snobdr wrote:Ive heard some good things about this kite, but is it me or is that swivel plastic? Anything plastic gets very brittle when snowkiting.And what about UV damage?
Also whats the pricing on this kite. Less struts=less material/less work=less cost to make=lower price,or am i once again dreaming?
Its a molded composite part with 2 independent trust bearings... Yes, it is a swivel and yes it can get jammed if full of sand but its the best one on the market and was design around a 4 line flagging system that completely flags your kite similar to a 5th line system but without the wrap or hassle of 5 lines... This does not just sheet your kite out but really fully flags your kite 100%... When properly maintained it works great! If maintaining things is not your gig then don't buy it... But basically any thing that has 2 wheels or a skirt is gonna give you problems.. So be proactive and maintain your gear; be it SS or Brand B. Since it was design around a safety feature the part has been tested for strength and durability with regards to load, UV, ect... It really is a good part. Yes updates can and will come but this is one of the nicest kite specific swivels on the market. For snow it works great... Since there is no sand... Been using the system for about 1.5 years and its great for snowkiting... No line twisted or having your line rub on each other as you down loop your kite to get up that epic incline... I'm a snowkiter and this bar is legit! I would never gap or glide 50ft+ without the our CSS 800lb Line sets...
Also less strut does mean less work... Spilt strut has been added and there is always a cost... Plus wage increase overseas... Cost of delivering goods have gone up... Cost of fabric up... my wage has gone up... NOT!... Taxes per country always seem to go up, adding more overhead cost so retail cost have to rise.. This list could go on forever... But this isn't just kiteboarding its a global problem with our times... Keep the dream alive and hopefully someday things can change?
But for now research your product, take the time to demo, ask questions and hopefully the purchase will be worth the money... Not to many sports that once you buy in you get back the more you ride... No need to fill'er up each time you want a session... like a boat, moto, ski ticket, cable park, air balloon. Getting there by car is not part of the equation... thats a given... So lets think of the positive impacts of spending 4 grand... If you can't afford it then there no room to wine... Nobody said kiteboarding was cheap... Shite I spent over 2500 for my first kit and that was in 2000 for 1 kite/1 bar/lines/pump/board/bindings. All sold separate and a POS.. but hell I was sooo stoked just to get out and get a pull... and that was priceless...