iriejohn wrote: ↑Wed Jan 03, 2018 10:02 pm
plummet wrote: ↑Wed Jan 03, 2018 9:36 pm
I see kites getting more specific and getting good at one specific goal.
Perhaps that's what the market increasingly wants?
I agree. Changes are generally market driven. There's always a need for all-around beginner kites, but, after that, experienced kiters develop specific needs and desires as they develop their riding styles. My kite requirements 6 years ago are different from today (wish I could buy a new quiver every year!). Most manufacturers try to have a kite model that addresses the beginners and each advanced niche (waves, wakestyle, airstyle, etc.).
I think Plummet is right that an improvement in one aspect of performance may decrease performance in another area, but the market seems to want those trade-offs because experienced kiters develop specialized styles and, in turn, want specialized kites.
One area that has seen great improvement over the past 6 years is durability. The material used on today's kites is stronger and lighter. The valves and one-pump connectors are also more reliable (max-flow inflate/deflate valves are a big improvement, IMHO).