If you were thinking of a Reo/Neo I would recommend looking at the Element 3 instead of the Method 2. Despite Switch's sales pitch of the Method 2 being a "wave" kite, I find the E3 most similar to the common three-strut freeride/wave kites around (e.g. Reo/Neo/Drifter/Cabo etc). IMO the Method has a bit much bar pressure and grunt for a "wave" kite.

I ride a surfboard/directional pretty much exclusively and been riding Element 3s (Cabs before that) for the last 8 months or so. I've been pretty pleased with thier performance in both in the choppy bay and in proper waves. I don't know about being the "best" wave kite, that's probably a matter personal opinion.

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Brohan said..
I'd really like to know how the Method 2 goes in the waves if anyone has any feedback about it. I was thinking of getting new Reo's or Neo's but I could get two switch kites for the price of one new Reo/Neo. But if they're not the best I'd rather spend the extra $$.

If it's just about money go for the switches but I'd go for the Elements as suggested. I haven't tried the Elements but spent a lot of time on the Methods, according to the forum chatter a lot of the stability issues etc got resolved in that model. Just be aware if you don't like them you will have trouble selling them, the kite shops won't take them as trade ins (least not the one I deal with) so it could end up being a more expensive exercise than you intended.

I've got a 7,9,11 Methods sitting in the garage collecting dust. I almost thought about dragging out the 7 yesterday as it has a higher range than my Neo 7 and the wind was pumping. Then remembered how it handled and left it right where it was.

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Dl33ta said..

Brohan said..
I'd really like to know how the Method 2 goes in the waves if anyone has any feedback about it. I was thinking of getting new Reo's or Neo's but I could get two switch kites for the price of one new Reo/Neo. But if they're not the best I'd rather spend the extra $$.

If it's just about money go for the switches but I'd go for the Elements as suggested. I haven't tried the Elements but spent a lot of time on the Methods, according to the forum chatter a lot of the stability issues etc got resolved in that model. Just be aware if you don't like them you will have trouble selling them, the kite shops won't take them as trade ins (least not the one I deal with) so it could end up being a more expensive exercise than you intended.

I've got a 7,9,11 Methods sitting in the garage collecting dust. I almost thought about dragging out the 7 yesterday as it has a higher range than my Neo 7 and the wind was pumping. Then remembered how it handled and left it right where it was.

Thanks for the info, I think I'll stick with what I know. Would rather spend more on a good kite that will last a long time.

"Thanks for the info, I think I'll stick with what I know. Would rather spend more on a good kite that will last a long time."

This one made me laugh pretty hard. Switch kites have been the most bombproof and reliable in my quiver, the build is very good.

As far as resale, I don't see anybody here ever selling theirs. Go on Craigslist Oahu, you will see tons of Naish, Cabs, Best, you won't see any switch kites. That should tell you something.

To me it seems most of the complaints are about the first version of each model, the kites appear to be really refined since then. I am still on Nitro 2's (because they refuse to die) but I flew the version 3 and was blown away by how good it was. Most of my friends are on Element 3's and love them.

Just my 2 or 3 cents from flying the kites a lot and observing a whole lot of guys and girls flying them on the North Shore.

Sales volumes on the second hand market are proportional to new kite sales volume or more accurately new kite sales as a percentage of overall market.

Your point is pointless.

Not saying don't buy a switch kite, just purely commenting on your ridiculous premise.

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JKimbler said..
"Thanks for the info, I think I'll stick with what I know. Would rather spend more on a good kite that will last a long time."

This one made me laugh pretty hard. Switch kites have been the most bombproof and reliable in my quiver, the build is very good.

As far as resale, I don't see anybody here ever selling theirs. Go on Craigslist Oahu, you will see tons of Naish, Cabs, Best, you won't see any switch kites. That should tell you something.

To me it seems most of the complaints are about the first version of each model, the kites appear to be really refined since then. I am still on Nitro 2's (because they refuse to die) but I flew the version 3 and was blown away by how good it was. Most of my friends are on Element 3's and love them.

Just my 2 or 3 cents from flying the kites a lot and observing a whole lot of guys and girls flying them on the North Shore.

I wasn't questioning their build quality, I could have worded it better - what I was trying to get across was I'd rather have quality (performance) over quantity.

Oh gotcha, right on. I don't think any of the latest versions of their kites will disappoint in the performance category at all. Just my experience. If you have a chance to demo that's always the best.

New Element 4 coming out soon, who's going to test and write a review for us

I have 2 Element 3 and absolutely love them... as well as the Helium

I also have Helium 18m , Element 3,s 13 ,9 ,7. no complaints here , great all round kite , instant relaunch
easy reverse launch on the helium , plaining in 8 knots,the helium feels no bigger than the 13 to fly,the 9 and 7 are like angry wasps and develop more apparent wind as they move faster through the window and plenty of static grunt , high build quality,lifetime warranty,great sheet and go kites,great parts availability,free post , never more than 5 day wait.Its all smiles here

^^^ I can't help but think you guys are signed up to the point system

I don't know Eppo, my local spot is pretty much dominated by Switch kites, but I don't ever see them for sale on craigslist here. I check pretty frequently too, always picking up gear for backups, and backups for my backups...
To me that was an indicator that the guys like to hold on to them. Just a thought.

