
Continental Airlines will accept one kiteboard or one bag containing equipment used in kiteboarding as checked baggage. Domestically, a kiteboard or one bag containing equipment used in kiteboarding is subject to a $95.00 service charge (each way).

Contact Continental Airlines Reservations, worldwide, for international service charge rate information.

The board must be well padded or the entire board must be encased in a suitable container to avoid scratching. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to a kiteboard or kiteboard equipment.

Excess Valuation may not be purchased for a kiteboard or kiteboard equipment.

Note: Kiteboards, or kiteboard bags or over 115 inches (292 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage. Kiteboards will be transported subject to load capacities of the aircraft on any itinerary involving a flight operated by ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. dba Continental Express or Continental Connection. Kiteboards are not allowed during excess baggage embargo periods when no excess baggage is allowed. Kiteboards will be accepted to Costa Rica during an embargo period.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey