I've bought used kites on seabreeze from other sellers but I have been @ AKS for one thing or another, or to get my friends set up who are new to the sport. I've always found the guys to be pretty easy going about it (mainly spoken to Dan?)... They also price gear low (I think a friend bought his kite for ?650? From AKS )

Also the shop does post in the buy and sell section like anyone else. I think their a friendly bunch too, not too clicky.

I don't mean this to be a local vs online shopping post, for a guy that likes to research and read up online the guys at AKS have never played the hard sell and have always been friendly with any questions. I think both have their place in our world.

Choose what works for you, as they say "the proof is in the pudding".

Here you go

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juicerider said..
+1 for switch kites. Current models are all under about $1000

Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

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carbine said.





Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

Said the average Troll.

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toppleover said..

carbine said.





Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

Said the average Troll.

that can afford above average kites.

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cauncy said..
Here you go

Thanks for the info. Kinda highlights my point though.
Whilst they look like decent prices, compared to their original price for those kites; only one, the 7m, is under $1000.
So I wouldn't say it's easy finding the new older models for under a grand.

They are close to a grand though...so, possibly arguing semantics? Maybe, but the statement was specific.

Don't take me wrong, I'm not trying to single out anyone/shop in particular.

All shops do this; it's like the sales promos 'get up to 50% or more off!!'
When you look into it, sure, they're selling something for 50% off.
One obscure item.
That noone wants.

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carbine said..

toppleover said..

carbine said.





Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

Said the average Troll.

that can afford above average kites.

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kiterboy said..

cauncy said..
Here you go

Thanks for the info. Kinda highlights my point though.
Whilst they look like decent prices, compared to their original price for those kites; only one, the 7m, is under $1000.
So I wouldn't say it's easy finding the new older models for under a grand.

They are close to a grand though...so, possibly arguing semantics? Maybe, but the statement was specific.

Don't take me wrong, I'm not trying to single out anyone/shop in particular.

All shops do this; it's like the sales promos 'get up to 50% or more off!!'
When you look into it, sure, they're selling something for 50% off.
One obscure item.
That noone wants.

Well if you buy a 7 and 9 that's 2 grand get a 12 and that's $3200 for a full quiver of premium quality kites, core kites are second to none on build quality
I always spent big on a yearly basis when times were good, wa is going down the pan, times are tough for everyone,
The midwest is one of the best wind sport destinations on the planet
and we don't have a single retailer as tight arses, saving a few dollars have forced them to close

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cauncy said..
Here you go

Wow!
with prices like that, I'm thinking of adding to my quiver

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carbine said..

juicerider said..
+1 for switch kites. Current models are all under about $1000

Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

If they're good enough for Marc JAcobs and Felix Pivec they're good enough for me....and middle aged mid life crisis lawn mower golf converts like u

Can't go wrong with a GTS3 for that price! I love that kite!

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cauncy said..
The midwest is one of the best wind sport destinations on the planet and we don't have a single retailer as tight arses, saving a few dollars have forced them to close

That's a bit harsh mate.. the vast majority of kiters (actually the whole of WA) continue to face increasing costs of living so something has to give and unfortunately one of the 1st groups to suffer are those who provide non neccesity toys. There are loads of businesses closing weekly in WA.

What are your 2 biggest costs in your cafe? Wages and rent right? If things are getting a bit tight, the very 1st thing you do is cut back on casual staff. They then cut back on their purchases as they are now tight so other local businesses suffer... it's a vicious cycle and one that seemingly shows no sign of getting better in the immediate future.

Well on a Happy note..
The cost to make any brand kite compared to the shop price is just forkin ridiculous.

Im happy theres always gonna be a huge market for small brands at realistic prices.

If small cheap brand builds a ripper kite - big brands will suffer - the World internet is 1 second away.

Its brought down Countries and regimes

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CJ2478 said..

carbine said..

juicerider said..
+1 for switch kites. Current models are all under about $1000

Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

If they're good enough for Marc JAcobs and Felix Pivec they're good enough for me....and middle aged mid life crisis lawn mower golf converts like u

'Good Enough' says the average bloke.

Pretty sure the gravy train dried up for these lads and they jumped on the next best thing.

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carbine said..

juicerider said..
+1 for switch kites. Current models are all under about $1000

Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

And Felix Pivec an average wave kitesurfer ?

Please take your trolling elsewhere.

Hi Kiterboy,

I'm pretty sure most of our superceded and second hand kites are online on Seabreeze and many, but not all arte on our website. We have a number of big name kites for sale, brand new and around, or under the $1K mark. Have a look.

