I'm flying one at the moment and am really loving it. I've checked out a heap of the vids they have online and have been trying to get a feel for the brand. That Filthy West vid was pretty cool.
I have noticed that for an Aussie brand there are next to no shops stocking his gear. Why is this? Only available online.....with the online store showing US dollars. Weird.
I bought my kite second hand.
I'm curious to hear people's thoughts on the brand more so than the gear. But please feel free to bag on or talk it up.
If I ran a business. I'd looking at reducing costs in my value chain. A retail outlet is one of them costs.
No comment on the gear. I ride Slingshot.
There are retailers out there that stock BWS. I would suggest they are more like demo centres as you get the same price from them as off the website.
Horses for Courses really Ben makes a great wave / freeride kite its really down to your personal preference.
I think they are on the right business model for thier product.
I have been seriously interested in getting the BWS 14 XXL but dont have the cash and I still have an older zephyr that I use.
There will be people that dont like BWS kites, but I would agree the riders on BWS videos do rip.
Ben Wilson is a nice chap too (spoken to him at merimbulla always happy to talk).
(I dont ride BWS and I am not associated with the brand)
Awesome company! They're always happy to answer questions, and they're saving us lots of money by not being in very many retail shops. They located a used noise kite for me, here in the states, and put me in touch with the seller. They're really nice guys. And, I here the noise pro's are awesome kites.
Went to BWS when I returned back to qld after many years in the west , mainly to support local brands , wouldn't matter now as even if they were owned by overseas company would still use them , great kites great support from Ben
Plenty of shops stock BWS ,ocean addicts in sunny coast def have 
Been building up a collection of BWS kit over the last 18 months. Initially dealt with BWS Australia internet and its back-up service, very positive down to earth experience. Then with European distributor - again same experience. And met the crew during clinic tour - down to earth and approachable, promote their niche in the sport very professionally and enthusiastically, and are keen to build the appropriate gear for surfing with a kite, with the end user in mind. The people corresponded to the product well. I liked that. As I dont have as much time to be on the water as I would like, alot of my enjoyment of the sport goes on in my head at my desk - follow their internet site, instagrams etc. If its marketing hype, great, bring on more of it ! I am happy to support a bunch who are doing well what you wish you were doing - I hope make some money at the same - for me they deserve to (not too much, obviously).
Am happy with the performance of the kit and likely to stick with it - in all its been a pleasure compared to my more sterile choices of big brands in the past.
Good luck to them, and thanks too.
Doing the lunch time "google" window shopping.
BWS have released the Pro with flashes of colour maybe the 2015 Pro?
BWS is financially based out of Hong Kong, kites are made in China, a few of the boys are on the Sunshine Coast. Great guys but its a big stretch to call them a local company.
Select to expand quoteDl33ta said...
BWS is financially based out of Hong Kong, kites are made in China, a few of the boys are on the Sunshine Coast. Great guys but its a big stretch to call them a local company.
Financially based in Hong Kong? Really?
Just got an email from them(because I signed up for it) with the new 2015 kites. Colours look alright. I'm still a massive fan of the simple red and black though. An update on the bridle to offer more drift....sounds good to me!
Select to expand quoteLittleFella said..Dl33ta said...
BWS is financially based out of Hong Kong, kites are made in China, a few of the boys are on the Sunshine Coast. Great guys but its a big stretch to call them a local company.
Financially based in Hong Kong? Really?
Just got an email from them(because I signed up for it) with the new 2015 kites. Colours look alright. I'm still a massive fan of the simple red and black though. An update on the bridle to offer more drift....sounds good to me!
Yep that's where my BWS cash went to, a lot of companies base their operations out of their because of the minimal corporate profit and personal income tax (15-16% as opposed to our 30%+) and proximity to Chinese manufacturers. Rough for the home countries that they are generating income due to their 'localness' though, no manufacturing and no tax dollars.
That being said though, BWS don't market themselves as Australian, all their prices are in USD and they operate a .com website. It's only the association with Ben that makes people draw the local line.
The emails I got from BWS crew when buying were definately in Australian (in terms of being cool and down to earth). The import tax I had to pay from customs on the kit when delivered to my door was definately in French, less cool.
Great to see BWS hasnt tried to change /upgrade the Pro this year like every other kite manufacturer , new model every year.
Dont need it when the kite is the best wave kite anyway(of course only my view).
I applaud Ben for sticking with the same design , not every one likes the BWS i know but got to like the way that BWS havnt changed just for the Dollars of a new model with claims that they fly better/faster/beter feel etc etc
Select to expand quotejeff2 said..
BEER ,WINE ,SPIRITS =BWS
Hmmm I would not mind having shares in BWS= beer , wine spirits ... oooh hang on they should give me shares as for the amount of beer I drink .... supporting them
Hi
I have an 8 metre and a 10 metre 2014 BWS noise pro's that desperately need loving new owners. Check my listing in buy and sell section. Make an reasonable offer and they are yours.
I have a Noise 10 (third season) and Noise 12 (second season). Both are great kites even for freeride. The older Noise kites numbering was actually one number down from competitor so BWS 10 was actually a 12 in all other brands. Don't know why they did that ... I would love to try the new Noise Pro XXL as my Noise 12 is very sluggish through the turns - feels heavy. The new 3 strut design and bridle in the new kites may improve that.
Select to expand quoteJasonwave said..
The emails I got from BWS crew when buying were definately in Australian (in terms of being cool and down to earth). The import tax I had to pay from customs on the kit when delivered to my door was definately in French, less cool.
You should contact them. The BWS site says "Import duties and taxes are included to all major countries. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please email us for a free quote." Forward them the invoice and they will take care of it. (I just did the same for an order of spare parts to Canada)
As for BWS kites ... I stumbled onto a good deal on a lightly used quiver 2 years ago, and love them. Super stable and easy to fly, light bar pressure. Made for waves, but fun free riding too.
