Select to expand quotedjoblin said..
Im interested in your opinion on how you see the brand Switch in the market and your view of them as a whole.
I do work in a kite shop so their business model threatens my job, if it were to take over the whole industry which I don't think will happen, however.
The way they appear to me is a company that takes from Kiting without putting anything back in.
Sure they sponsor some great riders, but thats in their own interests, not kite surfing.
*They have cheap kites, but how do you deal with spare parts or advice on setting things up.
They don't run schools, which is a pretty important part of making sure kitesurfing keeps moderately organised and safe.
Had a guy turn up to the shop with a switch bar ( decided to try and fix some parts for him - flag out line ) to find *it was running a mini fifth line of about 1m, surely no one does this any more!!!!
OK flame away, Im interested in you opinion...
Ok well you did ask. 
I think they are excellent kites in both performance and quality.
Some people have refered to trying Methods and not being to impressed, the early large Methods were not the best kites and although I loved the Methods in the smaller sizes (still do) they had unique flying characteristics which a lot of people couldn't adjust too.
The latests Elements and Nitros are heaps more user friendly and you should disregard impressions from earlier models and try the current kites.
The Combats are a pure C kite and so although a great kite they are not for everyone.
*Re: Parts or advice on setting things up.
I have found that parts are cheap and usually readily available, break a part one week and you can normally buy it online, have it shipped within a few days, view their extensive range of how to videos, install it yourself and be back on the water the next week.
The thought of replacing a bladder/depower rope etc used to scare me but I found it was simple when you could view a how to do it video.
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzHq5nV_GW7c3np1tvUSAbmLVtkG1GJh0
*Re: The mini 5th, I actually love the mini 5th if you accidently release the chicken loop or let go of the bar when unhooked you usually have time to reach up grab the loop and hook back in before the kite hits the water.
However for learners or the more safety concious they now come set up to flag on a single front and you have several other options all explained in this video.
Select to expand quotesurfingboye said..
The only good thing they bring to the party...
Thats it ,Im ordering one just because of Greta
So we have 6 riders who ride together mainly down here, ranging from 25 to 41 yrs old, 2 seasons up to 15. Between us ...
An obsessed looping madman
A surfboard wave rider junkie, strapless airs on the flat, simple unhooked stuff on the flat.
A very good powered jumper who excels at the powered water level trick stuff.
Just an out an out wave great SB wave rider on his reos...Who goes up and back on the flat...he's getting there.
An old school board off junkie.
Only lacking a decent spider monkey but hey nitro is not for that.
Or just give it to damo who kicks our ass in every one of those disciplines.
Can test in flat and waves, on all wind directions and types (Gusty, consistent). Back to to back testing in rotation with 4 to 5 kites in the air, 10 minute intervals is the ONLY way to truly compare kites, then swap info over some beers and find the nuances of each kite.
Otherwise it's just all smoke and mirrors, crew justifying their purchasing decision for either an expensive or cheaper kite. Im a local retailer buying sort of guy, but if have friends who aren't and hell, good on em'.
So let's get to the bottom of the 'greatest ever freeride kite', because our northern hemisphere buddies who I rate,
are iced in at the moment, so we will get squat from them.
"I bought a nitro", .... "You bought a nitro"..... "yeh I bought a nitro". So "team riders", you game or what? 
Oh and greta is something else, not in an old man horny way (well maybe a bit), but by Christ she is beautiful.
Select to expand quoteeppo said..
Oh and greta is something else, not in an old man horny way (well maybe a bit), but by Christ she is beautiful.
You're only old if you say you are.. You're not. 
BTW - Did you know she can kite too?
Select to expand quoteSubculture said..
eppo said..
Oh and greta is something else, not in an old man horny way (well maybe a bit), but by Christ she is beautiful.
You're only old if you say you are.. You're not.
BTW - Did you know she can kite too?
Yeh that's what I'd be watching, her handle passes.... Damn! Empires have risen and fallen over girls like that!
I find it interesting that Switch is looked at like this way whilst I have read about Griffin as being a lovable mad scientist.