There is a big difference between the big name brands and the budget brands and I'm not about to go into it here. Yes you can get a Great Wall ute which will do the job, but can you buy a Hilux, Navara, BT-50 or Amarok for the price of a Great Wall? no. Yes, the Great Wall will do the job, but for how long, and does it have the performance or the efficiency or Quality of life options fitted to the other vehicles? No. Is it good value, maybe ... for the price, but the Great Wall will be long time dead whilst all the others will be continuing to provide superior performance long into the future. People who buy name brand items, do so because of the quality and service they come with. Same with kites. Don't expect to find a big name brand kite for the price of a budget one. But enough about that.

When I spoke of customer relations in an earlier post, I just had this experience. I just had a new customer leave the shop. He had bought an old Gen 2 Carbon electric skateboard some time ago and it wasn't working so he brought it in for me to have a look at. I identified the problem after about 20 minutes, we then chatted as I went about trying to repair the damaged component and get him up and riding without having to try and source the now long outdated parts. We got on well and chatted about all things whilst I worked on the board. In the end, I couldn't get it going after an hour of tinkering and he had to go. I worked on the board for a further hour after he left and managed to get it going again. After a quick test, I SMS'd him letting him know that it was available for pickup.

I'd spent 2 hours on it and put a couple of 2nd hand bits I had lying around to fix another smaller problem as well. In the SMS I didn't give him a price for the repair, because i just didn't feel right charging $120 for 2hrs labour for this kind of work. He came in this morning and asked the price, I thought $40 was fine and I liked him and figured that was what I'd think was a good deal if in his shoes. He paid $50 and said to keep it. I was happy, he was happy, we now have the start of a customer relationship and he has now joined our skate group which has other benefits. I'm sure we will sell him more stuff in the future and we have a relationship of trust and shared passion for our pass times. This is how it starts.

I had the same kind of relationship with my favourite local windsurfing shop back in the 80's. I'd drop in and say G'Day, there'd often be new stuff and sometimes I'd buy a little, and sometimes a lot. I didn't need to shop around despite there being no shortage of windsurf shops in the 80's, because I trusted him, liked thew gear he sold and new he would do the best he could for me. We are friends to this day.

By simply looking for the cheapest deal online, you miss out on something which has been removed from the consumer experience of times seemingly long gone. Getting to know your local seller, or mechanic, electrician, lawnmower, postie or whatever, will usually ensure you get better than average service and better pricing or other benefits. Relationships are the thing that makes it all worth while and will help both you and your local seller.

DM

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CJ2478 said..


and middle aged mid life crisis lawn mower golf converts like u

sounds like me, where do I buy CJ!

Buy second hand is my creed, don't think I will make any 40foot jumps any time soon so new kites not a priority just well looked after seconds.

But if its important to boost and play at top level, pay for quality and innovation and then value, ill buy it after a season or two.

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carbine said..

juicerider said..
+1 for switch kites. Current models are all under about $1000

Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

You'd be an average rider at best. You should buy some

Your obviously doing something right to have survived retail this long Darren, but then you have changed with the times and have put a lot into your online shop. I think you have to be good at both to be successful and any shops who havn't stepped up their online presence are probably going backwards. Kiting has also changed where many experienced kiters are now in a position where they don't need (or think they don't) the services of a shop but just want low prices and available spares.
Those cores must be the best value I have seen no matter where you buy from too.

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carbine said..

juicerider said..
+1 for switch kites. Current models are all under about $1000

Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

I wish I was as much an average a kiter as Mark Jacobs then.
Sure there are differences between all brands, but for sure the biggest one is psychological.
BTW the only switch kite I've used is the Legacy , so can only compare that to other average kites like the Fuel, Vagas, and Torch

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Alysum said..

carbine said..

juicerider said..
+1 for switch kites. Current models are all under about $1000

Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

And Felix Pivec an average wave kitesurfer ?

Please take your trolling elsewhere.

Trolling?

I didn't mean to be mean, but if you take offense, i'm sorry.

I'm just saving there average, for the average person.

rider skill has nothing to do with the quality of gear your riding, its more about how much $$$ you have

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carbine said..

Alysum said..

carbine said..

juicerider said..
+1 for switch kites. Current models are all under about $1000

Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

And Felix Pivec an average wave kitesurfer ?

Please take your trolling elsewhere.

Trolling?

I didn't mean to be mean, but if you take offense, i'm sorry.

