Rider: 74kg, int/adv.
Style: Freeriding, Surf.
Weather: 10-12kn
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 9/10
Disclosure: Nil

My Comments:

Have used the kite since new about 5 times now in light conditions btwn 10-12 kn with a 6'3" directional. Previous kite was a Zepher17 2010 so I use that for comparison.

Impression:

Initial
- Fast simple delivery from warehouse in HK.
- I live in Indonesia so the fact that the kite did not come with an adapter for the unusually large inlet valve was tedious. Odd that the optional bag does include one. One pumps up the kite, not the bag yes?!
- bar felt heavy (weight of it) compared with the Zeph bar, probably due to the heavier lines which has obvious upside.

Performance
Set up - faster to pump/deflate up compared to Zeph since only 3 struts vs 5
Drift - Zeph seems slightly better although the Helium just takes a bit of getting used to & then is fine.
Power - similar.
Upwind - similar.
Turning - significantly faster than the Zeph. Trim is set accordingly to the lightest setting.
Bar pressure - less than the Zeph. Trim is set accordingly.

Other
Color - Blue/Beige. Great colors, pretty looking kite without the common visual pollution of some others. The beige is a great idea as it does not show up the dirt or murk from not so clear waters.
Quality/finish- excellent. only one thing, the air feed line to center strut is a bit long & kinks so needs to be straightened with fingers to encourage faster airflow. I think this is a quality control fault & easily fixed but it should not be as so.

All in all, very happy with the kite & bar.

Select to expand quote

Gusto said..

Quality/finish- excellent. only one thing, the air feed line to center strut is a bit long & kinks so needs to be straightened with fingers to encourage faster airflow. I think this is a quality control fault & easily fixed but it should not be as so.

Interesting that you should make this point, I have a new Nitro 14m and have exactly the same issue on one of my struts. Once air-pressure hits 4-5psi it then starts to feed into the struts. As you said, not a major issue but quality control should pick up on that. Might email them to get a solution.

Cheers for the review.

Thanks. I would encourage you to contact them. I sent them the review so they should be aware of my issue re the feed line to the strut. Be good if you can email them. They make a good & economical product so feedback to help them improve can only be a good thing.

Happy kiting.

Gusto.

I've got a Nitro 9m, 12m and the Helium.
The Helium is probably one of the better large kites I have flown in that it flies in next to no wind (4-5 Knots) and it turns quicker than the likes of the Zephyr, I have managed to maintain in still water in 9 knots (measured) on a 146x46 twin tip @85kg and when the wind picks up its a hangtime beast.
The comment regarding the strut inflation tubes is true but only seems to happen on the centre strut on my 12 Nitro and the Helium. It could be easily corrected by changing the angle of the valve into the strut to allow a straight line without the kinking, something i'm sure will be addressed in the future, but is merely a minor issue right now.
I've had Switch kites about 3 months now and am very happy with the performance and build quality. My previous kites were Fone Bandits from 2008 through to this season and I rate Switch kites as an improvement (for me) over those. My main activities are boosting and hooked in tricks, Have been riding 11 years
To get this quality of riding out of 3 kites, 2bags with Bar and lines for $2850 delivered is beyond expectations.

I have only had this kite for a few weeks, having used it only a couple of times. So far I have been very impressed with it in terms of build quality, wind range, kite ability to handle gusts and the kites "want" to boost high. A bit more time on it and I am happy to provide more feedback.

This tube into the strut is only a minor issue, I was however surprised to see a similar issue with the Helium.

I spoke directly to Felix through the online chat to say that issue had occurred not seeking a warranty or repair more so as Gusto said for their own quality control. I considered shortening the line however Felix explained that these lines were at optimal length to cater to strut movement. At the end of the day, it is really not an issue as all I need to need is hold the strut line out or keep pumping and be patient as it clears itself once I get over 4/5 psi.

Overall, I think the Nitro is going to be a brilliant kite and I cant wait to spend many happy hours on it this summer! Would I buy another one, you bet. If Switch continue to produce this quality of kite I will eventually convert all kites to a full Switch quiver.

Thanks for the information on that. It initially seemed to me that Switch had provided too much length in the center strut feed tube but going on your information, this is not the case. Yes, just a quirk really rather than an issue. Thanks again for the information on this.

Gusto.

My Kites do the same on the center strut - they are not Switch - wouldn't worry about it....

Select to expand quote

harlie said..
My Kites do the same on the center strut - they are not Switch - wouldn't worry about it....

Yeah my 2013 North Evo 13 did the same thing. Would have to straighten the pipe out to let the air in when pumping hard and do the same when packing away.

The old fuels had this habit. LE was almost at pressure at bam, last couple struts would inflate

Hey Damien, didnt know you had a nitro, i was considering one but couldn't get a demo, ended up with a new naish park

Just got a NitroV4 12m and controller 3 a week ago.

Anticipated the big valve adapter being a problem, so asked if they could throw one in with my order. They were happy to include one that they must have had lying around the office. Excellent service.

I know this thread is about Heliums, but I feel I should put in a plug for the Nitro - Holy crap, it's a boosting machine! Sweet build quality, controller 3 is a really nice bar too. The first time I flew the kite I was over powered so I found it a bit freaky/ different to what I was used to (Ozone C4's for the last 5 years) but on my second session I found the sweet spot, and I'm still grinning about it, 3 days later.

Love it!

Sorry about the thread hijack OP.

I have also just got myself a new 9m Switch Element 4 & controller 3 bar, my previous kites were Reo,s & AR Waves....the Switch quality is right up there with the best of them. The controller3 seemed a bit heavy in the hand but when using it its unnoticeable & I haven't had any problems with it. The 9m has great range (flown it 15-30 & have just ordered a 7m), I don't know how it boosts as I've only use it strapless but it looks good in the promo clip. The standout feature for me is how it produces steady & controllable power when turning the kite, this enables me to set up my next move on a wave. Other surf kites I have owned turn a bit quicker but then surge to the edge of the window, the EV4 doesn't do this & the canopy has virtually zero flutter - looks rock solid in the air. Turning speed is plenty fast enough for wave riding - loops / drifts great - relaunches easy & bar pressure is medium-light.

I dont understand the the issue a few people have mentioned about the pump adapter, it's just the same size as you'd use on Ozone kites & is sold with most pumps.

Good winds everyone