Each year around the same time most kite manufactures release a new kite, even if it's just a colour change/minor tweak.

Found this interesting as I've been riding Element v4,s & now on v5,s & thought I'd pass on the info to anyone else interested in the Swith Element v6.

(quote)

Hello Guys,
For all of you anticipating a v6 release for the Element shortly please do not hold your breath.
We have undergone extensive testing and to be honest are finding it hard to beat the drift on the current v5
This is something we do not want to give up as globally too many people are loving this kite in the waves.
We will continue to work on improving this model how ever do not feel right if we were just to change the colors and make you buy a new kite.
Continue to embrace your v5 Element.
Happy drifting.

Felix

have they upgraded thier bar yet or is still a double sided mace? genuine question. not trying to just bash on Switch.

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Adam'KiteRepair said..
have they upgraded thier bar yet or is still a double sided mace? genuine question. not trying to just bash on Switch.

Not bashing, i don't like or use the C3 either.
All i have heard is the Controller 4 release date is not too far away.

Saw the bar (or a prototype) being tested by Felix the other day. Please don't ask me a million questions, here's what I could tell: new softer grip, didn't see a swivel above the bar, single line flagging which I saw working perfectly about 10 times, overall really clean and non-cluttered looking setup. I still really like my franken-bar setup, combo of controller2/1 parts. As far as the Element goes, I can't think of anything I would change about it, that kite is great in the surf.

Yeah but.... it's always been touted as an all purpose kite, not just a wave kite. Surely improvements can be made. If you check their inventory it appears they're going very minimal, offering only one, not two colors.
I believe they'll release an E6 in August or September, just my hunch. As far as a bar goes, sure an upgrade would be wise but really any low V bar will work that has equal line length and single front flagging. My choice would be a Slingshot bar, great lines, proven design.

Haven't seen the main wave guy testing any element prototypes, but have seen him, Top hat, and Reo Stevens flying an interesting kite...sick video coming soon from the looks of it, might be an eye opener for the gear-centric kiters out there.

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gorgemay said..
Yeah but.... it's always been touted as an all purpose kite, not just a wave kite. Surely improvements can be made. If you check their inventory it appears they're going very minimal, offering only one, not two colors.
I believe they'll release an E6 in August or September, just my hunch. As far as a bar goes, sure an upgrade would be wise but really any low V bar will work that has equal line length and single front flagging. My choice would be a Slingshot bar, great lines, proven design.

I agree, hopefully it will be out before next WA season (I'm going to guess September/October). I think they'll first release a mono strut 7-9-12 for foiling then work on the Element more. Personally I'm hoping they can cut the weight a bit (not that it's a heavy kite) as they reduced the Nitro by 8% this last model. That way it will be even better for foiling and waves in light winds if they get the drift right. I'm tempted to try the new Ocean Rodeo bar even though the V is a metre higher up or so.

I'm looking forward to seeing what that new bar might look like!

I hope it comes with a PU coated main line through the bar - why are kite manufacturers persisting with double or even tripple ropes through the bar that wear out in no time ????

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JKimbler said..
Haven't seen the main wave guy testing any element prototypes, but have seen him, Top hat, and Reo Stevens flying an interesting kite...sick video coming soon from the looks of it, might be an eye opener for the gear-centric kiters out there.

www.instagram.com/p/BUNyolDFAN8/

Saw most of these sessions go down and it was pretty damn impressive watching the boys fly that kite.

.be

Correction, checked Switch's site and they now have both colors available again.
I still think a new version will come out before next year, they'd be foolish to not say it'll be sometime in 2018 if that is indeed the case as I suspect many are waiting now for a release in the next several months.

I recently ordered another Element and asked if they were close to bringing out a V6. If I remember correctly they said the V5 is still selling well, they were very busy, and they would not be starting work on the V6 until June or July.

I have element v4 5m and 9m. I'm torn between waiting for the new element v6 to come out for a new 7m or nabbing a 7m mono-strut when it comes out (should be soon) instead. Hopefully the mono-strut comes out before July so I don't have to pay duty on it after the government drops the $1000 exclusion.

We're all guilty of wanting the latest but the E5 is by all accounts an excellent kite. The 6 will likely be slightly better at best but it also could more specific as a wave kite at the expense of upwind performance for example. There's usually a trade off, lighter wieght is nice but might be less robust for learners. I know some years for Switchblades were not always well received. The 2012 Slingshot Rally has an almost cult following. The E6 could be the best Element ever but we won't know that for a while. We do know however V5 is pretty damn good.

