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Rider: Weight,Level,intermediate,adv
Style: Freeriding, Surf, Wake, Freestyle
Weather: ?-? knots
Build Quality: ?/10
Satisfaction: ?/10
Disclosure: no affiliation with any brand kites
has anyone bought one from there Australian wharehouse are they in comparison in quallity as other major brands. If there build quality is as good as known brands could see kite prices become better for the hip pocket. I went to there web site priced at a very affordable $1 k give or take for kite and bar be interesting to see how the Method kite goes in the surf
Hi Col,
First of all I will come straight out and declare that I am a team rider for Switch and I know that anything I say will be seen as being biased so I am not going to say too much.
I am really happy with them and very confident that they are a good kite but would rather let the kites speak for themselves when a few people have tried them.
As you have no doubt seen, the website www.switchkites.com is up and running and has got a bit of info on the different models etc.
I tested a few of the pre production kites last year and have had a quiver (5,7,9 and 12) of the Methods for a few months now.
I am loving them for wave riding which is mainly what I am into, they are also very good for general freestyle as well, but probably a bit fast turning for wakestyle type stuff.
That's what I believe their Combat C kite is targeted at however I have not tried them as that is not my thing.
I honestly believe the quality looks and seems to be at least equal to anything else out there (if not better) but time will tell I suppose.
The main things I like about the Methods are that they have a really good bottom end, anyone that has kited with me in the last few months will know that I am usually on a kite a metre or two smaller than others are on.
They seem to be really efficient and want to fly forward so it is easy to work the kite to generate power when needed.
They are very responsive to bar input for turning and for power delivery so it is easy to position yourself where you want to be on a wave rather than being dragged down the line.
Also when turning (again because of the way they want to fly forward) they retain power smoothly through the turn instead of stalling then shooting across the window like a lot of kites do.
I will leave it at that for now unless there is any specific questions because I know the red thumb brigade will be out to get me already.
Their website looks fantastic!
Even some useful information on there. 
I would be super keen to try the Nitro, but have to sell my beloved 14m first until I get one.
Obviously - as a retailer - Im not impressed with Switch - or other off-shore online stores. Not the kite themselves cos Ive never seen one but their sales method simply makes life tough.
Good for those who want to save money by taking the risk of on-line sales to save a buck. Thats OK Im not trying to deny anyone that choice.
What Id like everyone to think about before making this choice though is things like:
- where is the back-up.
- whats the process if your kite arrives with a leaking leading edge, a pigtail missing or damage in transit etc. etc.?
- whats the process if you have a warranty issue 6mths later?
- who's there to help with non-warranty issues?
At Woodys (and I'd like to think most retailers) we will get our customers back on the water immediately.
We carry most parts for most kites we sell in stock at all times.
If the part needed is not in stock - at last resort - we will offer free use of another kite till we sort your problem.
If its a repair out of warranty we will usually do it for free or at our cost from the best repairer in the business. And we'll deliver & pick up from Hold the Line at no charge. Turn around normally no more than 48 hrs.
Any other problems - like kite not behaving etc - we are here to work through the set-up etc to identify any problem and fix it.
Bring in a kite bought on line and you'll be charged for any time we spend on it at full hrly rates and all parts at full retail price. (Not being nasty or na na na] - just applying normal business practices we should really apply in all non warranty issues)
And then theres secondhand value - whats you cheap online kite going to worth on the open market in 2 or 3 yrs?
Personally I value my kites and my kiting time enough to want to pay the extra for a proven kite & the security of friendly & efficient back-up. I think its well worth paying the extra for any locally distributed guaranteed quality kite.
For those chasing a lower cost price with all the benefits of unlimited demos before you buy, full back-up service and a known and trusted manufacturing chain behind it then why not look at a BWS Noise. Cheap as any on-line kite without any of the downside. Obvious and verifiable quality with all the trimmings and a decent trade-in up-grade value.
If too many go the on-line track you will find that there will be no-one out there to provide all the trappings you demand of your sport.
Fire away...................
I agree with you Phil.
Plus a team rider is never going to say "I'm a team rider for XXX brand and honestly they are ordinary kites"
However lots of brands go the direct interwebz sell initially - BWS did as did Best.
I'll always go to a retailer.
Retailers offer free coffee, a yarn and immediate after sales service. As a punter i like that.
I can see why the shops here are nervous, a Switch Method 12m incl bar/lines/pump/bag for $995 and free delivery, ouch 
Diversity is key. And as diverse the customer base is, I don't see why there shouldn't be enough room in the market for different approaches.
Personally I bought loads of stuff from my local shop (especially when I started), as well as some bargains from overseas. New gear, as well as second hand gear..
