What do Switch bring to the party

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'd like to try them, but cant be bothered trying to organise one of their "team" to let me demo some kites, so I guess that's holding me back from purchasing one. They seem to go ok though. I'd like to try the Combats

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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?

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snalberski said..

" Switch themselves did that by formulating and innovating an entirely new business strategy. "

I'm a relatively new kiter so don't know the full story, but isn't this the same way Best started ?

Clearly didn't work for them or at least not as well as the full service model they have now.

I don't have anything against Switch... in fact have been tempted to buy one of their kites many times. However, every time I walk into my local kite shop I can definitely see the value I get from some local support. Whether is repairs, demos or a small accessory it feels great to walk in and out without all the chasing.

There is enough market for everyone I guess.

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Juddy said..
I've brought pop corn, beers, and a comfy chair for this thread.....

Don't get to settled in, it probably won't be here for that long Juddy.

Based on viewing and demoing the kites I personally think they are solid but definitely not the best in Market.

I demoed several kites before I purchased and for me Ozone, North, Wainman, Core and Liquid force rode better (Can't comment on other brands).

I will admit for the first time in 12 years I purchased outside OZ after I received some really poor advice/service from 2 local stores.

Shop one attempted to persuade me to buy a kite that clearly didn't suit my riding style. The second shop I contacted twice via phone (didn't call me back) and once in person and wouldn't come back to me on price or timeline to order.

I felt a bit guilty however I think I have purchased at least 20 Kites and 7 boards over the years. I will definitely look to purchase local in the future.

Cheers

my mate bought the nitro 4 12m, and now has a full quiver.
i had a ride and was grinning for 2 days after. great boosting and glide.
worth a demo for sure

Well to keep juddy eating his popcorn...if their is a team rider in WA reading, get a nitro 10 and 12 down here and I will get the crew to ride them up against the dice, rebels, C4s (2011 of course what else) and dyno's down here, we will get to the bottom of it... And I will also chuck in a fuse or two to test this so called superior jumping of the nitro for you all...oh got an edge floating about what the hell, all for good measure.

PS nitro 4s of course, we rode the nitro 3s..not for long though

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Jamessyduniv said..
eppo, thefacts check the map on their website ;)

And why Fck would I want to do that. I'm not that interested, but if someone wants a balanced test, get em on down here!

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 ;)

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Jamessyduniv said..
and Djoblin you are so funny!
Being afraid for your job is not a reason to lie...

That's a big call, what's he (supposedly) lying about? 15 posts and all on this topic. Another Switch pimp?
More popcorn Juddy?

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thefacts said..
James01 said..
"Based on viewing and demoing the kites I personally think they are solid but definitely not the best in Market."

James01 - keen to know where you got a demo and which models/year they were as I am keen to get my hands on a demo in WA.

Thefacts.

A mate of mine gave me a demo. Not sure on the year it was a 12 metre method i believe.

As i said solid kite i just didn't think it was amazing. Horses for courses, give it a go and see.

Cheers

I emailed them about getting a demo in Christchurch last year... they sent me a Nitro3 14 and bar, which arrived a few days after we landed, and I enjoyed it for about 2 weeks. Cost me $35, for the return post. Impressed with the service, impressed with the gear.

Dealing with their "business model" is exactly how I deal with any other company here - except there's no middle man mooching a hundred-percent plus mark up, and forgetting to put orders in for weeks and weeks.

... has anyone thought about doing a traveling store, a la SnapOn?

Spare parts are cheap as and only a couple of days away by post. Any questions are usually answered pretty quickly by Felix Pivec or Bill Hansen on the forum.
The V3 Nitros and Elements are very good and they have improved the unhooked feel of both of those kites since the original versions IMHO. I am still very happy with my original V1 Combats and I can't seem to break them.

Kite shops can run schools, help those who need guidance every step of the way, and then encourage people towards their preferred brand. Switch doesn't offer that level of service and there will always be a place for a local kite shop.

The only good thing they bring to the party...

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