Switch Element3 / Switch Nitro 3

[Daffy100]

Hi kiters

I have decided to bye new kites, but cant find out if the Switch Element 3 or The Switch Nitro is the best for me.

Im a between a newbie and intermediate, surfing twintip and during sliding turns. Weight is 70 kgs/140 pounds. Im now riding an old Takoon soul 9m2, witch im happy with, but it is starting to wear out.

Im surfing in flat/choppy/small waves condition in windspeed from 10 -25 knots

The Element 3 seems like at good kite for my stage, but i really like the Nitro's bigger wind range. But I am a bit concerned that the Nitro is to wild/unstable for my skills

For the Element 3 it looks like i will need a 9m2 and a 13m2

For the Nitro 3 ...............................................8m2 and a 12m2

Anybody who have been riding both kites?

[jats2k9]

I cannot comment on the nitro, but I can tell you about the element. Since you said you are between newbie and intermediate, you might not have clear what riding style you want to adopt. The element is a great all-around kite that will help you a lot as you improve your skills whether you are into waves or wake style. Better yet, you won't outgrow this kite unless you are Marc Jabocs and need the combat. As to the wind range, I'm 160 lb and get going on 13-14 knot on my 13m ( I ride boots) and I hold it up to 20knots . Cannot tell you about the 12 knots shown in the wind chart because I dont like riding in light wind. My quiver is 13m and 9m. You may get away with the 11m. However, best advise I would give you is to contact one of their team riders and give it a try. Good luck.

[NHKitesurfer]

Try them both - I highly recommend you do this. I own a 13m Element V1 which was good to learn on in water and also good on the snow. But I kind of outgrew it going into my 2nd season of kiteboarding and upgraded to the V3 Nitro 12m which is a great kite. Not too wild for anyone, even a beginner but just don't send it or else be prepared for some serious air.

I do hear the V3 Element is a great kite and that's why I say try them both before you buy. I have never flown the V3 Element, or the V2 Element.

[Starsky]

No exp with switch, but anyone in it long enough should see your answer. Element

The nitro is higher aspect and the element is more med and much closer to your takoon in design. You may want a nitro down the line, but you should learn to jump and become a decent rider before getting a boosty specialist.

I know it's tempting to live die and purchase based on published wind ranges, but they are a blend of estimate and marketing at best. Look more at the middle of the range to position a kite in your quiver than the absolute top or bottom number. The middle fits everyone, the edges are different for every one.

[felixp]

Hello,
Please email me at felix@switchkites.com
Will give you the break down on all the gear.
Comparing V1 to V3 models is like comparing apples and oranges.
Felix

[Daffy100]

Thanks for all the answers, always good nice to hear from people who ones the kites.

Hi Felix: We have been e-mailing, and you gave me very good advice:

"The Nitro 3 10m will blow all those competitors out of the water.
So will the 11m Element3 . The low end has been greatly improved .
You could go with with either kite and be totally happy.
You want more low end go with the nitro.
Let me know if you have any further questions."

So thanks for that, I just wanted to hear a little from some of the owners since I am good at confusing my self

Do you have anybody i Denmark with demo gear?

Best regards

Daffy

[dimip]

I have the Nitro 3 and it suits my riding style and conditions we have here. I was surprised by Nitro for the relaunch . Super easy, can relaunched it from any position. Being open c high aspect ratio I was expecting that I have to position myself in the right place, but not just pull the rear line and it launch itself. Power delivery is smooth and this was the comment from anyone that has test it.
Best would be if possible to test both. For example I like that Nitro when turns makes big round turn and have power through the turn. I don't like pivotal turning kites, but that is personal preference.

[eree]

...Comparing V1 to V3 models is like comparing apples and oranges

so V1 was bad apple

[Daffy100]

Thanks dimip

You might have a point.

I need to figure out if I like the the way a c kite/ hybrid works best. So i guess i need to demo a C kite some day and test it out.

Nice to know that the Nitro 3 is so easy to relaunch, that is a big issue to me starting to surf spots with deeper water.

Daffy100

[dimip]

English is not my native language, but I understand that v1 has different feeling than v3. This doesn't make bad kite the v1.
I had best taboo and comparing it with next generation is like apple and orange. They improved the low end among other things that made it feel different. That doesn't make bad apple the taboo.
What is all about the whining every time about switch? If you don't like them nobody forces you to use them...