I'm curious about the new Switch Nitro 3, probably in 8m as they don't do a 9m.

I can find the odd review online, but not many and very few on the latest 2014 Nitro3.

The prices certainly look good (~$750 delivered without a bar +$300 with bar), and I'm looking for an inexpensive way to add a smaller kite to round off my ozone catalyst 12m.

At this point I just want a good all purpose kite for me to keep learning on when the winds get a bit much for my 12m cat, probably around 21kts + or so upwards.

Rider: 87kg, Level (beginner), on twintip: underground flx 138
Style: Freeriding for now.
Weather: 21knots - ?
Disclosure: (Currently not very experienced)

As a beginner I suspect most of the subtleties of kite handling are a bit wasted on me - As long as it's not massively twitchy, or will launch me to the moon unexpectedly if I make a mistake or get a small gust. (Comparative to an Ozone Cat). I am very interested in if they are well made and reliable.

Have flown the 10 nice and smooth. For an all rounder you might want to consider an element2

Was at my local one day when this guy rocks up with a brand new (still in the plastic) Switch kite. He pulled it out and pumped it up (had to borrow my pump), two of the struts were leaking

I know for a fact that Cabrinha pumps up every one of it's kites in the factory as part of it's quality control system. Just a small thing I know but, there are reasons why some things in life are cheaper than others.

Being a newb, I would suggest that u maybe go for a second hand Catalyst (quite a few 8m in the buy and sell section) as they are a great all round kite.

Nice board btw, oh and it's not the small gusts u need to worry about

P.S. If u do want to boost to the moon, get an Edge

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SetAdrift said..

I'm curious about the new Switch Nitro 3, probably in 8m as they don't do a 9m.

I can find the odd review online, but not many and very few on the latest 2014 Nitro3.

The prices certainly look good (~$750 delivered without a bar +$300 with bar), and I'm looking for an inexpensive way to add a smaller kite to round off my ozone catalyst 12m.

At this point I just want a good all purpose kite for me to keep learning on when the winds get a bit much for my 12m cat, probably around 21kts + or so upwards.

Rider: 87kg, Level (beginner), on twintip: underground flx 138
Style: Freeriding for now.
Weather: 21knots - ?
Disclosure: (Currently not very experienced)

As a beginner I suspect most of the subtleties of kite handling are a bit wasted on me - As long as it's not massively twitchy, or will launch me to the moon unexpectedly if I make a mistake or get a small gust. (Comparative to an Ozone Cat). I am very interested in if they are well made and reliable.

From my observations, they are a cheap kite, not very well made. We have a 2011 8M C4 complete and new for $899, hard to beat that for value.

I've got a 14m for a demo... assuming they scale:

Stable kite in the air. Light on the bar - I'd go for a "more bar pressure" setting if I was a newbie, for more feedback. Not aggressive unless you want it to be. Pulls good on the strokes. Goes upwind well. Good wind range...

Not well made?!?! Utter nonsense.

Selling a C-kite to a newbie...? Well, I guess you gotta shift that old stock one way or another

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pedleym said..

Have flown the 10 nice and smooth. For an all rounder you might want to consider an element2

If you want to match more closely to the cat, the element may be a better consideration. Plus as a relative new kiter something a little less demanding more all round as said above.

Ideally though a smaller cat would be ideal to keep the same feel in the quiver....

And while it is easy to have a crack at Steve coming in context as as he did....the 2011 C4 would actually be a bloody good option. My bro has one and still claims it is the best kite he has ever owned (and his other kites are 2013 and 2014) and he takes it out in some crazy conditions and yet can be out in 21 knots. Flat or waves he can't get enough of it.

I fly ozones, and have flown the nitros, they certainly don't look or fly like a budget kite, the are 2 locals who fly them and haven't had a problem with all models , the kite is superbly put together , the older bar had a couple of wear issues but the new bars all good, well worth a demo , as for longevity the nitro 1 is still going strong after a few seasons and constant abuse, personally I'd put it above some of the bigger brands as an all round package

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SetAdrift said..
]

I'm curious about the new Switch Nitro 3, probably in 8m as they don't do a 9m.

I can find the odd review online, but not many and very few on the latest 2014 Nitro3.

The prices certainly look good (~$750 delivered without a bar +$300 with bar), and I'm looking for an inexpensive way to add a smaller kite to round off my ozone catalyst 12m.

At this point I just want a good all purpose kite for me to keep learning on when the winds get a bit much for my 12m cat, probably around 21kts + or so upwards.

