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Are Switch kites getting any better?

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L0KI
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Re: Are Switch kites getting any better?

Postby L0KI » Tue Dec 03, 2013 8:27 pm

Hansen Aerosports wrote:@ Oldnbroken - Switch was a new brand with a lot of interest.
We did a lot of testing in Hawaii with skilled riders which produced kite models with very specific traits.
Not everyone who bought them liked them, many did and still do.
Three years later, the brand is growing strong and addressing the desires of most every rider.
Clearly the kites and brand are significantly better. Now is a good time to give them a try.
Agree with all of that.
If demo Element 2 and/or Nitro 3 kites turn up at the Texas coast, I'll be sure to beg a ride on them.

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Re: Are Switch kites getting any better?

Postby felixp » Tue Dec 03, 2013 8:57 pm

Really interesting stuff on here and it seems BP is a big deal to most.
I fly any new kite I can get my hands on and really compare BP as this is something we at Switch have really tried to dial in on all New models to be right up against other brands as this is one of the first things you feel when riding a new kite.

The Element2 is Slightly lighter than a Cab Drifter 2014 , very similar to the naish Park 2014 ,On par with the 2014 ozone Reo ,Lighter than the North Neo

Nitro3 is Lighter than the 2014 North rebel. Lighter than Cab crossbow ,Slightly higher than the Ozone edge 2014 , lighter than the naish draft.

Just some insight into BP so people don't read into the The First Generation and get put off.

Judge for your self and enjoy it for your self.
Go out and ride one.
Attachments
nitro3Felix1.jpg

Screwball
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Re: Are Switch kites getting any better?

Postby Screwball » Tue Dec 03, 2013 9:26 pm

A little off topic but since the Switch guys are here, is the Element 3 in development yet? Roughly mid to late 2014 release maybe (I know you guys don't release on set schedules each year)? Considered getting some E2s but my E1s are still in such good nick I can't really justify it haha. Damn things are built like brick ****houses

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Re: Are Switch kites getting any better?

Postby UKSurf » Tue Dec 03, 2013 9:41 pm

Hansen Aerosports wrote:@ UKSurf - Very astute! Give an Element2 or Nitro3 a try when you have a chance. :thumb: :thumb:
I will give it a shot. I am a big fan of Switches business model. I do not believe the retail business model makes any sense for a specialist sports like kitesurfing with a relatively small consumer base. I can understand Switch wants to make their own kite designs but I honestly think they would be better off producing kites that have very similar flying characteristics to popular kites. It would probably piss off alot of industry off people but if Switch made something "similar" to a Bandit or Rebel or Edge with Switch build quality and prices it would be 100% a winner.
Last edited by UKSurf on Tue Dec 03, 2013 9:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Are Switch kites getting any better?

Postby Hansen Design » Tue Dec 03, 2013 9:44 pm

Hi Screwball: No. E2 is significantly improved over E1 and we're very happy with it for now. Working on other projects. Sorry about the bomber construction! :wink: :thumb:
Screwball wrote:A little off topic but since the Switch guys are here, is the Element 3 in development yet? Roughly mid to late 2014 release maybe (I know you guys don't release on set schedules each year)? Considered getting some E2s but my E1s are still in such good nick I can't really justify it haha. Damn things are built like brick ****houses

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Re: Are Switch kites getting any better?

Postby Hansen Design » Tue Dec 03, 2013 9:52 pm

Hi UK:
Are those kites all perfect? Why not make something better? We are doing it daily with hard work, scientific lab and on-water comparative testing. Eventually you will be asking them to make kites like Switch! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

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Re: Are Switch kites getting any better?

Postby longwhitecloud » Tue Dec 03, 2013 10:04 pm

the bandit is a bridle wrap death loop waiting to happen - well has happened.... such long bridles

Took them too long to produce a decent chicken loop release too...

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Re: Are Switch kites getting any better?

Postby soul19 » Tue Dec 03, 2013 10:32 pm

I like the idea that these smaller companies want to bring something new to the market! Why would I want to ride a kite that has been taken directly from another company and rebadged as their own (not that this hasn't happened). It isn't hard to find similarities in different brands as well as aspects that make them unique. I hope that switch continues to improve their designs and also look to bring other different ideas to the market. In the end it is the consumer that has the greatest benefit in that it enables us to have many more choices in what we would like to use. Switch is no different than any other brand out there with how they want to produce products that will be in high demand. Some companies may be content in just minor tweaks while others feel the need to be more inivative (both have places in the market). I haven't tried any of the switch kites that are out but at some point I am keen to give them a go. If the product is good than I definately like the price point.... if I don't than I will move onto something that I do. Either way it is nice to see another company that is very keen on being interactive with its users and potential customers! Grass roots makes people feel connected compared to a corporate wall.

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Re: Are Switch kites getting any better?

Postby Westozzy » Tue Dec 03, 2013 11:37 pm

Are switch kites getting better? Wouldn't know still waiting on some decent rider reviews on the nitro 3!!!

I think uk surf has a point about the typical retail model not needed for such a fringe sport.

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Re: Are Switch kites getting any better?

Postby plummet » Tue Dec 03, 2013 11:56 pm

Well I'm enjoying this discussion. Its more of an actual discussion by civiliised people without the usual idiots bringing the level down to a pissing contest.

Good on the designers, developers for commenting. All usefull info.

Great to see the development it progressing well.

I agree bar pressure is important. I need light bar pressure as my wrist an elbow is stuffed from years of mountain bike crashes. Its a key factor in my my decision making process. I bought a 2013 c4 without demo'ing it first and had to sell it because the bar pressure was too high.

Several years ago i was prepaired to by kites based on internet reviews and comments by known forum individuals. Now I am getting very particular and really want to demo the kite first before I buy it.


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