Local shops hmmmmmmm the closest one to me is 3 + hours away... getting parts If I break a part on a sunday and order it that night will have it before the next weekend 99% of the time. Demos All switch team riders are people that do demos. If they want to be a team rider that is part of their job.
For build they are equal or better to anything I have flown in the 14 years and yes I have tested a lot of kites. Were else to you see the designer open to everything on the models he has designed? Where to you see people like Felix help others out with problems.. I have crashed my kites in the surf and should of got worked but they came out alive and I kited for the rest of the week while on vaca. I crashed a kite on a island full of thorns and it relaunched then blew apart while in the sky. ( no kite would of took that crash) but it only ripped from leading edge to trailering edge and was fixed for 100 bucks.
the service from switch is second to none that I have deal with. I can always get a hold of the owners anytime, felix or bill. They look after my problems as well as other problems that people have that came to me because they know I am a switch team rider.
The shops in my area ( or province) that sell kites package below anyone else prices. They buy every last kite the manufacture has and dumps them at 599 or 699. SO the other shops have a hard time selling kites and making a dime.
Switch sells a great product and at a great price. If you don't like them don't buy them or bitch about them... The only people that really bitch at people that have something to do with a shop.
Don't be afraid of Switch, You may Switch TOO.
Terrie
Each and every model just get better and better, for being out for just under 3 years from starting with nothing to now they have done everything people asked for.
Jinx wrote:I don't care how good the Switch kites are I wont support them as their business model cuts out the local store who is there to help you out with repairs, backup and service when you need it. Where are switch when you need a part, a hand or even some friendly advice?? Yep in NZ far away not with the slightest care.
Cutting out the local shop means there will be less events in your area as most stores run demo days, clinics etc etc. Direct business models only hurt the industry, we don't want to grow the sport too fast with cheap kites and have out of control beaches either.
Think about the bigger picture not just saving some bucks.