Not sure why when they seem the same to me.
After a bit of time using some cheap second hand kites I am seriously considering purchasing from either of them.
I live 7.5hrs from a 'local' kiting shop. So all my gear needs posting unless I treck to Perth. I have a nitro3 14m and element2 11, but keen to compare them. Nitro seems good for $850 odd but **** to relaunch in water, and turns inside out first chance it gets. Element handles poorly when you detune for strong winds, good beside that. Was a good first kite tho. Anyone Esperance way can have a go
Select to expand quoteBrad642 said..
I live 7.5hrs from a 'local' kiting shop. So all my gear needs posting unless I treck to Perth. I have a nitro3 14m and element2 11, but keen to compare them. Nitro seems good for $850 odd but **** to relaunch in water, and turns inside out first chance it gets. Element handles poorly when you detune for strong winds, good beside that. Was a good first kite tho. Anyone Esperance way can have a go
You're doing something wrong if you can't relaunch it...
Brad642 the only Nitro 3 I have is a 10, (I also have a N416) so I can't speak for the 14 however I have never had a problem with either of my Nitro's turning inside out or difficulty relaunching.
You may already be doing this but make sure the kite is pumped up hard (don't be afraid of pumping it real hard, it's not going to pop) that might help with some of your issues.
I know you guys do get some gusty winds occasionally down Esperance way but it should not invert or be difficult to relaunch.
It really should only need the normal grab a rear line and wait for it to roll on it's wingtip and go around to the edge of the window to relaunch in normal conditions but as 14's are often used in light wind they are usually a bit harder to relaunch than small kites, if the wind is really light watching this video may help.
Select to expand quotetightlines said..
Brad642 the only Nitro 3 I have is a 10, (I also have a N416) so I can't speak for the 14 however I have never had a problem with either of my Nitro's turning inside out or difficulty relaunching.
How do you like your N4 16m? What about stability in lower winds?
When I began kiting I started off with a Switchblade 11m, it got me going, slowly. Then on advice from friends I purchased an Element 3 13m for lighter winds, with the Controller 2 bars.
The bars are okay, not the best refined one like the Cabrinha bars, but they do the job and have lots of adjustments all well explained in their videos. Spare parts are cheap, order them, they get here in a few days.
So when I first flew the Element 3, as a beginner I was stunned with how much easier it is to fly than my Switchblade (which I find to be a very aggressive kite). The Element 3 is so smooth, drifts well and just stays where-ever you want to park it, I loved it so much that I got a 9m 
The build quality is equal, if not superior to the other brands. I can fit both the 13m and 9m in the same Switch bag
I've had what I thought were issues with the kites and bars and contacted the Switch team (email or forum) and they get back to you within 24h with great detailed advice.
The Switch forums are great as you can input on what you'd like to see from Switch and the designers, it feels like the kites are built for "what people want". So for example at the moment they are designing a light wind kite (with only 3 struts) and may soon design another very specific wave kite. The designer Bill Hansen knows his stuff...
I've read that the Nitro 4 is a more advanced kite and not suited for beginners, I'm sure I'll get a 10m in a year or two once I'm a better kiter, apparently the 10m has an incredible wind range due to it's high aspect design.
It is true that there is a lack of official Switch riders in Sydney, I'm happy to let people try my Element, just give me a yell whenever you see one ?
Select to expand quotekiteboy dave said..
Weren't Best going to destroy the industry? So much so that local mags wouldn't run their ads, etc. What happened? Select to expand quoteJamessyduniv said..
and Djoblin you are so funny!
Being afraid for your job is not a reason to lie...
I'm riding a full Nitro 4 quiver and some friends ride the Element3 these kites are awsome!
-Call their customer service they are helpful and cool (special thanks to Felix for his advise)
-Check their website they do have schools
-Product are cheap but quality and performance are great, the Nitro4 is the best kite I tried and I tried quite a lot...
Spare parts : I received a replacment bladder within 6 days!