Rider: 87kg, Level (beginner), on twintip: underground flx 138
Style: Freeriding for now.
Weather: 21knots - ?
Disclosure: (Currently not very experienced)

As a beginner I suspect most of the subtleties of kite handling are a bit wasted on me - As long as it's not massively twitchy, or will launch me to the moon unexpectedly if I make a mistake or get a small gust. (Comparative to an Ozone Cat). I am very interested in if they are well made and reliable.

I've owned 9 of these kites across 2 models since before they launched, started with the Methods and now riding Elements. in this time I've had one kite that has had ANY issue that being the first pre production kite that had an issue out of the bag, the guys worked through it with me and found that there where two piece of the bridle backwards, I have note seen and issue since.

I'd pick the Element as a beginer over the Nitro they are pretty similar kites with many of the improvements made in the element worked into the nitro 3, just the nitro is tuned up a bit more. Element I'd pick as it's a bit easier to relaunch and comes in a 9 which will fit nicely with your 12, the design concept behind the Element is also pretty similar to the cat (being a beginer friendly allrounder) so shouldn't limit your options as you improve, nitro is higher aspect than Element and more freeride so may.

that's my 2c

ah and don't worry about the bar unless you want a second, your ozone bar will be fine with it.

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Kitepower Australia said..

From my observations, they are a cheap kite, not very well made.

Let me start by saying that I have no affiliation at all to Switch.

Judging by your statement above I can only say that you haven't looked very hard.

These kites are second to none as far as build quality goes. I can only assume that this is a form of self defense because the statement is TOTALLY unjustified and placing my kites next to any industry leading kite manufacturer's kites will have any person asking a lot of logical questions.

I have the Nitro 2 in the 12 and 8m. They are built VERY well and I prefer the Nitro's flight characteristics to the 2009 12m Rebel used to own.

Maybe I'm wrong and feel free to correct me if I am, but your comment reads like a cheap shot to anyone who owns a switch kite.

Don't know what model it was, but the rider had repeated problems with it deflating at the NZ Nats, general consensus there was that they are cheaply built kites. One of our shop employees used to ride them when he came to work for us, so I've had a good look at them and observed him and how they fly, he could not wait to get off them and onto a decent kite (now rides Cab Chaos)

Ozone C4 2011 is an excellent kite, and fine for anyone to learn on.

Okay this post can go two ways.

1. Offer some constructive suggestions to the dude whose relatively new in asking for suggestions, re suitability flight characteristics for his purpose.

2. Keep your bitching and justification regarding switch quality.... And go down the path every small brand seems to with born again converts banging on at verbatim at how good their kite are and how much less they cost!!

There is no need, switch quality is fine end of story. The more you justify the more people wonder...

Also their new bar is well engineered and makes a lot of sense, one of the better ones I've tried this year...above and below swivel, simple bar length adjustments, back line adjustments under the float...straight forward, simple and effective design.

Now back to useful suggestions for the dude...


Ps whose gonna be the first one to bite at the above post.....ready, steady...go.


Fck that guys got no head...impressive!!!

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Kitepower Australia said..

Don't know what model it was, but the rider had repeated problems with it deflating at the NZ Nats, general consensus there was that they are cheaply built kites. One of our shop employees used to ride them when he came to work for us, so I've had a good look at them and observed him and how they fly, he could not wait to get off them and onto a decent kite (now rides Cab Chaos)

Ozone C4 2011 is an excellent kite, and fine for anyone to learn on.

It was actually the Switch Team rider that won the NZ nationals on a Switch kite.

I have no vested interest and no desire to get into a some sort of drawn out discussion.

My experience is VERY, VERY different from what you are saying here and it's interesting that after bagging the kites you plug an inexpensive kite that you sell (notice I wrote inexpensive and not cheap). Just saying how it seems when I read it.

You're welcome to your opinion but in my experience it couldn't be further from the truth.

My partner and I have an element 2 and a nitro 3 that we share (amongst other kites). The element was great for me when I was first learning as it was forgiving and responded well. My partner uses it regularly in the surf, flatwater and chop, has definitely tested its limits... he absolutely raves about it. The nitro is a 6m and I use it in 25+ knots which is usually quite gusty. It provides good gust response, goes upwind well and, like the element, has different settings to change for conditions, which have taken me a little time to work out. Although it's high aspect, it relauches well. We've definitely tested the endurance of both kites and have stood the test, showing excellent quality production. Also, switch has excellent customer service, responds to questions quickly and posts everything promptly. They're lovely guys selling great quality, well designed kites that are affordable.... as a consumer it's a thumbs up.

