Hi fellow kiters,
I was wondering if you could help me with a Uni marketing assignment I have got going at the moment.
I am focusing on, in particular, whether team riders/professionals influence your decision to buy particular equipment they are using. If you saw a top ten rider with particular gear, are you more inclined to purchase that brand?

For those involved in sponsoring team riders (ie - shops) - do you get your money's worth out of supplying free gear to sponsored riders? Do they bring you in revenue exceeding your outlay or is it more about promoting your business? Is it an effective marketing tool for your business?

And to all kiters - do professional or sponsored riders influences your decision to buy products - or is it more the school you did lessons at, your mates, product reviews in magazines etc??

Thanks, I really appreciate your views.

Eppo lol

Just like the others have said. I base my purchase on the opinions of those people I know and respect (their knowledge in their chosen field). In the loop, KP, the POM Kiter Prez etc.

I dunno Eppo

Eppo....

Mainly my wife!!! Unfortunately she does not understand you need lots of kites and a range of boards...

Try before you buy - its the only way!

Wizard said..

(1) If you saw a top ten rider with particular gear, are you more inclined to purchase that brand?

(2) do professional or sponsored riders influences your decision to buy products -

(3) is it the school you did lessons at

(4) your mates

(5) product reviews in magazines etc??

Thanks, I really appreciate your views.

(1) no
(2) not that I'm aware of
(3) I never went to kite school
(4) yes it gives you a chance to see, demo.
(5) a little
But it comes down more to quality, performance, price, availability, and there are some brands I'm just not into so wouldn't consider.
Some of the most talented kiters aren't the best re reviews. Also it's so subjective , even taking out variations in weight, riding conditions, skill level, and expectations of performance in certain wind ranges you can get wildly varying opinions.
eg we nearly all fly by feel, hardly ever even looking at the kite. If I came from a kite with heavier bar pressure and demoed a kite lighter on the bar, it would be easy to choke it. In other words you instinctively fly the kite how you would with you regular quiver, which may not get the best performance out of it. Hence I'm dubious of 1 ride reviews, where they haven't dialled the kite in. There are certain reviewers on here I trust, who are about the same weight and use similar equipment, who would influence a purchase decision. Rant over. Hope you pass your assignment.
Btw I think the Best kites brand marketing is useless as all the best riders helmets just fog up when they look at those bikini clad nymphs

From people I think know what they are talking about but also follow a similar style to me as well as have an understanding of the conditions I am faced with

So , not pro riders but local mates and others who have a similar approach or can understand my conditions.

I don't boost much, don't do tricks , just look for waves and finding a balance in life. Those are the people I look for advice from.

To be honest i'm a bit annoyed at the hype each year. This years model is sooooo much better than last years.

I have lost faith completely in sponsered riders. They typically are completely one eyed and totally unable to highlight any negative points about a kite/board.

As others have have said. Try yourself. that is the best option.
If you cannot test yourself, lets face it not everyone has access to lots of kite brands to demo. If this is the face then look for advice from experienced guys who have a similar style to you.


PS Kamizuka. Price is your primary concern? don't you have a 21m speed? the most expensive kite on the plannet? how did you allow yourself to buy that if price was your primary concern.

Invention of the wheel.

Hence why Naish sold so few Helix's!

my mum

Plummet has a good point about access to try before you buy, some people don't have that luxury I am one of those ones where I had to think about it a bit before purchasing gear. So that includes reading this forum and having discussions and so forth, also taking in consideration of particular style of kiting I want to do or want to get into. And what are the best options to get me there. However ill admit I also learnt from buying from not so trust worthy people and bought dodgy kites and boards. So I am thankful I met some kiters that were willing to give advice and lend a hand.

G-SPOT extreme sports !

I choose the kite that resembles most the fashion choices of Rick Kane in the movie North Shore.

Lots of gullible sheeple around

What influences my purchases is when you enquire about a kite and the retailer shows that he actually cares about your purchase. I have emailed and contacted a number of stores asking when they will have something in stock or when something will be released etc and have had no response. It shouldn't be the buyer chasing the seller. In the end I purchased from the retailer that gave the best service.