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JacobMatan said...
^^^ I can't help but think you guys are shined up to the point system

The points system is not worth it,but the kites are
,even when you buy a new kite you only get about $10 worth of discount in points....its nothing to write home about ....
by the way I have a Marc Jacobs Switch comp 2. and its just as good as a shin monk....until you get into heavy chop...then you notice some board bounce when edging hard...... as far as switch kites go....I think people are going to hear a lot more good comments for a good while yet.... switch is here to stay... its all good and worth the spend.

I agree the points system is rubbish, I don't bother with referrals just to save 10 bucks on kites which are already at an amazing price...

Switch are great , shifted from Ozone Reos to Switch Elements 6 months ago , no complaints , loving the elements in the surf . when does the Element 4 come out ?

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Thevy said..
Switch are great , shifted from Ozone Reos to Switch Elements 6 months ago , no complaints , loving the elements in the surf . when does the Element 4 come out ?

They said "... we are rapt to report the Element4 will be available to you in early June. " in their last newsletter. So i guess either this week or next.

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Thevy said..
Switch are great , shifted from Ozone Reos to Switch Elements 6 months ago , no complaints , loving the elements in the surf . when does the Element 4 come out ?

What year model were your Reo,s ?

2013 10m and 12m , I find the elements have more grunt , boost better, Reos had better drift but only just .I preferred the Ozone Bar but couldnt justify the cost of new reos

2013s hey, man you get around hey. Glad you found a kite with more power per size, that boosts better.

Few red thumbs I see. listen no problems being stoked by your choice of kite.

But bullsh1t is bullsh1t.

You cannot claim the the lack of second switch kites is becuase of their superiority given the small market share (at the moment).

You cannot compare the element to a 2013 reo. 2014/2015 reos are more powerful kites Per square metre. But I suppose you may not know this, being so focussed on your ultimate purchase Of choice.

They are are the facts, stick to them please And stop bullsh1tting yourselves.

...or don't, ignorance is bliss I suppose.

As there are a few people with switch kites on the thread can anyone comment on the flying characteristics?

I gather the Nitro is more circular turning (rather than pivotal) - similar to a North Evo. What about the Element? Pivotal or circular?

Ta

Don't worry about those red thumbs mate... Only very few people have flown Switch kites on this forums, they just don't know what a Switch kite feels like

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weebitbreezy said..
As there are a few people with switch kites on the thread can anyone comment on the flying characteristics?

I gather the Nitro is more circular turning (rather than pivotal) - similar to a North Evo. What about the Element? Pivotal or circular?

Ta

I have 2 Elements, they are pivotal. As mentioned by greenarrowz my 9m turns so fast like an angry wasp !

Just to prove opinions are like a**holes, we've all got one. I've flown my 2012 10m Reo back-to-back with a 2015 10m Reo and neither I nor the person i swapped with felt a significant difference in power or flight characteristics. Power wise, comparing Elements to Reos is difficult as prior to 2015 reos are even sizes and elements are odd.

Ultimately it is horses for courses.
Reo = lighter, better drift, but everytime i've crashed it in the surf, its off to the repair shop.
Element = heavier, bit slower, but so far its bounced back after copping a few sets on the head.

If i had the money to burn, i would go the reo quiver, but given i can have 3 elements for the price of 1 reo and negligible difference in performance, i'm not fussed if i can't sell them when i want to upgrade. Either will keep them as emergency spares or give them to a deserving grom.

I do... And every reo incarnation since 2012. If you've noticed no difference that just about sums up this entire thread so far. Bunch of kooks without a clue.

Enjoy....

Wow harsh brah. All grumpy talking about a piece of kite surfing gear? Nah no thanks, enjoy...

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JKimbler said..
Wow harsh brah. All grumpy talking about a piece of kite surfing gear? Nah no thanks, enjoy...

These are always among the most puzzling comments - why bother posting at all? In conversation, do you say things like, "I'm just going to interrupt you to tell you that I've got nothing to say so I'm not going to say anything."

I think most puzzling was somebody calling out everybody as a bunch of kooks... but that's just my opinion. Wouldn't happen outside of internet land, definitely not in Hawaii. Well ok then, I will be quiet now, aloha and hopefully catch some waves sometime in the future. My wife is from Chiba and she promised to show me the sailing spots when we vist.

Getting back on track...... Switch element kites are all 0.5m overspec.... 10m = 10.5m. 12m = 12.5m
18m helium is actually 18.5m so your getting good value in square meterage and garanteed performance.

Another plus for Switch.......

Element 4 is available to purchase now

Surprised only one colour, it looks okay... I don't expect much difference to my element 3s anyway.

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Alysum said..
Element 4 is available to purchase now

Surprised only one colour, it looks okay... I don't expect much difference to my element 3s anyway.

Looks like he same kite just a different colour, same price also?