Guys, dont hold your breath on the Ev6 coming out any time soon. If you want to hear it from the horse's mouth - email Felix

felixswitchkites@gmail.com

I've just picked up a 7m to go with my 10m E5 for next season.
Had 7&9m E4,s & finding the E5,s to have much better drift & stability but possibly don't point quite as high upwind.

I had gen 1 switch kites, actually still have them but don't use them. Method 7, Nitro 14 and a element 13. I'm very experienced kiter, kiting since 2002.
I'm not bashing Switch, am sincerely interested in as unbiased feedback as possible.
Main Problem I had was high bar pressure, but also that nitro and element had tendency to overfly and hindenburg in lighter wind. Element lost steering at top end and depower, and had too much front line power, so kite would not come to window edge in depowered higher winds. They also had some instability of LE in gusty conditions.

Since then I've been flying Core XR3 12m, XR2 17m LW , RRD Obsession 9 ( 2010). This now this year North Mono 7 and 12. Very happy with these kites. I tried some 2012 Slingshot Rallys ( 8 and 10) but sold them, didn't like short depower throw and we're too fast turning for me. I'm into hydrofoil, but still take my surfboard out.

I'm looking to replace my 9 with a 3 strut kite. My 9 is showing wear on plastic parts due to age and use. Failure is imminent. I'm not a big believer in no struts or one strut for kites in smaller sizes based upon experience with Mono, but might still go that way.

I've looked at North Neo, Mono, Storm Voyager. I'm always trying to find a deal and save money. Storm Voyager is cheapest at 750?, 2016 Mono 895?, Neo is 1050? (!) Element is competitive at 750?, ( but no bag). I can also get a 2016 RPM for 850?.

I'm interested in the Element 9. But for foiling the kite needs to work at its low range. Meaning, stays in air easily, not tipping from 12 to the side easy, doesn't back stall easy, stays at 12 even depowered in light winds and not hindenburg - ever. Light bar pressure, powered delivery is soft and consistent along long bar throw.

I've watched the switch video and I get a bit worried about statements like " 20% less bar pressure "- still reducing it on the 5th generation? - Then I think it must still be high.
And " improved overhead stability " - does that mean it still hindenburgs, but less? Haven't they fixed this yet??
Seems like they are still addressing the problems with gen 1.

I'd like to hear unbiased ( if that's at all possible) feedback.

On the other choices :
Mono 9 I know will work, but know range will suffer due to one strut.
Neo is acknowledged winner, but the price is brutal.
Voyager I can get from local dealer, but it's an unknown - hardly any reviews.
RPM - is proven performer and at least 2 other locals using it to foil and I've observed them closely - it works well.

Hi Tom, like you I've been kiting a while & over the years had kites from most of the kite manufactures.

I have a mate that had some Methods (2012 model?) & they looked like they flew like dogs, put me off Switch kites but as the years rolled on prices kept climbing - so I took a chance & bought a couple of Element 4,s. I was reasonably impressed by their performance, for the price they (7 & 9m) were outstanding. Upwind & range was excellent, drift was OK in their upper range but they would Hindenburg in light/gusty wind. Bar pressure is light to medium, def not high (I have tennis elbow & hate high BP).

Beginning of last season I replaced my 9mE4 with a 10mE5, this is my light wind wave kite. I've been really happy with this kite & after hearing that the V6 is still a way off - I just got a 7m (have not got to fly it yet).

My experience with the 10mE5, after 1 full season.

Absolutely NO hindenburgs.
Bar pressure is about the same as E4, maybe a touch lighter.
The new adjustable bridle is pretty cool, on the pivot setting my 10m turns about the same speed or quicker than my 9mE4 did.
Drift is noticeably better.
Some small improvements on construction, you can put these kites up against any of the big brands.

There is honestly nothing I'd change on this kite besides if it was possible to build it even lighter. It's not heavy by any means but I kite in mainly light wind & as we all know the lighter the better. I suspect when the V6 does arrive, this could be the main improvement ?

I had a BRM Cloud kite (C2 12m) & demoed a LF Solo, these type of kites did not do it for me & I much prefer the feel of a 3 strut.

I haven't flown a RPM but have noticed over the years that their usually one of the last kites still flying when the wind drops out. I have little doubt that a Switch Ev5 would do the same but if the RPM is a proven performer at your local - maybe this is the way to go ?

