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Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2002 8:23 am
by curl2002
Who know about new kites?

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2002 1:07 am
by aklbob
I reckon Wipika are going down the toilet, all the other major companies are beginning to release new kites already, nothing from Wipika, they have lost too many customers to recover.. except maybe in France? maybe they are living off the inflatable wing patent!!!

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2002 2:19 am
by Guest
in the US they fired the distributor and now sell through a mail order guy

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2002 2:23 am
by Guest
On 2002-09-12 02:07, aklbob wrote:
I reckon Wipika are going down the toilet, all the other major companies are beginning to release new kites already, nothing from Wipika, they have lost too many customers to recover.. except maybe in France? maybe they are living off the inflatable wing patent!!!
Wipika don't own the patent - bruno and his brother own the patent. They have been very carefull to keep the patent seperate from manufacturing. Wipika are license holders and thats all just like naish and others.

We don't see many new wipika's being sold around here - or takoons for that matter they use the same distributor and he;s a dickhead so thats probably why!

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2002 3:30 am
by Guest
Actually the US distributor for Takoon also distributes for Gaastra and I have found him GREAT to deal with! Doesn't deal Wipika though.... And about Wipika, they went through major restructuring with key personnel but I wouldn't write them off...

Marina
Kitexcite

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2002 12:24 pm
by Guest
It would be a shame if they shut down. I started on Wipi's and experienced some durability issues in the beginning but now I am on 2002 models. The 2002 AB's and Hydro's are great and no quality issues so far. I really like their accessory line too. (i.e. harness, bags, bars)
Flyin' HIGH in Philly

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2002 1:08 pm
by MissionMan
I don't know about anywhere else but the Wipika's are pumping in South Africa with about 50% of the kites I saw in Durbs being Wipika. I don't ride them, but i saw the new colours (bladder colours are all different) which is slightly different to the previous ones and obviously an interim change until the official model is released. I wouldn't say not much is happening on development just because Naish and the likes use the press more, because we have seen updated bars which are very nice, so I would wait before speculating.

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2002 1:33 pm
by Guest
Have heard that there will be an modified Wipi for 2003. (rumors). By the way is Takoon hard to get?? It's a great kite as far as I am aware off. Lots off hangtime and pressure; great wind range.But that my opinion. All the best to ya all.

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2002 1:43 pm
by JMF
Thanks for the vote their MissionMan A.K.A Blacktip :grin:. I spoke to the Importer of the WIPIKA brand here in South Africa last weekend and there is definitely a line up for 2003 although he would'nt give details.

Here's hoping.......

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2002 2:03 pm
by marina
RE: Wipika, have talked to the N. America distributor (also super great guy) and there is new stuff coming from Wipika for 2003. The new owner of Wipi is very wealthy and has been involved in extreme sports for awhile (produces UP paragliders, hangliders and accessories) so I think Wipika will still be a strong brand with product to stand behind the name. They certainly have the financial backing.