Wasn't there a recall on 2011 ozone kites because the main valve glue was failing and detaching from the bladder. I purchased a 2011 c4 to learn with and the valve leaked which was replaced at no cost.From my experience I wouldn't recommend learning with a c4, there are heaps of kites out there better suited to beginners. I ended up loving my c4 but I did have to repair mine about 4 times and I have seen lots of other ones tear as well. When I was enquiring about a new kite and was interested in wainmans I got advised against it by people who said the build quality was poor etc. 8 months and not a problem at all.

Hopefully you can see through all the hype and bull**** surrounding kite purchases and get yourself a good kite.

For a start let me say that any kite can have deflating problems they all only have a thin bladder that can puncture and one pump fittings can leak.
Eg a few years ago I had a 2 week holiday up North, flying my Eclipse Kima 6 everyday with no deflating issues whatsoever, I competed in the Wedge wave comp on my way home and the kite deflated on me in my first heat, crashed and bowtied. :(

I have flown Switch kites for 3 years and had way less drama with them than with any other kites I have owned, so to me there is absolutely no quality issues with the kites.
The original bar did wear the depower line fairly quickly but this was easily and cheaply replaced.

I have always flown the original Methods but know they weren't for everyone because of heavy bar pressure, it was never a problem for me and I love the kites especially my 5 and 7 which are still going strong. (I have replaced a couple of bladders over that period but the kites have had a hell of a lot of use and again this is cheap and easy to do with good instructional video's showing you how on their website).

I usually ride a strapless surfboard so I still fly the Methods mainly and have recently bought the V2 7 and 13 but I also just bought a Nitro 3 10mtr to do a bit of freestyle and racing..

I would love to do a review on it but as I am a team rider it would be just shot down so all I will say is I love this kite it is so smooth and does everything well, it is probably more of an intermediate than a beginners kite but I am fairly certain if you bought the 8 you would be very happy with it.

Perhaps I should loan it to Eppo and get him to do a review? because I get the feeling it is the sort of kite he would love, a smooth, fast, big jumping, floaty freestyle type kite.

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Echelon said..


It was actually the Switch Team rider that won the NZ nationals on a Switch kite.

Yeah but Marc would win no matter Which kite he was flying!

And Marc could probably fly whatever brand of kite he wanted, surely at that level you would want the best....he chooses Switch.

I had a look at the new Element at the beach today - just because I have been thinking about buying a Switch, but hadn't really seen them close up. The quality of the kite looked ok to me - stitching seemed pretty tidy, and the canopy material looked and felt pretty decent.

He was flying it off an Ozone bar so can't comment on that.

I'd be keen to know if anybody had tried the new Combats and might be able to give a bit of a review.....


Cheers

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Kitepower Australia said..

Don't know what model it was, but the rider had repeated problems with it deflating at the NZ Nats, general consensus there was that they are cheaply built kites.

That model is a Version 1 Combat so is at least two years old. He probably just had a loose connection on the one pump system after tomahawking it into the water. My Combat V1s are still going strong after 2.5 years, no need to upgrade. They are not cheaply built kites.

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tightlines said..


Perhaps I should loan it to Eppo and get him to do a review? because I get the feeling it is the sort of kite he would love, a smooth, fast, big jumping, floaty freestyle type kite.

You think I have t flown it...lol! I wouldn't comment if I hadn't, quality wise.

Mate do a review who gives a stuff if you are a team rider, all input is good input. It's not like you own the company nor get any commission on sales you bring them, you just get cheaper gear that's all.

Write one. I haven't been on it long enough for my liking to really make an educated review...although I have spoken at length to someone who has been on them for a while now plus two other nitro sizes. He seems happy enough.

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SetAdrift said..

I'm curious about the new Switch Nitro 3, probably in 8m as they don't do a 9m.

I can find the odd review online, but not many and very few on the latest 2014 Nitro3.

The prices certainly look good (~$750 delivered without a bar +$300 with bar), and I'm looking for an inexpensive way to add a smaller kite to round off my ozone catalyst 12m.

At this point I just want a good all purpose kite for me to keep learning on when the winds get a bit much for my 12m cat, probably around 21kts + or so upwards.