Some people like to have a 2-kite quiver and pay 2k for a big brand, whereas my strategy is pretty much the opposite.
For me it's not all about the price, and I wouldn't support a brand that just recycles a design and sells it cheap. But if they have a competent designer, put some effort into their r&d and come up with new concepts, I would be willing to give that brand a chance. Innovation leads to progress, although that often involves risk in some form.
is it gunna be possible to demo these kites sure the price is good but if you cant try before you buy you might end up with something you dont like therfore making it very expensive. im currently thinking of getting new 7m and 9m kites next season but would be demoing verious kites before i spend all that money??
I've demoed a pre-production 8m Nitro. The build quality looks at least as high as the name brands out there, really solid stitching. It is a quite high aspect kite and seems very efficient. Screams upwind and jumps really high. Gusts will cause the kite to surge forward to the edge of the wind window. Unhooked is surprisingly good, nice pop and steers well but you won't get that slack that a C kite gives. You don't need to adjust the trim strap in advance and it doesn't rip your arms off though like the older high aspect kites used to.
The kite feels bigger than 8m, it is more powerful than many 9m kites out there. I had a bit of trouble dialing in kite loops, I was expecting a pivotal turning radius and it doesn't turn like that.
I would recommend it to free-riders who like big lofty jumps and kite racers. I wouldn't recommend it to absolute newbies, dedicated wave kiters, or wake stylers who like their kite to sit further back in the wind window.
) to comment on the sales method of the kite in question. Esp when the question asked relates to someone wanting info on the benefits or otherwise of a possible purchase.
I agree with you that we are all paying too much for kites but its got SFA to do with retailers margins.)
Can we get some more decent reviews and less complaining about retail vs. online sales? How about some detail pics of the kite/bar/bag?
Pay more = dealer support
Pay less = pay less at your own risk
Wow. There's a big suprise.
Woodys
I lurk in a lot of forums but very rarely post. I have been kite boarding for coming up two years and consider that I'm 'getting there'. I have only ever owned one kite and am looking at getting another to extend the range of conditions I can get out in. I do not feel that I have the skill to comment on performance but have been following discussions about Switch since before they launched. It seems to me that there are quite a number of 'local store' owners that felt it necessary to enter these discussions and 'cry foul' in response to this particular online store. I think that this in itself speaks volumes. Your motivation for commenting as you do is obvious to everyone. The more you guys come out and speak out against the likes of Switch, the more you legitimise them as serious competition. You are pretty much assisting in their promotion. Please do not get me wrong, I do see value in the additional services that local stores can offer, however as a consumer it always comes down to a cost/benefit analysis. If you feel that the additional services you offer do not justify the additional cost of dealing with you then you are right to be worried. At the end of the day, yours is a business looking to profit from this industry just the same as Switch. I do not believe that anyone owes anything to you that you haven't earned. Switch will rise or fall according to the perceived value of their product in the eyes of the consumer (as will you of course!). It is a little early for me to form much of an opinion on Switch's products but in the current economy the price is certainly attractive and if they perform well and there is reasonable backup then I think that you will have your work cut out for you making up the difference with ' local service' while keeping the same prices. In any case, if there is anyone out there particularly concerned with supporting their local store but are budget concious, the obvious solution is to take advantage of the better on-line prices and cut a cheque for a portion of the amount saved and just donate it to their local store... I wonder if that puts a different perspective on it for folk...
) to comment on the sales method of the kite in question. Esp when the question asked relates to someone wanting info on the benefits or otherwise of a possible purchase. I agree with you that we are all paying too much for kites but its got SFA to do with retailers margins.)
Hi all, seems like the can of worms spewed out on my thread. Was to be half expected with a new toy on the block and a ulternative marketing system.. but back to the original questions preferably unbiased replys as I was interested how the Method kite flew and handled in surf styled riding by people that had purchased one from the online Australian wharehouse. So if you've perchased one in this manner we would , that's me and those interested in the kites we would like to hear your personal oppinions on the kite quallity, flying characteristics and how the online deal went. I personally am to far from Tightlines to give one ago but will endevour to make time befor I purchase my next kite as I am keen to try the new Ozone Rio when that.
comes out soon. Not much good wind where I live for the next 4 months
Can I say something in Phil's defence?
Phil (woodys) is one of the most passionate kiters there is, having been there from the very start, and has put mountains of time and energy into establishing events like kitestock, as well as being past president of both AKSA & WAKSA.
Crikey, a few years ago he even moved his whole family closer to woodies, just so he could kite there more!
Now, Phil has now taken a huge leap of faith to open a kiting store so that he can be even further involved in his kitesurfing passion.
In my opinion he deserves plenty of respect for the effort he's put in on behalf of all us kiters.
