Asking here because their chatbots (Felix) no longer answer me on their webpage.....
The old kites have been on runout sale for yonks, and haven't heard any info about upcoming new models etc.
Maybe an industry person can give me some inside info?
Don't know what I'll do if I cant get my hands on some new Nitros!
I'd be surprised. I get responses most of the time. They've just released a new wingding.
Their products are always on "sale" I assume to highlight what a bargain they are.
Hi Chris.
Don't go on here so much .
How ever thought I would give a little clarification.
Switch is stronger than ever before and moving forward at Speeds that allow use giving the global situation.
With an unexpected increase in sales during the pandemic stocks have been lean.New stock arriving NEXT WEEK and sorry to everyone that has been waiting .
Industry wide material suppliers and logistical companies have been effected greatly.
With huge delays in materials and still some countries unable to receive goods due to shipping restrictions. The world is a little side ways as we all know .
Our new Surf wing just launched and more products to follow soon as they are approved.
Any inquires to Switch can be sent to support@switchkites.com
Lets all stay safe and healthy and get on the water .
The perfect result! Thanks Felix.
Though I'd better ask on this forum as a last ditch effort to find out what was happening before I bough from somewhere else :)
Looking forward to seeing what the new kites look like
Kia Kaha
I love the idea of supporting local shops, and I've done that for decades. Some shops support their customers, and others don't.
I've built relationships with some shop people and been treated really well. I buy a heap of stuff worth thousands. They give a modest discount and everybody's happy. Other people will gouge every last cent they can get and treat customers like garbage.
It's a bit hard to get motivated to support a local shop when a 10m kite from Switch is just over $1100, and a name brand from a shop is $1700-2000, the low end includes last years sale models. $600-900 is a hell of a loyalty premium to pay.
I support local shops, except that most of them are not local but interstate and often do a better deal than my local and have a better choice of gear, but I rarely buy brand new unless superceded and discounted.
Switch kites seem to have come a long way in their recent models, would be interested to know how the nano performs as wave kite against the usual suspects Reo/Neo/Drifter etc.
Select to expand quoteSpitfire said..
F@#k Switch. Support local shops.
What a stupid thing to say. As if the shops make them on site! DH
Switch kites is essential for the sport .There is a demographic buyer for their product. A new kite for $1100 is a great deal . Most kiters aren't technically minded so wouldn't know the difference between switch and $2000 kites . Every consumer product has a company brand selling cheaper product and overpriced product . Cars, teevees.. airline tickets etc ..result is the same . It works. Every kiteshop should sell them as an alternative ?
Then the question in the shop would be raised, why a kite of comparable quality is nearly half the price?
I would imagine most shops would not have enough "indepedence" or clout to stock a challenger brand as it might upset their relationships with the distributor, they may lose their status as a particular brand "dealer"? Maybe switch staying online avoids all this kerfuffle?
Most people would do some internet "research" before buying. Sure there are always be numpties that will walk into a shop and walk out with $4k worth of gear without having done any prior research, thats probably what keeps the shops afloat.
Their business model is that they don't have a middle man (retail shop) to help keep costs down, so you won't see them in shops.
Im happy with that.
I suppose the way my local shop benefits is when I need a harness/ straps/ pump/ fins etc I will go buy those so I can check them out first.
Im super happy with my switch kites, don't feel that are a lesser quality than other brands and they serve me well. Last a long time too. Ive have my current batch of kites for about 3 years so looking to replace.
I'm also pretty keen to have a crack on a nano, spoke to a fella at the beach a week or so ago who had just had his out for its maiden flight. He owns Nitros and elements and said it was a really fun kite to fly, surprisingly good. He reckoned it was halfway between an element and a nitro. Said it was pretty nimble and he was really pleased with it. Got me wondering if maybe its time to try something new....
The main business model a kiteshop has is HOPE . Kiteschool income , and his hot wife who was once sponsored by a harness company that he got for her ...yes a free $250 harness ,but she now works longer hours at Best and Less to support shop .
Thats a bit harsh and would be funny if it weren't so true... The other source of income is overpriced kite trips to "exotic" locations aimed at cashed up time-poor yuppies (shop acting as a travel agent / tour guide and getting free trips for themselves). Obviously covid put a dent in that.
