eree wrote:screwfootsc wrote:Element 11M Review...
My new favorite kite. I am so stoked with this kite I first must say. I had a few solid sessions on this kite. Some key features:
1. Soars upwind...
2. Punchy, solid low end (15-18 mph for 200+ lb guy->me)
3. Turns quick in the surf
4. Super light bar pressure, nothing like the method or nitro
5. Super easy relaunch
6. extremely stable even in punchy gusty winds
This kite performed very well for me in the surf. It is very smooth through the turns and cranks a lot of power. One push out on the bar will kill this kite, which makes it very safe. I dropped it in the water once as it was light inside...it quickly relaunched without any issue, and rolled properly on its side as it should. Almost like a bow...that easy.
I would recommend this kite to any surf kiter and even those freestyle riders who love to boost. I love my nitros and the method, but as of right now, this kite might be surpassing them...Nitro for low end grunt in light wind plagued areas...element for the 15+ days if you want a multi-purpose kite. That's it! It just works insane!
As felix says above, don't get fixated on the number on the kite, this 11M is a good central kite. I have a 14M Nitro, 11M Element, 9M element soon, and my 7 M method. Thinking of switching to a Element quiver! GET SOME!
As always, the kites are built as good or better than ANY kite on the market. THe bags are also improved tremendously with super duty zippers...Switch keeps amazing me at their dedication. No BS, just straight solid equipment....Cheers
i'm ok with the moderate advertizing, but i hate lies.
it is just two options: you are lying or you consider everyone who read it stupid.
there is no such thing with the nitros as low end grunt! its canopy profile is probably lowest in industry.
in fact, i think switch has to add the disclaimer about the windrange with every kite sold. it certainly has to explain the conditions for which it designed: perfectly flat water and rider's weight under 80kg.
i live in the northern europe. i'm 185cm tall, 107kg. everywhere i go - city streets, mall or beach i see guys sized like me or bigger. under the 80kg are mostly women and teenagers.
if switch makes kites for the liteweight riders only it has to warn about it publicly on its website!
Eree,
Have you flown the nitros? You seem to be solely focused on data a company puts out. Any data from any company is null unless you actually fly the gear and test it. I am not sure where you are coming from on that issue. These kites are not made just for flat water which seems to be the label you are giving them. I am not sure on the KG conversion (80KG=175 lbs), but I am 215 lbs and the 14 Nitro is more than enough power for me. Mind you yes I ride a surfboard, but I think a lot of this discussion comes down to kite skills and where you stand with knowing how to fly a kite. I am one big guy, much bigger than the average rider. So your claim that Switch only makes kites for liteweight riders is not true. The ranges listed are acceptable. If you are going to believe every data point a company points out before riding the gear, then that is your option.
The 16 Nitro is a race kite and not really a turn and burn surf kite. In fact, none of the nitros are...But for low end grunt because I live in a LIGHT wind area, I choose the Nitro for my light wind weapon which works out great. I have made it work in the surf just fine with tuning and understanding how the kite turns and works. Adapt any kite for your needs is my motto. If you can fly any kite and make it work...you are a solid kiter. Also, conditions play a huge part in this, dense air vs. thin air, elevations, etc. The list can go on and on! This is really a moot point.
Why people are looking for a raw power tractor pulling kite, I don't know. Folks, there comes a point where it is just not worth riding and the kite, any kite, does not perform well. We need a certain wind speed to be efficient, it is not hard to understand. I have flown many of kites, sizes and tested low end grunt on many models. If you want me to list my resume of kites I have flown, we can be here all day, but in the end it comes down to user error and knowledge of flying a kite properly to maximizing its potential.
Oldnbroken,
I understand where you are coming from on my reviews of the kites. Because I do ride the Switch kites, yes I do have a preference, no lies there. Let's put it this way, every kite has it's own purpose. The element was not in my hands a year or so ago, so I had to no idea of it's capabilities. I started off with a Method and Nitro and loved the kites for different purposes. I thought the method rocked in the surf because of its tight turning and stationary placement in the window when cracking lips. The Nitro was awesome because it allowed me to have a low end grunt which is what I needed for my specific area I live. I blended both kites for certain conditions. I can honestly make any kite work for me, but I try to explain the pros and cons of all the kites I ride for the below average, average, and above average joe blow rider out there.
I tried the Element before most had a chance to...and was excited to see if there was a kite out there that blended a lot of the characteristics of the method and nitro together. There was talk of bar pressure being way to high on the methods. Now you have a kite to try that doesn't come close to the bar pressure of the method, even the nitro (which is not as high as the method). Every kite is a personal preference. It is ok for each rider have a change in heart as time goes on right? I like each kite for a specific reason, but at the same time I try to always make the current gear work for my riding style, which is pretty much strictly surf. Some riders may not like a certain kite for one reason or another.
The Element can't really be compared to the Nitro or Method because it is a completely different feel. The only way you will know is if you try for yourself. Its a fun kite, different, and will open a lot of doors. More improvements always being worked on from the Switch boys. This is just the beginning.
Enjoy!