??John Doe wrote:I think they have to remedy some things with the pricing of gear. It's a little nutso to think of what you pay for a full rig retail;
1 Kite & Bar; $1600
1 Board; $845
1 Wetsuit; $300
1 Harness; $150
Total $2895 (without tax)
Let alone if you decide to get a couple kites. Yes you can buy used, which I have done forever. And I know not many people pay full retail all the time. But I remember when everything started, kites were around $600-$700. Most guys threw straps on surfboards & used our windsurfing harness which got us into the sport for well under $1k.
I really, really want to splurge & get a new board but my choice is ride my trusty old-heavy strapped board or 2 tickets to Maui this winter (with some cash let over). Which do you think I chose?
It seems as though there has been a price spike in terms of gear within the last 2 years or so. Yes the gear has gotten way better but still, I wish things were more affordable.
JD
one of my first kites, f-one shadow 9m, retail price was $2300,
first kiteboard, custom fox, 6' 10'', ..$1000
circa 1999.
markets shrinking... like all fads do eventually.