Thanks snalberski I have emailed Ralph as well.

I know this thread is going to bring negativity to the brand but I also have faith that they will sort out this issue. Their kites are still amazing and I will continue to purchase their kites. If a solution doesn't come out for the swivel, I like the ozone bracket mod above

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Alysum said..
Thanks snalberski I have emailed Ralph as well.

I know this thread is going to bring negativity to the brand but I also have faith that they will sort out this issue. Their kites are still amazing and I will continue to purchase their kites. If a solution doesn't come out for the swivel, I like the ozone bracket mod above

As a complete Switch convert and supporter I feel reluctant to point negativity toward Switch as well because their service, price point and product is (normally) unbeatable. However after reading several recent and not so recent bar safety issues it seemed appropriate to rattle their cage a bit, especially considering they had plenty of opportunity to make a fix before the release of the Controller3 and opted not to. This makes the C3 little more than a color change.

I wouldn't be surprised if end result for a low wind flagging alternative that Switch offer mimics the Ozone system, as I can testify to the effectiveness and simplicity of this system.

I just wanted to add my thoughts, after having spent heaps more time on my 12m (earlier in this thread I was not sure if I liked my new Nitro that much).

It took a few sessions to dial its flying characteristics but am now pleased to say I am more than happy with this kite. I reckon it goes best when its really powered, it doesn't like flying at the lower end of its windrange. I am having a great time doing huge boosts on it, like the feel of how it kiteloops, and am having lots of fun playing around with new tricks I haven't really tried before due to its really awesome hangtime (a Toby Brauer wannabe haha).

Had a crack at some unhooked stuff with it the other day and was surprised - it was more user friendly than I was expecting!

I am definitely keen to get an 8 or 9m for the really windy days, I reckon that would be insane.


A damn good kite

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snalberski said..
This makes the C3 little more than a color change.

The new magnetized depower ball and the system that allows to re-hook the quick release with two hands (vs. three hands needed for the previous versions, similar to the North bar - you don't have to hold the pin anymore) makes all the difference for me.

Hello I have an update to share following my hairy moment with the Controller 2 bars not flagging out:

I had a bad experience last December with my Controller 2 bars where I crashed and the line didn't flag itself and I was dragged a long way with the kite fully powered on the side of the wind. I repeatedly tried to give the safety line a tug with no luck and I was getting really concerned when getting close to the rocks. Anyway it ended well and I emailed Switch warranty straight away.

They sent me a replacement swivel with bigger holes which I just fitted on today. Firstly I had difficulty getting the safety line out of the old swivel, which really shows that there is an issue with the first two inches of the centre line being thicker.
Anyway the good news is that the replacement swivel is much better and there is not no friction when I pull the safety line through the bigger holes. I have not tried it with a QR but I'm now a lot more confident it will flag out.

I really hope that all new Contoller 3 bars come with that swivel.

Here is a picture of the two swivels with the newer on the left:

Anyone riding waves on their Nitro?
I realize the Element is more for waves but the boosting and hang time of the Nitro sound awesome. I'll probably be doing that 80% of the time on my twintip but also like to jump on a directional (north nugget) and play around on that. Do you think the Nitro will hold up in smallish waves and melbourne bay chop.

From my experience, its terrible in waves, not that I have done that much wave riding. It hates drifting

Really, that's disappointing to hear. I presumed been labelled as a freeride kite it would be fine. Anyone else have experience riding a Nitro in waves?

I'm riding the nitro 5, not much good for wave riding, you can ride waves for sure but have to really keep the kite powered.

Value for money you still can't beat em.

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Kaha said..

Really, that's disappointing to hear. I presumed been labelled as a freeride kite it would be fine. Anyone else have experience riding a Nitro in waves?

you said it - freeride kite, not "allround" or "wave".

high aspect-5 strut-racy/edge of window AND waves? you living in a fantasy world.

The Element boost is reasonably good... It's an all round kite, can't go wrong with it.

if you looking for some waves and "boost" go for bandit/dice path
I tried v3 Element and its not that "boosty"... good overall kite tho.

I used to ride the Nitro 12m in the wave in light wind. I chose that kite over the Element for two reasons:

- the Element did not exist in 12m (11 and 13 only) and I did not want to get a kite bigger than 12m for waveriding as they tend to be slow-moving.
- The Nitro has an unmatched upwind ability that allowed me to get back to the peak much faster.

I also rode the first version of the Nitro in all sizes (8-10-12-14) in the waves as I did not like the first version of the Method. I only ride strapless in the waves and the kite was all right. The Method2 and Element are much better though, but if you intend to ride with a twin tip 80% of the time you should stick with the Nitro.

The Element isn't that bad when it comes to boosting though, as Alysum said it's an all round kite. This is on the Element 7m:

Nice pic.

Thanks for the info guys I'm sold on the Element. It sounds like a Pivot without the price tag.