The bar you are talking is the first generation
You are in New Zealand you should pay them a visit I'm sure they will be more than happy to advise you and let you demo the kite ;)
What am I Lying about???
Checked their website, no schools I could find... However Shops run schools not Brands so perhaps unfair comparison, although a shop runs a school to sell kites, ( normally at a loss)
Spare parts : most things you can get the same day instore, and get back out kiting, if you have a good relationship with the shop, we will most often replace it on the spot for you!
Im in NZ, sure, but from my personal meetings and phone conversations with the owner I doubt I will be giving them a call or asking them for advice!
Someone else mentioned 100% mark ups, YOU ARE DREAMING MATE!!!! or where you live the kiteshop owners all drive gold plated koninseggseggsseggthingysSelect to expand quotesnalberski said..djoblin said..
Im interested in your opinion on how you see the brand Switch in the market and your view of them as a whole.
I do work in a kite shop so their business model threatens my job, if it were to take over the whole industry which I don't think will happen, however.
The way they appear to me is a company that takes from Kiting without putting anything back in.
Sure they sponsor some great riders, but thats in their own interests, not kite surfing.
They have cheap kites, but how do you deal with spare parts or advice on setting things up.
They don't run schools, which is a pretty important part of making sure kitesurfing keeps moderately organised and safe.
Had a guy turn up to the shop with a switch bar ( decided to try and fix some parts for him - flag out line ) to find it was running a mini fifth line of about 1m, surely no one does this any more!!!!
OK flame away, Im interested in you opinion...
I have Switch products and have had numerous dealing with them via live chat and email. They are extremely helpful and accommodating in regard to all questions and issues in my experience. Any experienced kiting person or kite retailer who was being honest would have to admit that their product is equal to the highest quality available in the industry.
It seems that their competition really dislike them just because their kites are so much less expensive. Its easy to see why the competition is upset. Everyone (including small business owners) like to spend less money to get what they need or want.As a small business owner myself I do feel for those small businesses that are threatened but also recognize that what is required is to not complain but to stay competitive. Switch themselves did that by formulating and innovating an entirely new business strategy. Like anything worth while it must have been a big risk but they had the nads to give it a go and it would seem are reaping the rewards.
It could easily be argued that Switch put a lot into kiting by making it more affordable, especially for the less cashed up youth. Why does a manufacturer need to run a school? Should Ford or Toyota run a driving school?
Im being Honest with you when I say that they should never have designed the original bar the way it was with mini fifth, way to dodgy! So no I don't believe that the product is equal to any of the mainstream brands in the industry. I'm glad to see they have fixed the issue with the 2nd gen system.
As far as new business strategy, I would say they just copied BEST.
Was I complaining? yeah trying to set up a safe system for a student, and finding that it was impossible to do with the previous switch bar pissed me off, so i vented on here.
Great to see its made 2 pages, any other opinions?
Select to expand quoteAlysum said..
edit: is anyone else having issues posting long responses ?
I believe if you use the term "sw1tch k1tes" seabreeze wont allow your post to be posted.
I had to use a 1 instead of an i because of it. I used to replace the s with a $ but I just tried that and it didn't work.
Doesn't surprise me that has been done. shops and big name brands advertise on here............. 
djoblin
what is that ??? [URL=
] 
[/URL]
But yes you are not lying please accept my apologies. You just spent 10s on sw1tch website and jumped at the opportunity to discredit the brand...
westozwind I'm an ex CIA agent working now for Sw1tch, I'm using a CIA device on my computer to change my IP address. You unmasked me so I will tell you a secret : the CIA is responsible of the 9/11! Or I'm just looking for privacy... your choice
Alysum said... edit: is anyone else having issues posting long responses ? I had some issue but seems that you can't post reply with the word S.W.1T.C.H.K.1.T.E.S .... When the world march to protect freedom of expression it's sad to see this on this forum...
Select to expand quotepezzy said..Alysum said..
edit: is anyone else having issues posting long responses ?
I believe if you use the term "sw1tch k1tes" seabreeze wont allow your post to be posted.
I had to use a 1 instead of an i because of it. I used to replace the s with a $ but I just tried that and it didn't work.