Rider: 87kg, Level (beginner), on twintip: underground flx 138
Style: Freeriding for now.
Weather: 21knots - ?
Disclosure: (Currently not very experienced)

As a beginner I suspect most of the subtleties of kite handling are a bit wasted on me - As long as it's not massively twitchy, or will launch me to the moon unexpectedly if I make a mistake or get a small gust. (Comparative to an Ozone Cat). I am very interested in if they are well made and reliable.

the nitro has some serious boost in the correct winds, so as epps said you may be better on a less powerfull kite, its not dangerouse in its delivery its just there if you need it, ive had a good look at this kite and its a cracker even down to the bag and spares kit

Hey Eppo, Cauncy and others is it the Nitro 3 you guys have tried? because there was some big improvements between the 2 and 3 in smoothness, depower, relaunch that make it a better, easier kite to fly.

Yep nitro 3...didn't try the nitro 1 or 2 so I wouldn't know any differences.

I really liked the bar setup. Depower stopper would take some getting used to, bit small, make it bigger and more obvious. The grip I found a bit harsh but I've been told from someone whose spent long sessions over a decent period of time that it is not an issue.

OK, thanks heaps for all the feedback!

Switch have already confirmed that I could use my existing ozone bar.

I have been keeping an eye on 2nd hand catalysts (8m).

The Switch element is definitely a closer match to my existing catalyst, but the huge wind range of the Nitro is what makes it seem so appealing.

I'll have a think about it!

Not even going to get started on this quality bulls#!$
If u can afford it get a catalyst support your local shop
But the element or nitro is a very choice for a New kite at close to secondhand prices and they haven't been flogged . The old bar was fine but not so good safety v2. better safety wise and comfort . But you will need kook proof pigtails to use. Your ozone bar as the knots are on the steering lines and switch need knots on the centre lines

Just tie a knot in the ends, no probs!!

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pedleym said..

Not even going to get started on this quality bulls#!$
If u can afford it get a catalyst support your local shop
But the element or nitro is a very choice for a New kite at close to secondhand prices and they haven't been flogged . The old bar was fine but not so good safety v2. better safety wise and comfort . But you will need kook proof pigtails to use. Your ozone bar as the knots are on the steering lines and switch need knots on the centre lines

this is good advice, as a teamrider I'd love to see another Switch rider out there as they are as good as anything else on the market only real question is are they for you..... this is good advice as having a second Cat you'll find it easier as a beginer to change between the two as invariably different kites though designed for the same purpose fly differently and when you're starting out it's hard enough to get your head around everything going on around you without adding a kite the fly's differently into the mix, if you can find a second hand one or perhaps mr kitepower will come to the party and "help" you into another Cat. try your luck and if it doesn't work out either the Element or Nitro will still be there.

Referring to a comment from another post: "From my observations, they are a cheap kite, not very well made. We have a 2011 8M C4 complete and new for $899, hard to beat that for value."

I can't comment on value but there's a few top level freestyle guys in our area that fly the hell out them (Nitro's) and like them. From what they say, no problems with durability and I'll bet they dish out more abuse in one season than I could give it in years.

I tried a 2012 Switch Element and generally liked the kite, less the back-stall in lighter conditions. This could be a tuning issue however. I didn't care for the bar though and would consider something else if I owned one.

I have flown the element v2 13m and 11m against the nitro v3 10m and 12m. For me the only thing better on the element is its relaunch. Everything else, from turning, wind range, bar pressure goes to the nitro v3. I would recommend the Nitro v3 over the element even for noobs.

As for quality, I have been riding switch kites for 3 years, they are solid!

The v1 bar had serious issues, the V2 bar is great. You can pick holes, but it?s a good bar. I actually teach with the v2 bar and the nitro v3 kites, that?s how good they are.

So yup I am a team rider for switch, having said that, all it means is I get a discount when I buy their kites. If I did not like the kites, I would not buy them even with a discount. If I believed they had probs I would say so. I would not lie to you, or make sh!t up about the kites, but then again if I owed a kite shop it might be different ?. Switch does not use a middle man, no shops, so expect retailers to bag them or at least ignore them.

Oh as for the C4, nice kite, but yes the 2011 has valve issues. I actually was working at a school that was selling them at the time. The valve just kept blowing out for no reason, the slightest slap on the water and the valve would pop out. Yes of course the shop owner would always fain surprise with every customer that came back, oh really the valve popped out, wow never heard of that happening, did you screw it in properly? Are you sure you did not hit the water too hard? ?blah blah blah

Nah Pete , that was due to a batch of valve plugs (black) that came out, they were replaced for free (they were red) with no valve issues. Regarding the C4....and the whole range actually. Think I got the colours right way round Old age setting in aaaaahh