So, yes, it's not surprising that Phil is passionate. Super passionate.
Yes the topic got derailed, but it's about 'buying kites overseas', and that has always been a classic troublesome topic that stirs up hate & anguish ... which is why many years ago, we added this to the policy:
"Overseas Purchasing / "Why Are We So Ripped Off"
These are classic "chestnut" topics that come up now and again, where posters a) accuse Australian businesses of ripping the customer off because an item might appear cheaper from overseas, or b) start publishing overseas deals and invite members to purchase/investigate them too."
Posts of this nature will be removed.
Please, have respect for one another.
All kites are made overseas, there are no Australian "made" kites period.
The Ozzy "rip off" situation is not something alone to kite retailers.
read forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1706743
Phil is a nice bloke and Switch kites are nice kites. Should we be forced to support Phils business or kite habit? Never. Is the money Phil charges above something like Switch worth it? For some yes!
Manufacturers are looking for more direct access to consumers in all areas. Retailers will still have a role. The great thing about our economy is you can choose who and what gets your money(mostly).
If Phil cant see the advantage in cheaper kites then he needs to think a bit. Even if he is not selling the kites, Cheaper kites= more kiters= more support=more lessons=bigger forum for Laurie etc etc. The only losers will be other sports and hobbies and problems with beach access(large issue). But if you wish kite prices remain high and only a select group of doctors and lawyers be financially able, go jump:-/.
No I dont got one, but....
The prices, the website, the kites look awesome and its just a matter of time before a bunch of seabreezers have purchased and will no doubt comment.
I think lack of ability to demo would be biggest downfall....though I never actually demoed any kite gear I've bought either!
They could easily address this by giving a bunch of guys/girls free/supercheap kites just to get some numbers out there. They wouldn't need to be Hadlow, just kiters who love talking to others on the beach and don't mind lending their gear-which is just about all kiters....
On the lines setup-can anyone tell me am I right in saying the method and nitro have a mini 5th line set up and a pulley of some sort? I hate unnecessary bits on anything...exactly why I've never understood why you'd buy a kite with an extra line and moving parts when you can buy a 4 line pulleyless kite that works perfectly well...
Love the debate and can see valid points to both sides. Have to laugh at the no talk about buying overseas! Haven't been able to find the made in Australia stamp on any kite haha
Pretty shure the 5 line setup is for the Combat,also first generation kite 3mth warranty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!with no local backup mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
I would be very interested to understand the pricing model in Australia I admit upfront that there is more to it than meets the eye, I have not been lucky enough to have spare cash floating around to splash out on countless kites and boards due to the price!
I have been looking overseas and why is it that you can get a kite "Full Price" no special deal shipped to your door foor $400 - $600 dollars less. I don't want to re-ignite the aftersales service and warrenty, online vs shop front debate as this was bought from a real shop over the phone!
So why the big price difference we not just talking $100 or $200 but $400?
A mate of mine bought a kite locally and when he went to upgrade last year with the same shop he was not even offered a free "sticker" you would think that they would recognise returning customers and give him a "deal" surley selling two or three kites and losing a bit of profit on each makes up for having stock sitting on the store floor.......anyway he did not upgrade and went elsewhere overseas actually thats how I know how much he saved. I know this does not go for all shops and there are some locals that give excellent service and deals and woodys is one of them!
I know things like market driven prices and all that "economy stuff" have factors but who actually sets the price and why are the prices so much cheaper overseas?
I thought with my last post earlier today would get my subject post back on track, seems to no avail! Please before you decide to post on this thread consider starting your own thread.
My thread is all about a New brand of kite and if anyone who has paid for one through their Australian wherehouse, I want them to give us a review about the kite how it fly's its quallity and the service from the Australian wharehouse.
Ok Woody and others are passonate about kiting. Surprise Surprise Surprise so am I and others, were not selling kites! Were just collecting information on a new kite so we can make a better informed decsion on our future kite equipment.
If your passionate about your business and its marketing tecniques START your own thread about that on your own sepparate title thread.
Yes we can see your concerns Laurie and thats good but were all here to gain knowledge about kiting equipment thus the "Gear Review section" specially if something news around how else would kiting progress.
If you other kiters feel the need to support your local Kite shop and get a free cuppa thats great put a thread in the general section about great kite shops with the best coffee..
I buy gear from all over OZ and my local mate who sells some gear, I live in Albany WA I buy some stuff here, Perth, Safety Bay and from over eastern states online which sponser Seabreeze, meaning I buy what I need when I need it from the best source not all shops sell the equipment I want where I live theres not a big selection.
So before we or I go to far of track again flick back to the top of this post and lets get back on track. If youve purchased one lets here from you?