Doesn't surprise me that has been done. shops and big name brands advertise on here.............
pezzy said..Alysum said..
edit: is anyone else having issues posting long responses ?
I believe if you use the term "sw1tch k1tes" seabreeze wont allow your post to be posted.
I had to use a 1 instead of an i because of it. I used to replace the s with a $ but I just tried that and it didn't work.
Doesn't surprise me that has been done. shops and big name brands advertise on here.............
Wow that is OUTRAGEOUS.... Shame on the seabreeze administrators...
Actually I spent 5 mins looking for schools and found the school program with NO schools in it, the image you so badly put up here (way to small to see) is of demo kites with a couple of tiny schools that look like one man ops, and they are really not advertising that they use SW kites at all, perhaps they are a little shy.
I don't need to do anything to discredit the brand.... Call a spade a spade mate and stop trying to put words in my mouth.
Haha... must be spam detection. You can write switch and switch kite just not switch kite_s or $witch kite_s.
The amount of people pimping switch at the moment I have no doubt that it has been blocked must be a major campaign underway to sell those kites in aus! But in all honesty every brand these days makes good kites, and are all just as good as switch, often better, as for being easier to fly than a switchblade, common really? Unless you literally have no kiting experience at all and in which case you really shouldn't be posting a review but asking questions of your local more experienced guys, a bad tradesman blames his tools just like a bad kiter blames his kite.
If you are so keen to continue to pimp this brand, how about doing what other businesses do and give Laurie some $$$ an go pimp crazy.
It's not a "free" service, the $$$ paid by businesses to advertise here keeps the site up and running.
No one is forcing you to be a member.
Cheers tightlines.
I've got a little pressure gauge on the pump which has helped. Telling me 7-8bar when full, seems nice and tinny?
I'll check out the vid cheers, has been getting a little easier as I get the technique, just a bit tougher than the element which is super easy to use. Nitro wind range is way better tho, really increased time on the water and 14m has been decent up to 20knts so far when I usually put up the 11.
Still been loving the kites tho, would love to compare them when I get the chance. Kitestock?
Yeah, sorry, I was thinking about it again and you do require a bit of technique... but just a little. It's less pull a rear lime and wait, and more watch the kite and react appropriately. Good to learn a proper relaunch technique though!
Ignore the gauge, they're all flakey, and trust your bend or ping test. And don't forget to add a little more for cold days.
I don't see why Switch need to run a school? There's no money in running kite lessons in NZ, unless you want to pour hours and hours of time for a pretty dismal profit in many cases.
I think their goal is to get cheap gear to people and they seem to be doing that, based on the accounts I hear about on this forum
Select to expand quoteChris_M said..
I don't see why Switch need to run a school? There's no money in running kite lessons in NZ, unless you want to pour hours and hours of time for a pretty dismal profit in many cases.
I think their goal is to get cheap gear to people and they seem to be doing that, based on the accounts I hear about on this forum
NB Hope I didn't offend any schools, if you are making it work good on you, what I'm trying to say is it's not easy money
Select to expand quoteJamessyduniv said..
When the world march to protect freedom of expression it's sad to see this on this forum...
It's well publicised that switch offers "rewards" to purchasers for posting in forums,and getting referrals via demos.
As an example of how keen riders are to get their spambuy points, one of the posters in this topic created over 13 (thirteen) different logins, and used them to pimp the brand - which was the final straw that saw the brand kicked out for good.
Every other week, more spam from local & overseas "team salesmen" - all looking to earn their spambuy points by posting on this site.
Sorry to all you switch fans, but you've cooked your own goose. No industry conspiracy, its been caused by a people chasing their $$$ posting/referral rewards and ruining it for everybody.
Whilst this brand chooses to reward purchasers with "spam for cash", they're not welcome & will be treated as per mobile phone sellers/fake passports etc.
Sorry - topic locked.
Thanks.
p.s. To answer the original topic: "What do Switch bring to the party?" .... for here, the answer is "fake logins & fake posts".