I'm just saving there average, for the average person.

rider skill has nothing to do with the quality of gear your riding, its more about how much $$$ you have

You said average kites for average riders you . So if an average rider uses a bigger name brand that would make them better according to you

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mowingthelawn said..

carbine said..

Alysum said..

carbine said..

juicerider said..
+1 for switch kites. Current models are all under about $1000

Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

And Felix Pivec an average wave kitesurfer ?

Please take your trolling elsewhere.

Trolling?

I didn't mean to be mean, but if you take offense, i'm sorry.

I'm just saving there average, for the average person.

rider skill has nothing to do with the quality of gear your riding, its more about how much $$$ you have

You said average kites for average riders you . So if an average rider uses a bigger name brand that would make them better according to you

Nah I said the average dude, not the average rider.

You know as in the average every day guy. Drives a commodore, fat missus etc etc Look in the mirror.

Ha ha Carbine you back tracking SOB looks like you went back and edited your post, I read "for the average kite rider" last time too

Anyway. Stop crying the lot of you.

I'm ready to go boost some massive jumps on my Switch Nitro. Things a fuggin beast. Build quality as good as any other kite Ive ever owned. Bar not amazing but oh well.

PS Ive seen quite a few range rovers/ BMWs/ Mercs on the side of the highway lately with the hood up, no doubt there have been a few toyotas including my own cruising past, still going strong after 350000 clicks and no sign of slowing. Premium price don't always mean longevity

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Chris_M said..
Ha ha Carbine you back tracking SOB looks like you went back and edited your post, I read "for the average kite rider" last time too

Anyway. Stop crying the lot of you.

I'm ready to go boost some massive jumps on my Switch Nitro. Things a fuggin beast. Build quality as good as any other kite Ive ever owned. Bar not amazing but oh well.

PS Ive seen quite a few range rovers/ BMWs/ Mercs on the side of the highway lately with the hood up, no doubt there have been a few toyotas including my own cruising past, still going strong after 350000 clicks and no sign of slowing. Premium price don't always mean longevity

Yep and then i hacked everyone's account and edited the quotes.

.....for the average & slow

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carbine said..

Chris_M said..
Ha ha Carbine you back tracking SOB looks like you went back and edited your post, I read "for the average kite rider" last time too

Anyway. Stop crying the lot of you.

I'm ready to go boost some massive jumps on my Switch Nitro. Things a fuggin beast. Build quality as good as any other kite Ive ever owned. Bar not amazing but oh well.

PS Ive seen quite a few range rovers/ BMWs/ Mercs on the side of the highway lately with the hood up, no doubt there have been a few toyotas including my own cruising past, still going strong after 350000 clicks and no sign of slowing. Premium price don't always mean longevity

Yep and then i hacked everyone's account and edited the quotes.

.....for the average & slow

Hah must have been one of those clever statements where what your eyes read and what your brain registers are two different things

C U Next Tuesday

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carbine said..

mowingthelawn said..

carbine said..

Alysum said..

carbine said..

juicerider said..
+1 for switch kites. Current models are all under about $1000

Bill Hansen designs average kites.

average price for an average kite for an average dude.

And Felix Pivec an average wave kitesurfer ?

Please take your trolling elsewhere.

Trolling?

I didn't mean to be mean, but if you take offense, i'm sorry.

I'm just saving there average, for the average person.

rider skill has nothing to do with the quality of gear your riding, its more about how much $$$ you have

You said average kites for average riders you . So if an average rider uses a bigger name brand that would make them better according to you

Nah I said the average dude, not the average rider.

You know as in the average every day guy. Drives a commodore, fat missus etc etc Look in the mirror.

Blokes having a fat missus ..wouldn't that mean she is above average? Anyway you shouldn't talk about bigger women like that. I know how sensitive your mum is about her weight. Its been tough on her. She started all this 'emotional eating' she calls it and put on a heap of weight ever since she had that retarded kid. Poor blokes spends most his time on seabreeze under the name carbine.
Look in the mirror

awww brothers fighting on the internet, leave yr mum out of it she had to push you out when everyone was saying cross your legs and keep em in, so you owe her that much!

.

I tend to buy 1 or 2 year old new kites from USA eBay for less than half their normal retail price. Works for me.. And saves money to throw at boards, cause let's face it you can never have too many board's and foils!

I have just purchased a couple of gongkite.com kites. Buying more in larger sizes later this year! (I use their strutless kite)

I broke a kite line (manufacturing fault) sent it back to them, they sent me back a whole new bar... Not bad customer service I say.

They're based out of France.