Another kite to consider could be the mono strut Switch are soon to release.

Hope this info helps & goodluck mate, love your board builds btw.

Edit:
I should have written "could" Hindenburg not "would", it was pretty rare but it did happen to me a couple of times over two full seasons.
The E5 is def a more stable wing, it's been pushed more towards a wave kite than the E4 imo.

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TomW059 said..
I had gen 1 switch kites, actually still have them but don't use them. Method 7, Nitro 14 and a element 13. I'm very experienced kiter, kiting since 2002.
I'm not bashing Switch, am sincerely interested in as unbiased feedback as possible.
Main Problem I had was high bar pressure, but also that nitro and element had tendency to overfly and hindenburg in lighter wind. Element lost steering at top end and depower, and had too much front line power, so kite would not come to window edge in depowered higher winds. They also had some instability of LE in gusty conditions.

Since then I've been flying Core XR3 12m, XR2 17m LW , RRD Obsession 9 ( 2010). This now this year North Mono 7 and 12. Very happy with these kites. I tried some 2012 Slingshot Rallys ( 8 and 10) but sold them, didn't like short depower throw and we're too fast turning for me. I'm into hydrofoil, but still take my surfboard out.

I'm looking to replace my 9 with a 3 strut kite. My 9 is showing wear on plastic parts due to age and use. Failure is imminent. I'm not a big believer in no struts or one strut for kites in smaller sizes based upon experience with Mono, but might still go that way.

I've looked at North Neo, Mono, Storm Voyager. I'm always trying to find a deal and save money. Storm Voyager is cheapest at 750?, 2016 Mono 895?, Neo is 1050? (!) Element is competitive at 750?, ( but no bag). I can also get a 2016 RPM for 850?.

I'm interested in the Element 9. But for foiling the kite needs to work at its low range. Meaning, stays in air easily, not tipping from 12 to the side easy, doesn't back stall easy, stays at 12 even depowered in light winds and not hindenburg - ever. Light bar pressure, powered delivery is soft and consistent along long bar throw.

I've watched the switch video and I get a bit worried about statements like " 20% less bar pressure "- still reducing it on the 5th generation? - Then I think it must still be high.
And " improved overhead stability " - does that mean it still hindenburgs, but less? Haven't they fixed this yet??
Seems like they are still addressing the problems with gen 1.

I'd like to hear unbiased ( if that's at all possible) feedback.

On the other choices :
Mono 9 I know will work, but know range will suffer due to one strut.
Neo is acknowledged winner, but the price is brutal.
Voyager I can get from local dealer, but it's an unknown - hardly any reviews.
RPM - is proven performer and at least 2 other locals using it to foil and I've observed them closely - it works well.

OK this is a threadjack so I must apologise

Tom could you please elaborate on your experience with the Mono kite and why you do not think they are great in the smaller sizes. This kite and other 1 strut kites (airush ultra especially) have peaked my interest lately as i would like to get into foiling and also use them for waves. From what I have read online and also talking to a local kiter who has the 7 and 9 mono the reviews have been very positive, what is it that you think is not ideal or better when it comes to the small sizes of this kite compared to the big sizes or say a small size single strut compared to a 3 strut

thanks and sorry for the thread-jacking guys

Breezy,

I'm probably not being fair to the Mono. 1. I have not flown them extensively. 2. I'm a beginner foiler. 3. I've been out on the m12 on foil 3-4 times in lighter winds and what I'd call overpowered foil when others were on 9 and foils, worked fantastic. And once in top end of Mono 12 on a surfboard . It's hard to handle in 18-20 knots, where my Core XR3 12m would be easy. That put me off the top end on the Mono. The low end is great, I was out on m12 and Sb once in conditions the xr3 12m would have worked, but the m12 is much more nimble and light on steering input, more enjoyable. M12 really doesn't generate more power that xr3 12m, but it will stay in air easier for light wind foiling, where xr3 12m would be more attention to keep in air.
I've not been out on the Mono 7 in high end conditions, but in its" range" once and once in underpowered conditions. In those situations the Mono 7 was really nice and super friendly to fly.
I think published wind range is honest. But trade off fir lightwind and agility is lower high end less control at high end.

I did qualify, that I'm still considering the Mono 9, I'm looking for a deal on a 2016, but prices still too high. I'm probably stupid to not stay with Mono quiver.

