Epic Kites - Problems with them?

I own 3x 2012 epic screamers and there the ****ing bees knees (and yes I've owned and flown a **** load of kites) the build on then is incredible definitely as good if not better then any other brands out there. Can't vouch for the infinity as i honestly haven't seen it.

I do believe in supporting our local businesses but no one stocks them which is the main problem replacement parts have to come from a way away and yes as with all kites they do deteriorate with use. My single bar has served me well over 300 hours use and I need to replace the center lines (albeit badly but they have taken my abuse through learning unhooking to metallizing).

As for problems, he has had problems in the past when using big factories top product his kites but he is now using his own factory, hope fully this will rectify that issue. I have had a warranty issue that was quickly dealt with and he even offered to send me a cost price kite as replacement to help get me on the water quicker. The only concern with epic is the distance factor his company of based a worlds away.

don't mean to stir the masses but I gotta say I enjoy looking at the to of everyone elses kites. Man these things boost!

Hope this helps!

Josh

Don't know about the worlds away bit, I thought there was a WA dealer and talks of a NSW dealer.
At the start, Dimitri was doing everything and got caught out by the factories trying to substitute lower grade material in the bladders, this was got onto quickly and he was very quick to send out replacement bladders to those he thought were effected. sometimes these little things get blown out of proportion.

I would take the comment 'Own Factory' to mean 'Factory they can work well with'.
and really, it only takes about 3-4 days of transit for a kite to get from china to your door which is why we use this system with Zeeko, and have kites delivered direct. It is quicker to get a kite from China to Qld, than from Victoria to Qld.

I was with Dimitri from the start of Epic and it is only due to me( for economic reasons) having to choose between Zeeko and Epic that means I am no longer a dealer. However if you do have issues that I can perhaps help with let me know.

He has recently (approx 6 months ago) moved to using a factory which he controls in its entirety so he can control the quality control a bit better! There is a dealer in WA as far as I thought they worked as instructors and sold on the equipment, correct me if I'm wrong. To get the latest equipment at the time I was buying I had to get it direct.

Cant wait for his new chicken loop!

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kiterboy said...

There's been a few topics relating to Epic kites lately, specifically the Infinity.
I was wondering if you guys who fly or have flown Epic kites could help with a question about these kites.

Recently I heard from someone who heard from someone that Epic kites 'have had many problems'.

The problems were undefined, so I was hoping you good peeps could shed some light on this issue.

Do Epic kites 'have many problems'?
If so, what?

Reviews on here and elsewhere would indicate that they are very good kites, the reason I ask is due to the source of the 'many problems' comment.

quote]kiterboy said...

There's been a few topics relating to Epic kites lately, specifically the Infinity.
I was wondering if you guys who fly or have flown Epic kites could help with a question about these kites.

Do Epic kites 'have many problems'?
If so, what?

Reviews on here and elsewhere would indicate that they are very good kites, the reason I ask is due to the source of the 'many problems' comment.

Im a big fan of any kite brand that delivers a kite that can do exactly as its description profile says it can do / has 100% build quality as well as awesome customer services and delivery around the world in 4-5 days - at a reasonable price!
I know how much most kites cost from the factory and some of the big brand names are ripping people off badly..

Ive flown the Epic kites for the last few years and hit the flatwater and ocean pretty hard and mega loops and mega crashes kite through the surf ringer and still going at it no problems except friggin seaweed line tangles - though it does give you a little rest lol

Im hoping a Reputable kite shop it Perth takes them on as a lot of people would like to buy them locally... after seeing what the kites can do, Im always asked where do you get them in Perth ???

See you Up there

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yes at least check them out. I mentioned to a well known retailer the other day and he just laughed and said something must be wrong with me...at least get some demo days happening...

Im guessing it was the same laugh 'they have at you' - when youve just forked out a load of cash and walking out the door

Its all about the profit margin...

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SaveTheWhales said...

yes at least check them out. I mentioned to a well known retailer the other day and he just laughed and said something must be wrong with me...at least get some demo days happening...

Im guessing it was the same laugh 'they have at you' - when youve just forked out a load of cash and walking out the door

Its all about the profit margin...

They are laughing because if you buy a North or Cabrinha you can resell them for $1k plus after a year or 18 months. You will never resell an Epic therefore costing you $1600 instead if $1k. Simple really.

Actually I figure when you by a kite you ride it till it is dead. So I have no probs with resale

Always the way with the big brands. I am surprised the Ozone Mafia have not popped up in this thread to tell us how good the C4 is

Epic kites rock, MOMI is a great designer and knows how to design a kite that can put a smile on any kiters face. I am not brand loyal to anything in my life but can honestly say the 10 Screamer is the best kite I have ever flown.

Problems with EPIC kites-YES.

Received my order today and they had forgot to include the bar which leaves me waiting another week until I can use them.

How hard is it to read an order for 2 kites and a bar and put it together.

EPIC can spread their cheeks and go shove there kites there.

I had planned to add my review to this thread but I can tell you now there not worth the hassle so you will not hear anything more from me unless its negative feedback.

Hey Trevor

Well thats really unusual if you got it direct,
Everyone else has not had a problem with delivery and if somethings wrong, kite,board or bar - Dimitri will get a replacement on FedX express from the US in about 4 - 5 days.

Read all the Kiteforum posts - they say it all there even the International dealers - as you may already know !

Just use one of your Ozone kites till then

I have a spare bar if youd like to borrow one what models did you get ???

Very unusual that your so upset over something that is goin to be delivered shortly

Hi Munro

With my kites i tune the lines so the kite stays forward over my head, its better for height and gives you a truckload of pull through the big loops.. Depends on style i guess.
Let me know if you want to catch up for a jump session

ELEMENTAL Kiting was doing something with epic kites

Not sure where they are at presently

Yes the rings will wear the bridles, a lot more than a properly working and maintained pulley. But IMO pulleys aren't good when combined with sand and salt water, and there are numerous arguments with ring/slider believers and pulley believers. Epic (and other manufacturers) now have slider rings which don't bend the bridle line as tightly when under tension and reduce wear on the bridles.
I personally do not like the rings and replace them for the sliders, and supply them with any new epic kite.
Any moving part will create friction and cause degradation, the best thing to do whatever your preference, is always clean your gear properly and regularly inspect it for wear and tear.

Any problems with epic kites then shoot me an email, PM or contact me via our website.

Nigel

munro, how's the screamers?

pattie - I'll be down at the goldy / sunny coast with a heap of demos through december / january so I'll try & catch you then.

And all the new epics come with the sliders standard now, no more rings.

Denis I'll keep you posted, PM'd you