Switch Element v Nano

[donshank]

Time to upgrade my tired Switch Element v4’s.
Trying to decide between the new Elements or Nano.
The new Element is the same design as Ikon Peak v2 that came out around 2015. The Nano looks the same as Ikon Peak v4.
Is it always better to get the latest kite design?
It seems the Element is just as capable as the Nano.
What’s people opinion Element v Nano?

[donshank]

Forgot to mention, i ride mostly flat water twin tip.
Been riding for years but dont get out that often. Mow the lawn with a few jumps thrown in. Want something that makes me look good and make up for my poor technique.

[Bill C]

You keep your kites a long time. I own several Switch Elements and a couple Nitros. I also have Pivots which are my 'go-to' kites, but I like using the Switch kites periodically. A friend bought a new Nano last year so I few my Element V6 back to back comparing the Nano.

I found the Nano more responsive, turns faster, drifts bla, bla, bla. Fun to fly. My Element is more 'meat and potatoes' with lower-end grunt and slightly more power. So it depends what you want to do with a kite.

If you really want something different, try the Nitro in higher winds (10m and below) for 5 strut, high aspect raw power. Would not recommend in the larger sizes.

[mplamplampla]

You keep your kites a long time. I own several Switch Elements and a couple Nitros. I also have Pivots which are my 'go-to' kites, but I like using the Switch kites periodically. A friend bought a new Nano last year so I few my Element V6 back to back comparing the Nano.

I found the Nano more responsive, turns faster, drifts bla, bla, bla. Fun to fly. My Element is more 'meat and potatoes' with lower-end grunt and slightly more power. So it depends what you want to do with a kite.

If you really want something different, try the Nitro in higher winds (10m and below) for 5 strut, high aspect raw power. Would not recommend in the larger sizes.

For the nitro I also would not recommend the larger sizes. Even at the small sizes they are enjoyable at least at the medium range of wind and mostly at high wind. And also they are not so all around as the element and the nano. SO it depends what you want from the kite.

[donshank]

I have a 8m Nitro v4. It jumps well as advertised but i prefer how the element flies for everyday riding.
What i dont like about the Elements is not enough hangtime, bridle wrap when i drift launch and i’m riding a 13m when most others are riding 12m and I’m only 72kg.
Think I’m leaning towards Element but please keep your opinions coming.

[Wind Runner]

donshank... I'm the guy with the 12m Nano that BillC mentions above. It seems like I am a similar kiter to you... mostly just cruising around while working on things that resemble jumps and jump transitions, carving turns etc. Occasionally I ride in the ocean and small waves, but by no means am I a "wave" kiter and won't ever be one, considering I don't get out as much as necessary to become that proficient.

BillC is correct in that the Nano is a quick-handling kite. I do like it. It's very good for those quick pivoting changes in direction and for going where you want it to go, but also share the opinion that the Element may be better for the generic cruising around and pseudo-jumps that we do. That said, I don't know if my opinion would change based on kite size... maybe the quicker handling Nano would be more fun for a larger kite (12-14m?), and the more mild-mannered Element would be better for a smaller kite (8-10m) since small kites tend to be quicker-handling? My caveat... I have never tried the Element, so unfortunately everything I just said is more of a theory or opinion

Here's a few videos of me on the Nano... just mediocre riding... but it shows that the Nano works just fine!

[donshank]

If anyone is still interested.
I decided on the Element 10m and 12m. Added it to the cart. Went to pay.
But, the shipping to Australia is $320US.
This is a real shame that the prohibiting factor of their affordable kites is freight costs.
I realise shipping is somewhat out of their control.
I wonder if this has stopped others from purchasing?

[Fatso]

If anyone is still interested.
I decided on the Element 10m and 12m. Added it to the cart. Went to pay.
But, the shipping to Australia is $320US.
This is a real shame that the prohibiting factor of their affordable kites is freight costs.
I realise shipping is somewhat out of their control.
I wonder if this has stopped others from purchasing?

And tax that nay be added by customs... Honestly not had the greatest experience with that brand and the resale value is not too good either. Personally I would go for something else.

[justbob]

If anyone is still interested.
I decided on the Element 10m and 12m. Added it to the cart. Went to pay.
But, the shipping to Australia is $320US.
This is a real shame that the prohibiting factor of their affordable kites is freight costs.
I realise shipping is somewhat out of their control.
I wonder if this has stopped others from purchasing?

I feel your pain, recently paid $24 to ship an $11 had to have part for a nitro. Criminal.

[donshank]

No disrespect to Wind Runner but some of those landings were a little hard. Just like most of mine with my Element v4. Thats what i dont want in my next kite.
I test drove a Duotone evo sls a few days ago and it was so easy to land soft. It was only a quick session so did not try many things but thought afterwards would i get bored with such an easy kite. Probably not.