But, on other hand, My thinking is that a no or mono strut is good idea for 12-15 m kite and 3 strut is best for 9-7-6 m kites. For surfboard and foiling, with some lightweight Tt riding thrown in.

thanks for the reply tom

That makes perfect sense what your saying, 1 strut in the larger sizes where low end and agility is essential and 3 struts in the smaller sizes where overall wind range including top end is more important

I would like to get a quiver of neos and monos if I had the cash and didnt already have a quiver of fully functioning kites

also back on the thread topic i bought a element v4 5m for the really windy days, the kite looks to be a good build haven't had it out yet though

I want Switch to succeed. However after reading on their forum I'm wondering how they are doing.
Delay on new Element, they claim to not be able to improve it's drift.
New bar, scrapped and back to drawing board for a complete do-over.
Mono strut on hold due to unsuccessful prototypes and lack of funds for more R&D.
Wow, not a good trend.
Suggestions:
Take a look at other decent bars. It's not rocket science. Get rid of the ATB swivel and use a simple line splitter like Ozone, Slingshot, Naish. Make the bar lighter by using higher grade materials. Offer a couple CL sizes, have orange on the left side of bar. Offer more choices on line extension lengths. Done.

The Mono. Buy a North Mono and Airush Ultra and copy the best attributes, sell for half the price. Done

Element V6. Make the kite lighter without sacrificing durability too much. If you can't, update the canopy with a higher grade fabric and freshen the graphics. I'm sure there's a few other minor tweaks that could be made without changing the excellent drift. Done.
Switch, by doing nothing you create doubt. If only small changes and updates are possible at this point make them. Update materials and be honest that only minor changes have been made. Kite development has entered an incremental improvement stage and it's no secret.

Anybody had a go on the new Element 6 now it's out?
Your thoughts?

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jezzacairns said..
Anybody had a go on the new Element 6 now it's out?
Your thoughts?

No, haven't flown the E6 but from what I've read Its a completely new kite by a new designer, 5 struts & 6 pulleys - more power per sqm / better jumping / lighter bar / faster turning / drift is slightly better on the E5 but the E6 still drifts quite well.

I'm keen to see how the Helium 3 in the smaller sizes go - in about 3 months time.

I don't know about the E6 but I had my first kite on an E5 7mtr today and was super impressed.
I will put it to the test fully tomorrow.
Unless I drag out my 7 year old Method 5 instead......
Looks like the wind will be up.

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jezzacairns said..
Anybody had a go on the new Element 6 now it's out?
Your thoughts?

kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2382896&start=280

I flew a prototype and the final version of the 9m (I think, maybe the 8m) Element 6 at Mokuleia a while back, here's my opinion starting with some background. I have about a year and a half on the 9m E5 in every condition imaginable, handful of days on the 7m E5, few on the 11m E4. Ridden various Nitro's during my strapped surfboard phase...Wainman, Parks, Torches, Cults, Crazyfly, Waroo's, some others here and there. I buy Switch because I like how they fly, the build is bomber, and spare parts are dirt cheap and at my door in 6-8 days. (Bladders w/ valves already on for like $10 a strut.) I know Felix from kiting Mokuleia, he is always sending us regular guys out on the kites and seems to genuinely appreciate our feedback. 'Nuff said, to the kite: I rolled up one day, Felix yelled to me that I need to fly this kite because he wanted to know what I think about it. I never looked at it up close, didn't see pulleys, didn't know Bill didn't design it, didn't even see the little baby wingtip struts...Felix just threw the thing up and I went out. Comparing it to the Element 5: It turns way, way faster with a much smoother feel. The bar pressure is perfect, I felt like I could fly the thing with one hand on a wave. No matter how hard I was diving it or looping it, if I pushed the bar out I instantly had zero pull. I don't feel like the E5 is as sensitive to depowering during an aggressive move with the kite. I didn't get any jumps or legit big waves with the kite, so I can't comment on drift or hang time. I would have never guessed the kite had pulleys, it has the same solid feel as the E5. I've flown kites with pulleys that feel kind of spongy/delayed, and I hated them. When I finally wear my E5 out I'll be ordering one. Oh, one more thing...stoked on swept wingtips, super easy relaunch and even just self launching. That was one thing I loved about the Wainmans as they have a really swept wingtip as well. Hope this helps some, sorry I'm not a kite tech expert like some of the guys on that Kiteforum thread. Aloha.